This '5 minute rule' myth; can I access the new evidence to 'refute' this guidline?

[needastrongone]

I know that newer thinking exists ref the above, essentially showing that genetics and weight are the main contributory factors in the development of hip dysplaxia (sp?), and over exercise at a young age is not.

The '5 minute rule' for each month of age seems deeply ingrained, I wondered if someone could point me in the direction of the newer evidence please?

Not that I am saying it's fine to walk the new pup to exhaustion, and of course common sense must prevail anyway, but it would be good to access the new guidline/thinking

Thank you lonecat for finding the relevant information. Interesting stuff. With I guess common sense taking priority ref exercise.

Typically, we humans overfeeding ourselves and our pets, it would seem.

Yes, you have to press the puppy's 'off' button manually sometimes, particularly when he's hyped

I raw feed now (Natural Instinct working puppies plus oily fish) which is supposed to promote slower more steady growth.

Finn doesn't go mad on walks, he's typically collie in that he doesn't like to go too far from his 'flock' so he may go constantly round but not at 'flat out' speed. I also give him puzzles to do at home so he has to search for treats and gets one meal a day fed in his maze. I think his brain needs as much exercise as his body!

Oh I totally understand that over feeding is a massive issue...I was just trying to get it straight in my head.

I'm constantly asked when my rottie is going to fill out - because people are so unused to seeing one with a defined waist.

I get that too with the Springer re being skinny, the vet says it's even worse with a lab that is ideal weight, most folk ask if they are ill!

Interestingly, the breeder of our new working cocker has a very different view what a healthy weight dog looks like, given his dogs work in the field 3 days a week. Not an inch of fat and all look amazing! Said it was one of the reasons he could see we were responsible dog owners (most of his dogs go straight to working families) was Ddog1 was lean and healthy.

I measured out the puppies kibble this morning, compared with what I thought would be an appropriate amount for him for the day. I had way less than the recommended amount. I wonder if the kibble companies guidelines err on the side of generosity?

Need - as a fellow working cocker owner, I wondered if this would be your thread, as 5 minutes a month is nothing to my dog. I did worry abit about over exercising, but it has mostly been off lead. If I had a bigger breed I would be far more worried, but he's underweight if anything, so I am taking him out longer, but still being sensible.

Twooter - the 5 minute thing is nothing to my 8 week old puppy, judging by how long he can pootle about for I did start the thread, as we have a one year old Springer who needs/gets 2 plus hours exercise a day. This is off lead and at his pace (100 miles an hour usually...), and I will certainly not let the puppy do anything like this amount without build up, however, on the other hand, realistically, he will be walking the same walks and doing the same amount of exercise at some point.

Agree, working stock with small legs must count for something!