paws and roadwork

[Java]

I do a 5km (ish) walk/jog every morning and have considered taking the dog (9 month old Doberman) but I am worried about him ending up with sore pads.

Always lived more in the middle of nowhere with previous dogs and not needed to touch the road so this is new to me. He does get field walks but as he's growing up he's looking like wanting to start upping the exercise.

How do your dogs cope and is there anything I could do to ward off possible sore paws?

 

[CinnamonChristmasCookie]

At 9 months, I'd say that the pup is way too young to be doing a 5km run. The general rule is 5 minutes lead walk per month of age so if you walked, I'd say 5km is too far. It would be very hard work on his growing skeleton and might damage his leg bones.

For road work in future, you can get dog boots to save his pads, but I'd imagine they'll harden up naturally.

 

[soloabe]

Yep he is to young.

I wouldn't want to take him on thats till about 14-18 months.

As for when the time comes you have to build them up over a couple of months.

 

[Dobiegirl]

Cant help with the query Im afraid, rarely do roadwork and mine have always been 18months plus when rescued.

I would love to see a picture of your dog as there are so few of us on this forum and its nice to have a fellow Dobe owner as we are out numbered by Spangles,JT,Greyhound/Lurchers,GSD etc.

 

[MurphysMinder]

Would agree with the others to leave him till he is at least 12 months before starting serious road work, and then build up gradually. As long as you do this I think it is unlikely you will have problems with sore pads.