CockersOnline Forum
Cocker Specific Discussion => Puppies => Topic started by: Woodstock on April 06, 2010, 11:16:14 AM
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Hi, Woodstock is 7 months old and, as you can see from his pic, working strain.
We live in the countryside and my problem is that I am getting really different advice about how much time we should go walkies for. The breeder we got him from treats his pups from 6 months onwards pretty much the same as the adults i.e. out on the farm all day. However, on looking on this site advice seems to be 5 mins for each month which would put Woods on 35 mins per walk max! Is this more for show strain do you think? Please help.
Bx
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Nope thats for all show and working cockers... and all pups regardless of breed. Especially true for the bigger breeds but just as important for the smaller ones so their bones/joints get a chance to develop properly.
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Interesting question though as to when this rule is less important - is it at a year or before or after?
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1 year I believe then you can disregard the rule.
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I eased up on the strict timing from 6 months onwards and tried to relax but I did keep it within a reasonable limit for his age and tried to provide plenty of oppertuntiy to rest if i was doing a particualrly tough walk. I did start letting him tackle the stairs from 6 months (in moderation) thou.
I know both my 2 breeders would have had the dogs starting their training from an early age. But this wouldnt be constant walk/running. Alot of the training is about control and socialisation to the sights and sounds of a shoot. So for example they'd be taken to the shoots but are likely to be teathered up rather than taking part. Although these pups are likely to be on the go all day i doubt they'd be working (in the physical sense) constantly.