Question on exercise.
 

Faith will be 1 year at the end of this month, or so we think, because she was a rescue. Just wondering when everyone thinks it would be a good time to start increasing her amount of exercise?

Its about that time she could start pulling, if she is into that! My dogs really like it. Does she like the spring or flirt pole? That is also great conditioning. The older they get, the higher chance of them becoming fat. That's just not cool in my books! lol Just watch her, and know when she has had enough. Let her tell you.

About 12 months - 15 months is the area where they start increasing exercise. ^^ Since you don't know for sure if she will be a year old next month why don't you wait just a couple more months to be safe. You don't want to damage her joints because you miscalculated her age.

I know many weight pullers that start @ 9 months, and do great. Whatever they decide to do im sure the dog will love.

Got the ok from my Vet and employer today. She said that her growth plates should be closed, so it would be fine to let her do some more physical work outs. (jumping) MMmmm, weight pulling isn't really my thing, I love to watch it, but I don't think I (because of the dedication needed) or Faith (because of her size) could do the sport any justice.

Looks are deceiving, many small dogs have a ton of heart and can really pull!!! but good luck on what ever you chose to do!

I don't start doing any real weight with my dogs until they're 2. I'd only do very light weight/introduction to the feel of pulling something behind them with a dog that's only a year.

Start loosening up her muscles, take her on nice long walks. What options do you have? Bike, treadmill, flirt pole, swimming? Swimming is also a great option for dogs that are just starting to be introduced to exercise. Get to know your own dogs limits and increase their exercise regiment/add different exercises as her physical capabilities increase.

If you don't see weight loss or muscle development and you're exercising properly, you may want to decrease food a bit. Or it may just be that she needs more exercise http://www.pitbull-chat.com/images/smilies/smile.png