When Can I Open My Mouth?

• When Can I Open My Mouth? huskymom Posted : 5/25/2006 7:59:33 AM Last night I was walking home and on the way I saw a man riding a bike with his dog leashed beside him.  He was riding on the street and although not going terribly fast his dog was at a pretty good run.  Not a big deal normally but this dog was a very young lab.  Maybe 6 months old.  Deffinately not full grown.  I know that this is not good for the dogs joints and bone structure but obviously this man did not and thought he was doing a good job exercisiing his pup.  So my question is this.  When is it ok for me to tell a complete stranger that he may be doing something that will harm his dog? LIKE 21 REPLIES 240 VIEWS LAST POST HUSKYMOM Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login
• Firestorm Posted : 5/25/2006 8:25:07 AM I would say it is  time if it really concerns you.  I would just be very polite.  Don't be surprised if you get alot of backlash.  But you may actually help some people.[] 0 LIKE Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login
• magilacudy Posted : 5/25/2006 9:39:50 AM It's tough when you tell someone they are doing something they shouldn't. It's like telling a parent not to feed their kid that bag of candy cause their teeth will rot. I think even being polite about it, some people don't like others butting in. So it is a tough call. On one hand people should know when they are causing harm and in the other hand you have to accept that may not want to hear it.[] 0 LIKE Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login
• sooner Posted : 5/25/2006 9:59:18 AM If the opportunity presents itself I would say something to the effect of – I#%92ve always heard that jogging is really bad for puppies; I have two pups and have been waiting until they are grown to exercise them hard, have you heard something different? – and see what he says. At least you may get him thinking and he may go home and look it up. 0 LIKE Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login
• Mic Posted : 5/25/2006 11:39:51 AM I would probably mind my business in this case.   I exercise my dogs very hard from a young age, and haven't had any real problems.  If someone came up to me and commented on how I exercised my rambunctious puppy I would ask them what time I could expect them to pick up my dog for the necessary exercise.   Unless you are willing to be this guys dog walker...don't get involved...I am thrilled the pup is getting exercise.  0 LIKE Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login
• rwbeagles Posted : 5/25/2006 11:52:19 AM I'd kinda think...if I saw someone enrolling their young daughter in gymnastics 4 days a week...would I say "hey, she'll stop having periods and suffer from fractures if you overdo it too young"...or would I think, hey at lest the kid has a parent that let's them have a hobby that will keep them fit and active, stave off obesity and inactivity...two of the biggest issues facing kids today in our country, and assume that same parent will care about them enough to get help IF a problem arises.   Also you might take into account: a)it MAY be an isolated incident b)it's JUST as likely to make one appear like a busybody and have the OPPOSITE effect you may be looking for. d)it's really statisically, JUST as likely the dog won't have any issues arising from this incident you witnessed. HD/ED cannot to my knowledge, be CAUSED by activity only aggravated or exacerbated. Genetics has the final call on a dogs hips...other things, like ACL blow outs, are just as likely to occur when the dog is older and doing normal exercise.   Bottom line they were spending time together....and the guy obviously plans on having an active fit companion...which is MUCH more than most American homes seem able to provide given the amount of overweight pets out there lol! 0 LIKE Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login
• zsrg;lb ksr'pfjsoprej dfsg;va bjpskopa] Posted : 5/25/2006 1:45:37 PM Trying to put myself in his shoes I might get a little offended but if I dodnt know better it would defintly get the wheels turning in my head. Especially if he cares about his dog he should at least look into it. Maybe approach him in a manner like "you know someoene who's dog was injured because of it" but I would defintly say something because he may just now know better and its in the dog's best interest. Now dont you wish we could do that with kids and their parents! 0 LIKE Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login
