First of all: you should not really start sports with a puppy yet. Of course, a puppy needs exercise, but this should still be carefully limited. Gradually, the young dog needs to build up strength and endurance, and all movement structures in the body need to get used to physical strain in a healthy and gradual way. Not only the muscles, but also the joints, tendons, and ligaments.

A young dog

In this case, the term “puppy” should be interpreted quite broadly. Large dogs in particular remain “young” for a long time. For some breeds, it can take up to a year before they are truly ready for intensive sporting activities. So make sure you learn well what your specific dog needs and can handle, and how best to prepare your young dog for the years in which you want to exercise together. Discuss this with your veterinarian and your dog trainer, for example during puppy classes. Breed associations often also provide valuable information.

Which sport is suitable?

Not every sport is suitable for every dog, so make a conscious choice. Lap dogs are not suited for running long distances. Hunting activities should only be done with well-trained hunting dogs. And dogs that were not bred for pulling are (legally!) not allowed to pull a sled.

Silicon for active dogs

Do you want to exercise with your dog? Then make sure you start training at a suitable age and build up the activity carefully. You can support your dog very well – especially dogs that are still growing – by giving the mineral silicon. This liquid supplement can easily be added to the food. Silicon is an essential substance in the development of muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and bones. It is a mineral that works gradually, so it is wise to provide your active dog with sufficient silicon over a longer period of time.