Building Strong Foundations:
Early Nurturing Tips to Protect Your Bestie’s Joints
If you’re the proud human of a Ridgeback, Leonberger, Bernese Mountain Dog, or any other magnificent big dog, you’ll know that watching them grow feels a bit like watching a small miracle unfold on fast-forward. One day they’re tripping over their own paws; blink, and suddenly they’ve turned into the calm, statuesque companion you always knew they’d become.
But here’s the thing: those early months aren’t just about teaching “sit” and “stay.” They’re also a crucial window for protecting your dog’s joints for the long haul. Large-breed pups have a unique challenge — their bones and joints are working overtime to support their fast-growing bodies. How you guide them through this growth phase can make all the difference between a comfortable, active adulthood and a life complicated by stiffness and joint pain.
Let’s talk about how to give your gentle giant the best start possible.
The Weight of Growth: Why Joint Health Starts in Puppyhood
Big dogs grow fast. Some can go from a few kilos to well over 45 kg in their first year alone. During that rapid growth, their joints, cartilage, and ligaments are still forming — a bit like building a house before the cement has fully set. If the structure isn’t supported properly, problems tend to show later on.
The good news? With mindful training, the right nutrition, and sensible exercise, you can dramatically lower your dog’s risk of joint issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia or early-onset arthritis.
The Goldilocks Approach to Exercise: Not Too Much, Not Too Little
A common misconception is that large-breed puppies need loads of exercise to tire them out. In truth, too much pounding around can harm those developing joints — but too little movement isn’t great either. The trick lies in choosing the right kind of activity.
Embrace Low-Impact Activities
Swimming is fantastic for big pups. The water supports their weight while helping build strength and stamina without jarring their joints. If you’ve access to a dog-friendly beach, a calm river, or even a paddling pool in the garden, you’re onto a winner.
Gentle walks on grass or woodland trails are ideal. As a rough guide, aim for five minutes of walking per month of age, twice a day — so a four-month-old pup would do well with two 20-minute strolls. Keep it easy-going; think “sniffari,” not marathon. Let them explore and take the world in.
What to Avoid (for Now)
Hold off on the heavy-duty stuff. That means no running beside bikes, no long fetch sessions, and definitely no leaping on and off furniture. Their joints just aren’t ready for that level of impact. Save the agility and high-energy games until they’re fully grown — usually around 18–24 months for most large breeds.
Also keep an eye on play with other dogs. Socialising is vital, but rough body-slamming games can create micro-trauma to joints still under construction. Aim for shorter, supervised play with gentle companions rather than all-out wrestling matches.
The Foundation of Everything: Weight Management
Here’s a truth that can be hard to hear: a chunky puppy isn’t a healthy puppy. Every extra kilo puts extra strain on developing joints.
Research shows that large-breed dogs kept at a lean, athletic condition live longer, more comfortable lives with fewer joint problems. You should be able to feel their ribs easily (without digging in) and see a waistline from above.
Portion Control = Love
Those pleading eyes are persuasive, but stay strong. Follow your vet’s advice on feeding quantities — the portions on packaging tend to be generous. Measure your dog’s meals, don’t guess, and remember to count training treats as part of their daily intake.
Speaking of treats, pick wisely. Small, low-calorie rewards or even bits of their regular kibble work perfectly. Save the high-value snacks for special achievements.
Building the Right Kind of Strength
We’re not raising couch potatoes here – we’re building strong, stable bodies. The goal is to develop supportive musclesaround your dog’s joints, acting like a natural brace system.
Age-Appropriate Strength Training
For puppies, this might mean gentle uphill walks (not downhill, which is tougher on joints), standing positions for treats, or calm “sit-to-stand” repetitions. As they mature, introduce controlled balance exercises, like standing on a cushion or soft mat.
The keyword? Controlled. Think yoga, not parkour. Smooth, deliberate movements help strengthen muscles safely and build body awareness.
Training for Joint Health: It’s All in the Technique
Slow and Steady Wins The Race
Encourage calm, controlled movement. When teaching “sit,” guide them gently rather than letting them flop. Reward “four paws on the floor” greetings instead of jumping up. When stepping over obstacles, reward careful steps rather than leaps.Commands like easy, slow, or careful teach them that measured movement earns rewards.
The Power of Wait
A solid wait before dashing through doors, jumping out of the car, or climbing stairs gives them a moment to think – preventing slips, bumps, and awkward landings. It’s a simple command that can save a lot of joint wear and tear.
Nutrition: Feeding the Foundation
What goes into their bowl is just as important as how they move. Feed a large-breed puppy formula that balances calcium and phosphorus for healthy bone development without promoting overly rapid growth.
Joint-Supporting Nutrients
Look for foods containing omega-3 fatty acids (great for reducing inflammation) and consider those enriched with glucosamine and chondroitin to support cartilage. Many good-quality large-breed foods already include these. Always check with your vet before adding supplements — balance matters far more than quantity at this age
Your Vet: A Partner in Prevention
Your vet is your biggest ally during your dog’s first couple of years. Regular check-ups aren’t just about vaccines — they’re a chance to track growth, check body condition, and spot any early joint issues. If your pup seems reluctant on walks, stiff after naps, or starts bunny-hopping when running, mention it straight away. These small signs can be nipped in the bud with early adjustments to exercise or diet.
Playing The Long Game
Raising a large-breed puppy is a balancing act between enthusiasm and patience. Sometimes it means saying “not yet” to an activity that looks fun today, knowing you’re protecting tomorrow.
But it also means more years of hiking, cuddling, and muddy adventures together. It means pain-free mornings well into their senior years and a lifetime of shared moments where your dog can move with strength and comfort.
They might never say “thank you” for the care you’ve taken — but you’ll see it in every happy stride, every playful bounce, and every peaceful, ache-free nap. Because that’s what we all want for our big, beautiful companions: a life that’s long, comfortable, and full of joy.
