In the nice weather, I go about 3-4 times a week on a 3-4 mile walk. I have a 5 month old girl. I was wondering what age can you start long distance walking? I do not want to damage her joints. Also what is the best way to build up their endurance for a longer walk... I took one of my older girls (but not a senior) once and she only survived about 1 mile b/f fatigue.

Thanks.

I wouldn't go any further than that until the puppy is 12 mo, and I'd shorten the walks now. IMO, for a 5 month puppy, 3-4 miles several times a week is way too much.

Experienced breeders will hopefully chime in on this.

Just had this question asked of me from one of my puppy buyers. Short walks until growth plates close. Swimming is better. Not even sure I would go the mile. Less is better.

We live on 7 acres so with that age of a pup we might walk 5 acres which is probably little more then a 1/4 mile 2x a week. they can play and run through the tree plots bushs and trees and really get a work out on there own. Then we might ride down to the pond and swim a little. During the days we aren't walking. We don't combine it all together.
So far we haven't had joint problems.

To be clear, you're talking about "distance" walking vs. a leisurely stroll around the neighborhood? LOL Because I know can take a puppy for a potty walk or leisurely leash walk and in an hour's time, NOT cover alot of ground!

My thoughts...
equate a 5 - 6 month old puppy's limitations as to weight bearing, impact or endurance to that of a 5 or 6 year old human child and use common sense... you year old child to be able to do what a 18 year old conditioned athlete could do?

Three months to seven months old is a critical growth period.

I would be concerned about jogging/trotting a puppy or immature young adult dog on paved road or sidewalks. I don't force any specific pace when walking a young dog. I like to stick to the fields and walk with a flexi-lead.... if they want to stop and sniff, zoom side to side, or doddle along, it's fine... it's some exercise but I kinda look at as good for mental health too. Usually at 6 months old, I might do 15 minutes twice a day. I don't get too concerned about how much ground we cover.

".. you year old child to be able to do what a 18 year old conditioned athlete could do?"

Must have hit the back space. Of course meant to write you could expect a 5 or 6 year old child to do what an 18 year old could do.

I give up, fingers are not cooperating. One last try... "COULDN'T expect...".

Thanks.... oh no I didnt walk her that far, just didnt know when that would be appropraite. And please, I do not run or jog... just a nice fast walk

I do not run or jog... just a nice fast walk

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Just bear in mind a "fast walk" will force a pup into a steady trot, and this will put too much pounding on developing joints especially if it's hard ground or pavement.

I would be most concerned about the surface. If it's pavement or concrete, the walks need to be limited. On grass and other soft surfaces like paths through the woods, a pup can go a lot longer. If someone were to measure how far a pup runs/walks in a normal day - it would be a pretty long distance! (Doesn't it make you tired just watching?) I've watched 5 month old puppies run constantly in the yard with each other for an hour. That's got to be miles! A human walking at a reasonable stroll can cover 3-4 miles in an hour.