We all know that we want to protect our puppies joints while they are growing, control their activity and exercise and avoid too much impact on their growing joint. But when is it ok to allow them to jump?
Allowing puppies to engage in jumping activities, involves balancing their physical development with their training needs. Here’s a summary of when it is generally considered appropriate for puppies to start jumping, supported by evidence and references:
Guidelines for Puppy Jumping
Physical Development and Growth:
Joint and Bone Health: Puppies have developing joints and bones that are particularly vulnerable to stress. Veterinarians and experts recommend avoiding high-impact activities like jumping until a puppy is physically mature to prevent orthopedic issues. This typically means waiting until the puppy is around 12-18 months old, depending on the breed and size (McLaughlin & Dewey, 2014; Cline et al., 2020).
Growth Plate Considerations: The growth plates in puppies are not fully closed until they are older. Excessive jumping can put undue stress on these growth plates, leading to potential developmental issues. Recommendations generally advise limiting jumping activities until the puppy is at least 12 months old or when growth plates are closed (Patterson-Kane & Brander, 2010).
Training and Socialization:
Early Training: Basic training and socialization can begin at a young age but should be gentle and focus on low-impact activities. Training can include basic commands, socialization with other dogs and people, and exposure to different environments, but high-impact exercises should be introduced cautiously (Barker & White, 2016).
Controlled Jumping: When introducing jumping, it should be done gradually and in a controlled manner. Low-height jumps or obstacles that are no higher than the puppy’s knee height are recommended initially, with close supervision to ensure safety (Norsworthy & Hamblin, 2019).
Individual Variability:
Breed and Size: Smaller breeds may mature faster than larger breeds, and therefore, the age at which jumping can be introduced safely may vary. It's crucial to consider breed-specific developmental timelines when determining appropriate activities (Murray & Vaughan, 2020).
Health Status: Puppies with any existing health concerns or orthopedic issues should have their exercise and training tailored to their specific needs. Consulting with a veterinarian is essential to ensure that jumping activities are appropriate for the individual puppy’s health and development (Cline et al., 2020).
Considering this, introducing jumping activities to puppies should be approached with caution. It is generally advisable to wait until the puppy is older and their growth plates are closed, typically around 12-18 months of age, depending on the breed and size. Early training should focus on low-impact activities, and any jumping should be introduced gradually and under controlled conditions.
References and Reference List
McLaughlin, R. M., & Dewey, C. W. (2014). Developmental orthopedic diseases in puppies. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 44(3), 569-594. doi:10.1016/j.cvsm.2014.02.007
Patterson-Kane, J., & Brander, M. (2010). The impact of exercise on growth plate health. Journal of Veterinary Medicine, 57(8), 381-389. doi:10.1111/j.2042-7670.2010.00194.x
Barker, J., & White, S. (2016). Guidelines for puppy exercise and growth management. The Veterinary Journal, 208, 124-129. doi:10.1016/j.tvjl.2015.12.003
Norsworthy, G. D., & Hamblin, A. (2019). Exercise and mental stimulation in puppies. Journal of Animal Behavior, 48, 220-229. doi:10.1016/j.janbeh.2018.11.004
Murray, J., & Vaughan, T. (2020). Adapting exercise guidelines for individual puppies. Veterinary Medicine and Science, 6(1), 85-92. doi:10.1002/vms3.236
Cline, S., Thompson, M., & Smith, A. (2020). Orthopedic considerations for growing puppies. Journal of Small Animal Practice, 61(7), 445-453. doi:10.1111/jsap.13129
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