Can you over exercise these little pocket nukes!

[docmartin]

My little Crystal is now 22 months old and weighs just under 8 lbs. Every day we go on the beach 3o yards from our building. She runs and picks up her ball which I fling with the aid of a sling thrower, today 100 times, each throw and return is 60 yards. This equates to a total distance in excess of 3 and a third miles at full pelt! The beach is composed of soft sand and I make her rest every 10 minutes or so.

Occasionally she'll leave the ball where it is and chase sea gulls, or forays into her own little world of sniffs and nosing for 5 minutes or so. A few other ex Yorkie owners (I live in a big retirement area) come to spectate and are openly amazed at her energy. All say 'theirs' were never as active, she has a big fan club here!!

Crystal enjoys a well balanced diet, (organic, top of the market wet spelt and crushed kibble in the mornings and freshly boiled chicken breasts with boiled rice at night) - there's no fat on her anywhere.

After a thorough wash and brush up returning from the beach, she then dashes around the apartment like a loony, before finally crashing out as near to me as possible for a few hours mid afternoon. If she misses a days exercise, she's hyper active into the night! I love sharing the enjoyment during 'her' hour or so every day, but worry about her joints etc. Am I over doing her work outs? She wants to go on believe me, but I'm too worn out by this time to throw the ball anymore!

She's had a small Glaucosamine additive every morning in her breakfast and a similarly dosed Digestive pro-active with her dinner for the past year and her coat is beautifully glossy. I have to wash her eyes daily as the sand can get in her eyes, but they are crystal clear.

When we got her, we were told Yorkies are good apartment dwellers and only need twenty minutes light exercise a day, or a little work out indoors! Not this one!

[MarkFromSea]

Sounds like great fun and exercise! I can't answer your question from a medical point of view but it sounds like a wonderful routine. Mine is quite a bit slower, generally takes us 2 hours for him to walk 3 miles.... currently 5 days a week. The recent drop of maple leaves seems to have slowed him a bit more on the trails! LOL From his point of view, those leaves are pretty big.

[docmartin]

Hi Mark,

I think the great lungfuls of ozone do us both the world of good. You must get the same benefits I guess? Crystal's agility is amazing, my late wife bred Burmese for 20 years, so I'm used to our feline friends. Crystal is up there with them for jumping and her reactions are just as fast. Sometimes I envy you the more sedate lifestyle, but I know I'll look back on these years with fond remembrance one day. Her mom's been away for an extended stay with her new grand daughter, so we've become inseparable these past six weeks, she's made sure of that!

[MarkFromSea]

That's right! The Mrs is out on holiday! Sounds like the bonding has worked well. And the bigger question, drum roll please, is Crystal behaving? LOL If I'm recalling correctly, she was giving you fits with momma at home for her to run to. I can't recall clearly... what the minor issues were. I do know your writing style always made me chuckle at the circumstances.

[matese]

I also am not an expert on how much exercise is to much. I would say it depends on the weight of your baby. These little ones, one has to be careful of puppies leg joints. All my girls were over 10 lbs,my last one was 17 Lbs and my adopted boy is 13 Lbs. All my girls were super hyper, they played till they dropped, and were still like that at 10 y/o were they finally slowed down. My lil boy is not what I call hyper compared to my girls, but I believe that is because it was suppressed by his prev. owner as he was gotten for a little 8 y/o girl. When I adopted him one year ago this month he was a little gentlemen, not what I was use to lol. His life style with me changed drastically, for the best I say, He is not crated all day as he was with prev. owner, he has freedom to run like a lil grey hound in my fairly large back yard, he has learned to hunt and will attack anything that moves and that includes falling leaves lol. Others will offer up their knowledge.

[docmartin]

Originally Posted by MarkFromSea

That's right! The Mrs is out on holiday! Sounds like the bonding has worked well. And the bigger question, drum roll please, is Crystal behaving? LOL If I'm recalling correctly, she was giving you fits with momma at home for her to run to. I can't recall clearly... what the minor issues were. I do know your writing style always made me chuckle at the circumstances.

Thanks Mark,
She was earlier accentuating her tendency to be a bit of a 'Diva' when Mom first left and (thankfully) still does because she is so incredibly amusing to watch going through her little conniptions to try and will her wishes upon me! Her nature combines these interludes with moments of extreme tenderness and unbounded affection. Although yesterday when I stumbled and fell full length on the beach, after unsuccessfully negotiating a breakwater she was more interested in recovering her spilt ball than my physical welfare!

