We have a 12 week old chessie that is learning quickly. I have read/heard from several sources that a puppy climbing up and down stairs will ruin their hips and other joints and swimming in cold water can cause serious problems since their "heating" system doesn't work very well. My question is this: At what age is it ok to let them do stairs and water?
He is gaining about 3 pounds a week so it is becoming more and more hazardous for us to carry him up and down stairs.
The way the weather has been here in Utah it might be June before the water is warm enough.

Thanks
Alan

The stair issue is one of those things that sounds like a good idea but no one has ever really proven the concept of hip dysplasia due to certain activities ie stairs, jumping up or back legs etc.
As far as water goes. If you have to wait until June before the water is warm enough WAIT. You have a 12 week dog for the sake of 8-10 more weeks you can increase your chances of having a dog be enthusiastic about water for a lifetime.

Good luck,
Tim

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I've read that swimming in cold water can cause serious problems since their "heating" system doesn't work very well.
Alan
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FFT--Food For Thought--The Monks of New Skeet suggest "SHOCKING the system" at an early age to "OPEN the adreneline valves" of youngsters?!?

There are ALWAYS MORE THAN ONE WAY TO SKIN A CAT! ! !

Tonight, after obedience/casting drills Hummer[3 1/2yrs], Diesel,Hummer's son[6mon] and Puck,C.R.'s daughter[5 1/2mon], Caitey[11yrs.],Conor[6yrs.yesterday-both MY PROGENY], and I, went for 45minute walk/run down by the river; everyone went "swimming" except me! The temperature was about 40degrees F--a little chilly for youngsters! Everyone had a BLAST chasing/spotting birds at dusk! ! !

They're far past the "fear period"

F.F.T

Bruce

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CONMAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mr. Geoff,

thank-you for wishing me a happy birthday.



How is the weather out there in Lancaster.



CON-DUDE

Thanks Timothy and Mitchell. I won't stress so much about the stairs and let him go for the water when he is excited about it.

Thanks Again
Alan