Puppy stands on his hocks - Page 4

Personally I would be concerned.  What would particularly worry me is that growth is in full flow, and whilst the bones are growing quite rapidly, the the pup’s hind end is not in a position conducive to correct development of the spine and other related skeletal structures.

I would definitely take him to see the breeder and see what she thinks. As you say, it will also give you a chance to compare him to his siblings.

I would be swimming him regularly at a reputable hydrotherapy pool, to encourage correct use of his legs and spine. This will be better than a beach anyway, as the water is designed to be at a temperature which is optimal for muscular efficiency.

Do let us know how he goes on.
                                                          

Niesia
Thank you for your reply. The initial pic I posted was taken when he was about 4 months old. He is now just past six months and is a lot sturdier on his legs. The nurse at the vet's, who initially scared me, saw him a couple of weeks ago when I went to have him weighed and she was very positive about his progress. I am just being patient and not letting him overdo it.

Yes, he is on a commercial diet called Arden Grange. It was recommended by the breeder and was developed by a GSD breeder. As he is happy to eat that, I have no desire to change it. However, I was not aware of the unusual growth spurts when a dog is fed kibble. I have him weighed regularly and try to keep the amount he eats within the prescribed limits.

I ought to really post some more recent pictures of him so that you can see the difference.

Although, my question now is how much I should be walking him because I want to build up the strength in his legs, but at the same time I don't want to cause any damage to his joints.

Thanks

Sangar

Abby

I was very concerned, hence my questions on this forum and also looking into some hydrotherepy near where we live. As mentioned in my reply to Niesia, he is growing out of that awkward looking stage and looks much more in proportion. There is some way to go though.

I did take him to meet the breeder. I saw his litter brother there and to be honest, there was not a lot of difference. My pup was slightly bigger than hers, and she said that he was going through a growth spurt. She recommended swimming too. But there has been significant improvement in his stance and the way he walks, so I have not taken him swimming as yet.

His hind legs/hocks are still a little loose when he walks. This probably has something to do with the fact that we have hard flooring all over the ground floor of our home and his feet tend to slip when he walks. Subsequent to advice on here, I have put down some rugs where he walks a lot. Also, the weather here in London is improving, so he spends more time in the garden where his feet have more traction on the ground.

So, any advice on how much a pup of 6 months should be walking/excercising daily?

Thanks

Sangar

Hi Abby Normal

This is a pic I took last night on my phone... hocks are a lot better. Also, I was talking to a breeder that has one of his half sisters; the half sister also had the same issues with hocks and was quite loose at 6 months. The breeder got her hips scored and got the results last week - they came out 1:2, a total of 3! Not bad, huh?

Thanks

Sangar

 

Sangar

Good to see he is looking much better. Are you swimming him?   

Great hip score. But I never for a moment considered it was a 'hip' issue.           












                                        

Hi Abby

To be honest, I have not been swimmng him. What I have been doing is increasing his walks, and also letting him run feely on grass. He tends to play with my youngest who is coming up to 3 years old. I reckon, as long as my son is running around, so can the dog.

Talking to this other breeder the other night, the one with his half sister (same sire), I was advised that I should start increasing his walking on the footpaths/solid ground. That's what she did with her bitch.

With regards to the hip issue - that's what the vet was saying. Any which way to make money!

I'll be attending a dog show on 15 May where I will be able to see some of his other siblings and have a better idea of how he is doing compared to them.

He definitely looks much better. He's a very pretty boy and what a nice head he has!

Thank you Starrchar!