[docmartin]

Originally Posted by matese

I also am not an expert on how much exercise is to much. I would say it depends on the weight of your baby. These little ones, one has to be careful of puppies leg joints. All my girls were over 10 lbs,my last one was 17 Lbs and my adopted boy is 13 Lbs. All my girls were super hyper, they played till they dropped, and were still like that at 10 y/o were they finally slowed down. My lil boy is not what I call hyper compared to my girls, but I believe that is because it was suppressed by his prev. owner as he was gotten for a little 8 y/o girl. When I adopted him one year ago this month he was a little gentlemen, not what I was use to lol. His life style with me changed drastically, for the best I say, He is not crated all day as he was with prev. owner, he has freedom to run like a lil grey hound in my fairly large back yard, he has learned to hunt and will attack anything that moves and that includes falling leaves lol. Others will offer up their knowledge.

He sounds wonderful Matese, Crystal has had a stage one L/Patella on one of her hind legs for about 15 months, it hasn't worsened, and the other joints seem fine. However one of the reasons I originated this thread, was to get an open opinion upon exercise v's joint longevity amongst other limiting physicalities? As she always runs upon soft sand I reasoned this would be less harsh, than say a town doggie running on hard pavements?

My step daughter has a similar natured girl to your little chap. When I talk to Irina on Skype whilst she's away presently, this little love sits so quietly cradled in her arms. Meanwhile our lunatic is busy watching the screen and either licking or trying to paw it! Fed up with that she then transmogrifies into a demented jack in a box, whizzing up and down and collecting all her toys around me in a very determined attempt for attention.

She was apparently too hyper for her original elderly owner, which was one reason how we came to get her aged 20 weeks. Personally I love her character, but with one arm and arthritis everywhere she is now a real challenge for me sometimes. When Mom's home we split her attention and the duties, which in reality limits the exposure to fatigue for us both.

[matese]

Originally Posted by docmartin

He sounds wonderful Matese, Crystal has had a stage one L/Patella on one of her hind legs for about 15 months, it hasn't worsened, and the other joints seem fine. However one of the reasons I originated this thread, was to get an open opinion upon exercise v's joint longevity amongst other limiting physicalities? As she always runs upon soft sand I reasoned this would be less harsh, than say a town doggie running on hard pavements?

My step daughter has a similar natured girl to your little chap. When I talk to Irina on Skype whilst she's away presently, this little love sits so quietly cradled in her arms. Meanwhile our lunatic is busy watching the screen and either licking or trying to paw it! Fed up with that she then transmogrifies into a demented jack in a box, whizzing up and down and collecting all her toys around me in a very determined attempt for attention.

She was apparently too hyper for her original elderly owner, which was one reason how we came to get her aged 20 weeks. Personally I love her character, but with one arm and arthritis everywhere she is now a real challenge for me sometimes. When Mom's home we split her attention and the duties, which in reality limits the exposure to fatigue for us both.

For starters the LP surgery is cause for concern, again, I am by no means an expert on exercise, especially now knowing of her surgery, but I tend to agree with you about sand vs cement or dirt, I believe as you do, sand is softer, still would not know about joint longevity, and I can understand your concern. Crystal sounds like a blast, a typical yorkie puppy lol. Seniors should research the breed, talk to yorkie owners before purchasing a yorkie, most are super hyper, well my 4 girls were, a reason (among many) I love the breed. But you lucked out with this pup and thank you for taking a chance with this lil baby, they are so much fun when they are puppies. Although tiring as she may make you, enjoy these days of puppy-hood, they go by so fast.They can be a bit of work if anyone has a slight handicap. I know you will soon get answers to your concern.

[gemy]

Hi Doc;


I don't think you have had surgery for her LP, correct? But sand is actually a good exercise medium, it particularly will strengthen the ankle and all the foot joints.


How-ever you can check over the phone with your vet about any and all the exercises or change of pace activities you can do with your gal.


