When you run them excessively or don't restrict their exercise to stop them from overdoing it during this period you don't give them a chance to grow properly. Every big jump or excited, bouncing run causes impacts between the bones. In reasonable amounts this is not problematic and is the normal wear and tear that every animal will engage in.
But when you're letting puppy jump up and down off the lounge or bed, take them for long walks/hikes, you are damaging that forming joint. When you let the puppy scramble on tile wit no traction you are damaging the joint.
You only get the change to grow them once. A well built body is something that comes from excellent breeding and a great upbringing-BOTH, not just one.
Once grown you will have the rest of their life to spend playing and engaging in higher impact exercise. So keep it calm while they're still little baby puppies and give the gift that can only be given once.
Remember you wouldn't expect a new baby to run straight away. Never leave unsupervised on anything above ground level puppies don't have very good depth perception and will step off anything with a second thought.
Agility is a great activity and sport for all dogs and in particular Cocker Spaniels. They love to please and exercise is great for mental stimulation for both dog and human. A great sport for adults and kids to be involved in. Rottweilers like to work as this is also what they were bred for. We participate in Man trailing with ours and scent work. Koda loves it and sleeps well afterwards. Any kind of obedience is a must as you must ensure your dog is always under control when in public.Contact your local dog trainer or club for any information when the can participate.
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