Long Walks for Adult English Mastiff?

[Jay R.]

Greetings!

I am new to Mastiffs and to forums. Please forgive me if I am not adhering to proper forum etiquette in some way by asking this question.

Our 10-year-old boxer had to be put down due to lung cancer. We did a lot of research and decided on an English Mastiff. We found one in a no-kill shelter. She had been there for 14 months. They cared for her well, yet to think of her in a kennell cage for that long and with that noise is difficult. We named her Darcy, and she has been with us for a week. She is just over 4-years-old and weighs about 120. She had no medical records, yet appears to be in good health. Our veteranarian is pleased, and she now has all her shots, etc. She is fitting right in with our family and is a wonderful gentle giant. For a bit of background, we use the Amichien dog training method made popular by Tony Knight and Jan Fennell.

We have been training Darcy to loose-leash walk (using a 4-foot leash). She is doing great! I work from my home and so take 3-4 walks (15 minutes each) with her each day. She loves them and so do I. Now for my question...

Having read "Mastiff" by Christina de Lima-Netto (an excellent book) I am aware that a Mastiff Puppy should not receive too much exercise. I am not sure about an adult Mastiff of four years. Darcy seems to love out 15 minute walks, yet I was wondering if it's okay to walk a Mastiff longer than this. I walk five kilometers each morning at a slow pace. I've never taken any of our dogs with my during this time. It takes me about an hour. If I begin to take Darcy a little more each morning and she seems to be fine, is it okay for a Mastiff to walk this distance as long as it's not too hot out? My concern would be somehow harming her joints given her size.

Thank you in advance for any kind advice you may be able to offer given your experience.

in Christ,

Jay R.

 

[Mooshi's Mummy]

Hi Jay...first of all thank you for adopting. Secondly I have a 3.5y/o Tibetan Mastiff I have taken on 10 miles walks, yes 10 miles!! and she loves it, she has been hip and elbow tested and she is pretty much perfect in that department too. She is fit, she is healthy and she loves her walks. IMO you want to walk your adult dog and they are loving it and can do more...then do it. Nothing beats a great walk with your adult dog best friend. I say adult dog because I wouldn't dream of walking a pup this far, not ever. But my adult dogs, bring on the walks, the longer the better as far as they are concerned! Of course bring water with you and maybe a first aid kit....

 

[Jay R.]

Mooshi's Mummy,

Thank you so much for your reply. This helps a great deal. I've pasted below a photo of Darcy. Thank you again!

 

[musicdeb]

Welcome aboard~ Thank you for rescuing Darcy and giving her a loving, caring home! At 4 years old and the weather is not too hot, I do not see a problem with walking her 15 minutes @ 4 times a day. Titan and I walk 1 1/2 every day in the cool weather. He starts to slow down towards the end of the walk and tries to find the car. hehehehehehe As long as Darcy will walk, let her. It's a great bonding tool for both of you, great exercise and great socialization tool. Darcy is probably extremely happy to be out of the cage.

Darcy is a real cutie patootie!

One bit of advice, since she is rehomed and been in a shelter for 14 months, it will take her 8-12 months to fully trust you. How long have you had Darcy?

 

[Jay R.]

Musicdeb,

Thank you for your reply and encouragement. We have only had Darcy a week. We understand it will take a long time for her to fully trust us, and for us to be fully comfortable with her ways. I'm thankful that things are starting well.

Thanks again,

Jay

 

[musicdeb]

Please keep us posted on her progress. I rescued Titan when he was 2 1/2 years of age with no socialization or training. It's been a long, hard road to get us where we are today and well worth the long, hard road. He's my baby boy~

Rescued dogs are so thankful for their lifesavers~

A mastiff is one of the most loyal guardian breeds.

 

[DennasMom]

Denna is going to be 2 years old this month (EM), she LOVES her walks. Our "normal" walk is 1.5 miles which we keep doing faster, as I get in better shape and can keep up with her. She like to trot, which is a slow jog for me.

She'd be happy to go longer, as long as it's not hot out (which in Seattle means anything over 75F). When it's cool, a 3 mile walk is about the end of her comfort zone. If it's hot out, the 1.5 miles is a little more than she wants to do. I know when we're nearing the limit, because she starts to drag behind me, and will go to lay down in some cool grass if I let her... which reminds me of the quote:

"Never walk a mastiff further than you can carry them home."

So, along with the water and first-aid kit, take a cell phone, too, so you can call in the relief wagon for a ride home.

I had to do that once with a past pup (when he was older)... after 2 miles, he came up limping. I didn't want to have him walk all the way home with a limp, so the DH came with the wagon for a lift home. That was all on hard cement side-walk, which might have exacerbated the problem. If you have places with grass and dirt trails, that's easier on the paws and joints, too.

Thanks for giving Darcy a great new home - can't wait to hear more about your new adventures!

 

[Harrygto]

thanks for getting a great dog
rocky is now 10 1/2 and he likes short walks 10 min
he was 6 when I got him, he would walk for about 1 hr

 

[Smokeycat]

Kryten (2y) loves to go on hikes. These can be quite long &/or difficult terrain. He does have bad elbows so I need to watch out that he doesn't overdo it but making him stop when he doesn't want to is more the problem than getting him to go I the first place.

 

[Jay R.]

Thank you all for your responses - very helpful! I especially love the quote:

"Never walk a mastiff further than you can carry them home."

That's great. We do have an SUV (Honda Pilot) and she seems to like riding in it. I carry a cell phone and so can be picked up at any time.

Thanks again to you all!

Jay

 

[Robtouw]

Congrats on your new baby! Most adult em's can physically go on long walks but I personally limit my boys to a mile. I've. been a mastiff owner for decades and have a full understanding of their bodies and aging process. It is my personal choice, you will need to form your own opinion, research well. As they age their joints begin have issues supporting their weight and as a senior supplements and light exercise will be crutial. Handling a 200 lb dog with joint or hip issues is extremely difficult, keep this in mind as you work with your dog. With a giant breed, it is important to always consider future health while choosing activities today.

 

[Jay R.]

Robtouw,

Very good advice, indeed. Many thanks for sharing your thoughts based on your considerable experience.

Jay

 

[Ronny]

My female is about 6 years old, you think its ok if i take her on my 2 mile walk every night once or twice a week?