What is the logic Behind Not Exercising your puppy until Growth Plates are Closed?

[M.F.]

Here it is—about teen girls being the fastest growing group for knee surgeries: Knee surgery rates soaring among teen girls

In the previous link I provided, apparently very basic education about how to land properly after jumping during sports made a massive difference to injury rates in teenagers—brought the injury rates down. If we apply this to our dogs, I guess it’s about careful management, not about reduction of exercise, ie no chasing after balls and suddenly stopping and twisting to catch them. If I could turn back time...

 

[Selina27]

My understanding of the 5 minute "guideline" is that is intended to reduce the risk of uneven development of the supporting structures around the joints, therefore helping to prevent weaknesses which would be problematic later, rather than actual arthritis itself.

@Natalie , I can well understand how careful you will be when you get another puppy, after your experience with Monty. @MF I think your breeders advice was pretty sound.

I did limit Cassie's lead walking as a puppy, I think it's sound advice, but she had plenty of running around off lead as well.