• Xerxes Posted : 5/25/2006 2:41:01 PM Something along similar lines... I was at the vet's for a regular checkup and my vetrinarian had to leave mid-exam.  He came in and apologized but we had to wait, they had an emergency case.  A guy had been riding his bike, with dog tagging along, on a 90+ degree day.  The dog, a lab, had collapsed and had a severe heat stroke and they were in the process of treating the animal for shock.  There were witnesses that had seen the dog collapse after at least a 2 hour ride/run.  The dog, thankfully, survived.  The vet was visibly disturbed by this abuse of the animal and tried to convince the owner not to bike with his dog anymore.  "But I've always biked with him." was the only reply.    When's the time to step in?  When you feel that the life of the animal is at risk.  If you can approach the person tactfully you might be able to make a friend out the whole encounter as you educate them. 0 LIKE Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login
• zsrg;lb ksr'pfjsoprej dfsg;va bjpskopa] Posted : 5/25/2006 3:28:45 PM RWbeagles does have a point, so many people do not exersice their dogs enough but on the other hand, he may want to know this info, especially if there are dirt or sand trails nearby where it is easier on the dog's paws. Even though Rory is well over a year I still cringe to hear how hard those feet hit the pavement, man she really hauls doggy butt! It sounds like you are prepard to get some backlash from the guy, you do what you feel is right. You have good intentions! 0 LIKE Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login
• cavowner Posted : 5/25/2006 4:37:29 PM I also exercise my dogs from an early age and have never had any problems. I'd suggest the guy knows his dog better than anyone else. My Cavalier had no problems with a two hour walk around a local lake by 3 months old. We walked, he ran around like a twit. [] He's now 3½ with no health problems and is also a Show Champion with several group wins so it didn't do any harm to his gait / structure either. He will still run along a beach for hours given half a chance. 0 LIKE Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login
• zsrg;lb ksr'pfjsoprej dfsg;va bjpskopa] Posted : 5/25/2006 4:49:57 PM ORIGINAL: cavowner I also exercise my dogs from an early age and have never had any problems. I'd suggest the guy knows his dog better than anyone else. My Cavalier had no problems with a two hour walk around a local lake by 3 months old. We walked, he ran around like a twit. [] He's now 3½ with no health problems and is also a Show Champion with several group wins so it didn't do any harm to his gait / structure either. He will still run along a beach for hours given half a chance.   Thats is awesome, I love that breed. I think the main concern here is that it is on pavement which any vet will tell you is EXTREMELY hard on growing puppies hips and development. It is suggested that you run them on grass, sand, dirt, anything but hard cement. So running your pups around a lake with dirt under there lil pads is a awesome form of exercise. It is also a mainly more of an  issue with larger breeds of dogs that weigh more and are more suseptable to hip displaysia. Its just one good neighbor looking out after another is all and I think she just has good intentions! 0 LIKE Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login
• cavowner Posted : 5/25/2006 5:05:53 PM Hi sheprano, Most of the walking / running we do is on paved paths. I understand what you mean about heaver dogs it's just that I didn't have any problems with the Chows or English Springers either. I've owned my own dogs for 35 years but have never owned an overweight one [] Maybe the Kiwi dogs are different but I do agree about the good intentions. 0 LIKE Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login
• zsrg;lb ksr'pfjsoprej dfsg;va bjpskopa] Posted : 5/25/2006 5:54:24 PM Wow what a coincidence. I just met my very first Cavalier king Cahrles Spaniel and OH MY, I am in love. I didnt realize they are so much smaller then regular spaniels, htis lady's was a year old and only 16 pounds. Now I've heard that once you own one you don't go back, now I can see why. Unfortuanlty my all time fave is a American Pitbull terrier so I'm not sure if I'll ever be able to have a cavalier, a pitty, and my other two favs, a beagle and a weimerarner all at once, that would be CRAZY, ha ha! I think I need a dog farm! 0 LIKE Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login
• Garrett Leatham Posted : 5/25/2006 6:00:29 PM I think it depends on if he's looks polite or not. If he's tired, he probaly won't want some one telling how to train his dog. But you are (I assume) an expert on dogs and obviously he isn't so I think it would be okay to suggest something for the concern of the dog. If he accepts your advice, then you could probably give more so he is a little more educated on dogs. But if he ignores you or is hostile towards you, it would be best to just continue on your way. Make a point that your concerned for the dog and not nosey, or anything else that some one might come up with so they don't feel stupid, as people tend to do. 0 LIKE Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login
• loveukaykay Posted : 5/25/2006 11:56:39 PM Unless the dog looks really tired or struggling or something I wouldnt say anything. 0 LIKE Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login