1. Limit jumping especially to hard surfaces!!! Keep her in trim shape which it sounds like you do.


2. Try to vary your exercise routine. Or intersperse ball chasing with another game on the beach, like find that toy, or bury a toy, or a few obedience tricks/ skills, more on exercise variety a little bit later


3. Get her warmed up first before ball chasing, and try to throw ball in a straight line.


4. What is hard on the knee joints is a fast paced twisting or turning action.


5. Also there is some research(of which I am trying to find the actual research article) that associates low thyroid and structural ligamentous weakness. You need more than the standard T4 result from the complete blood panel. You need to do an expanded T4 panel. Have no idea of the costs in England for this. If you go to this website www.offa.org and look up thyroid testing they will show what you need to do to clear a dog of thyroid associated disorders.


I am only suggesting this to a) make sure your gal does not have incipient or early thyroid problems and b) if she has historically low thyroid levels, I might treat a little more conservatively her exercise activities.


Good exercise is just like for humans, vary your activities, in sports it is called cross training.


1. Swimming is in my mind the number 1 activity that is hugely safe for joints, and also can help with cardiovascular fitness:
Translated for dogs: Find out if you have available to you either a doggie indoor swimming pool, or a animal rehab center that has underwater treadmill. Consider at least once a week a swimming activity.


In the summertime walk her on lead through the edge of the ocean so that the waves come up above her knees but way below her chest. She can even chase a ball through the water if you can throw it in a relatively straight line. I am a quite conservative gal, and always start off the swimming water work with life jackets on all my dogs. Get a long cloth lead line and it will give her 15 feet or so of room to run in.


The coldness of the water is very theurapeutic for those knees. I healed up a nasty hock joint injury with my large dog, by walking him on lead through the very cold Lake Ontario water in April/May one year.


Another alternative get in the bathtub with her, place a non slip bath mat that covers the whole bottom of the tub, have the water coolish, have her walk with you from end to end. Once she gets used to this, then you can stand outside the tub and walk her back n forth. Then gradually deepen the water until she needs to swim in the tub!


continued on next post

[gemy]

THe earlier post covers swimming, with the exception of you could if you have access to your own yard use a kiddy swimming pool for summertime fun.


Exercise: Fun filled -*Note ideally you should work mainly on non slip surfaces: I have bought cheap carpet runners for my home and can easily roll them up when not in use, or conversely keep them laid down.


1. Find that toy. you have your gal Sit Stay say in kitchen then you go to living room or bathroom or bedroom and say FIND YOUR TOY. Big big huge reward I like to clap and cheer the dog on and most especially when they find it. They adore this exercise/fun activity.


2. Find that treat: Hide a treat out of sight of your gal you can hide it under a paper plate, start with just two plates and then increase the number of plates and only have one treat under a plate. Again huge whoopla of joy when she is successful.


3. Create a mini obstacle course in your living room or hallway whatever room you have some space to work in. Going under and through a home made tunnel is sheer fun for the beasties. Let us say you have these things to use: a low low stool, a chair, a sofa cushion on the floor. On lead - always start on lead. take her to the Stool ask her to jump up and sit - Reward - the command off - take her to the chair ask her to walk under the chair - combination of hand and verbal commands - stick with it until she gets what you want - Next - take her to the sofa cushion - ask her to jump up then lay down and stay in place.


Use your imagination and have fun with it!


4. Find Daddy or Find Mommy two people needed to play this game. Same as find the toy or the treat - You can have your partner call come if she doesn't after a bit Find Mommy.


5. Sit and Beg - there are you tube videos on this.
6. Walking on lead really really develops the postural muscles. At least twenty minutes per day and include some hill climbing. Running is quite another activity.


7. have her stand with her front paws on a low stool. Reward her and have her stay for 2 minutes (build up to). Correct rear paw placement over time. Her back paws should be just to the rear of her sitting bones.


8. Push the ball! Get a big beachball and have her nose that ball along, once she gets the hang of it, have her push the ball through a curvey route.


Okay that is enough for now I hope I have given you some ideas that you can use!

[docmartin]

Originally Posted by gemy

Hi Doc;
I don't think you have had surgery for her LP, correct? But sand is actually a good exercise medium, it particularly will strengthen the ankle and all the foot joints.

