The most important thing to remember is that your puppy is not fully grown until 18 months, this is when their growth plates will close. These growth plates sit at the end of long bones BUT they are soft and vulnerable to injury until they are fully closed. Once they close, they calcify and become part of the bone. In an adult dog, if a joint experiences stress, the bone will hold strong since it is surrounded by soft tissue. This will result in a sprain, but in a puppy since the growth plate has not yet closed; if the joint experiences stress, the growth plate itself can become injured.
Why does it matter?
Unlike a sprain, a growth plate injury does not always heal properly leaving your puppy with lifelong impairments. They may suffer from a shortened limb which will have an impact on the angles to a joint. Basically, your puppy will be more susceptible to injuries later on in life.
Just like babies, puppies are softer in general. Their bones do not reach full density until after puberty, so typically dogs under the age of 1.
Guidelines for Play
- Puppies under the age of 18 months main source of play should be short sessions in your yard or short walks around the block. If your dog lays down for a nap, this means they are done! Repetitive exercise WILL NOT give you the tired puppy that you want! Short play sessions combined with mental stimulation will. What repetitive strain on a puppy will give you, whether it be from long walks or hikes is a greater risk for injury.
- One-on-one puppy play dates are an awesome way to help socialize your puppy! When picking the perfect match for your dog, size should be one of the first things you take into account! Your 12 week old puppy should not be playing with a full grown large dog.
- Always interrupt overly physical play, this includes rolling around on the ground and body slams. Toss food and tell them both to “get it”.
- When playing with your puppy, play down on their level. Tug should be played at their eye level, you should never lift the toy up while it is in your dog’s mouth.
- You should keep your puppy of beds or couches! The risk for injury if they jump or fall off is far too great.