At what age can we start…??

One of the most common questions I get is, At what age can my dog start...

• Training coordination and balance?
• Walking up or down stairs?
• Pulling something?
• Going for a three-hour walk?
• Jogging?

While I’d love to give you a simple answer, the reality is that it’s impossible to provide a one-size-fits-all response without considering several important factors.

The Good News: There Are Guidelines!

Although I can’t give you a definite age for every dog, I can give you a general idea based on certain considerations. Here’s what you need to think about:

1. Breed Matters

Different breeds develop at different rates, and even individual dogs within the same breed can vary. What might be okay for one dog at a certain age could be too early for another. For example, larger breeds tend to grow and develop more slowly than smaller breeds, so their timelines for more strenuous activities will differ.

2. Physical Traits

If your dog has weaker physical traits or certain areas of the body that need more development, it’s best to focus on strengthening these areas before introducing exercises that add strain. A well-built dog might be able to start certain tasks earlier than one with physical challenges.

3. Size Makes a Difference

Tasks like walking up or down stairs are much easier for large dogs than for tiny ones. A smaller dog may find the height of a step more challenging, requiring much more effort to navigate stairs. Similarly, small dogs might need to take three times as many steps to cover the same distance as a large dog, so keep that in mind during exercise.

4. Environmental Conditions

Even a normally safe exercise can become risky if done under the wrong conditions. For instance, walking down stairs on a slippery floor may lead to injury. Always consider the environment where the exercise is taking place.

5. Pace of the Activity

The speed at which your dog performs an exercise matter. Walking slowly down stairs is very different from running at full speed. When introducing new tasks, controlling the pace is crucial to avoid overexertion.

6. Duration and Load

Just because your dog reaches an age where it’s okay to carry a backpack doesn’t mean it should carry a heavy load on a long hike right away. Everything should be introduced gradually. Whether it’s pulling a sled or carrying weight, start with short, light sessions and build up over time.

7. Fitness Foundation

The general fitness level of your dog will greatly affect when and how it can begin new exercises. A well-trained dog with a solid fitness foundation may be ready to take on a new challenge more quickly, while a dog that hasn’t been exercising regularly will need more time to build strength and endurance.

Think of all the dogs that haven’t pulled anything all year and are suddenly expected to pull heavy loads during a long mountain hike over Easter. Just because a dog reaches a certain age, like one year old, doesn’t automatically mean it’s ready to train for agility or other strenuous activities. Everything must be introduced gradually and with caution.

Knowledge is Key

I hope this has shown you that everything is relative. There are many factors to consider when determining the right time to start different activities with your dog. That’s why it’s so important to have a good understanding of the body, training, and how to assess your dog as an individual.

If you have any further questions or need guidance, I’m always here to help.

Have a great day,
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