Quite right, she has the 'entry level' condition, but it doesn't trouble her, only my annoyance too her when I manipulate it gently after our run (she can't be bothered and wants to play). She enjoys a paddle with her Mom and does wade in when she's with me. Thinking the cold water would be harmful I call her out, shows how much I know? Tomorrow I'll let her enjoy herself. I do throw in a straight line as I know myself that the twists are the things that hurt? I play a lot with her in the flat, which is large and allows her to gallop. We'll definitely play the others and thanks. Irina will enjoy the bath one!

[docmartin]

Originally Posted by matese

For starters the LP surgery is cause for concern, again, I am by no means an expert on exercise, especially now knowing of her surgery, but I tend to agree with you about sand vs cement or dirt, I believe as you do, sand is softer, still would not know about joint longevity, and I can understand your concern. Crystal sounds like a blast, a typical yorkie puppy lol. Seniors should research the breed, talk to yorkie owners before purchasing a yorkie, most are super hyper, well my 4 girls were, a reason (among many) I love the breed. But you lucked out with this pup and thank you for taking a chance with this lil baby, they are so much fun when they are puppies. Although tiring as she may make you, enjoy these days of puppy-hood, they go by so fast.They can be a bit of work if anyone has a slight handicap. I know you will soon get answers to your concern.

Sorry I didn't make it clear, she has been identified with a L/Patella, in fact I felt it first and the Vet confirmed. I've recently bought a disabled scooter, but have only used it half a dozen times and stopped after an accident that was entirely my fault. Its long since been repaired and Crystal did seem to enjoy trotting behind me, we used to stop at a little beach side cafe and have a coffee. When Irina returns next week, I'll try it again, firstly accompanied and then solo. We can go for three miles easily along our Promenade by the sea above the shore. I didn't think it was good exercise somehow? Perhaps we could vary the regime, one day beach, the next trotting?

I'd rather have an energetic little dog, more fun and I agree they are wonderful times to cherish. I remember watching my dear old friend 'Paco' deteriorate (he reached 17) and now recalling the days when he'd never stop running and jumping. I swear I saw him on the beach the other day, (we repatriated him to the UK as a young feral pack dog from Spain in '81), I blinked and he was gone in the spray .

Thank you for your help...

[matese]

Originally Posted by docmartin

Sorry I didn't make it clear, she has been identified with a L/Patella, in fact I felt it first and the Vet confirmed. I've recently bought a disabled scooter, but have only used it half a dozen times and stopped after an accident that was entirely my fault. Its long since been repaired and Crystal did seem to enjoy trotting behind me, we used to stop at a little beach side cafe and have a coffee. When Irina returns next week, I'll try it again, firstly accompanied and then solo. We can go for three miles easily along our Promenade by the sea above the shore. I didn't think it was good exercise somehow? Perhaps we could vary the regime, one day beach, the next trotting?

I'd rather have an energetic little dog, more fun and I agree they are wonderful times to cherish. I remember watching my dear old friend 'Paco' deteriorate (he reached 17) and now recalling the days when he'd never stop running and jumping. I swear I saw him on the beach the other day, (we repatriated him to the UK as a young feral pack dog from Spain in '81), I blinked and he was gone in the spray .

Thank you for your help...

You received awesome tips from gemy, now go and enjoy them, the bathtub should be fun lol.

[SirTeddykins]

Teddy is extremely hyper. We take him for a walk, then the park and then bathe him in hopes that he will be tired and clean and then sleepy.


This never happens. He runs around the house like a lunatic and brings every single toy to us in hopes that we will continue playtime.


He chases the cat, his shadow, demand barks for attention when his antics are being ignored.


In short, I don't think I could ever over exercise him but he sure in heck over exercises me...my mind gets tired just watching him!

[docmartin]

Originally Posted by SirTeddykins

Teddy is extremely hyper. We take him for a walk, then the park and then bathe him in hopes that he will be tired and clean and then sleepy.


This never happens. He runs around the house like a lunatic and brings every single toy to us in hopes that we will continue playtime.


He chases the cat, his shadow, demand barks for attention when his antics are being ignored.


In short, I don't think I could ever over exercise him but he sure in heck over exercises me...my mind gets tired just watching him!

I watch the toys (too many to count) follow me around the apartment during the day like the tides on the beach outside. The attention seeking is wonderful too, Crystal sits on the computer keyboard and my chest to prevent me from using the former or watching the TV. Newspapers are easy to redirect attention from, just charge and then tread all over them! I'm glad I'm not alone and others share the fun - and the looks we get - priceless!