Exercise

Your new puppy is an athlete in training and you must do everything you can to provide him with room to train. A small yard is okay for lounging but he needs a big place to get rid of the energy that builds. If you do not give him an outlet for this energy, he will take it out on your favorite shoes, your rugs, your furniture, even your car. Toys have not been made with the adolescent wolfhound in mind. They are usually eaten within an hour or so. Unfortunately, it sometimes requires surgery to remove them from the stomach or intestinal tract.

It takes at least a square acre for a wolfhound to get to full speed and then turn without running into something. I would recommend at least five acres with little or no obstructions (such as trees, fences, automobiles, or buildings). If the dog does not get his exercise, he will get fat and then he is susceptible to heart problems. I have seen both Oak and Manny run so far from me that I thought they might get lost, and they can do it in just a few SECONDS. I have never clocked a dog -I have no idea how fast these guys can move - but I know that even fat old Mann could outrun Jack and I on the four wheeler. Oak leaves us in his dust regularly then turns around and laughs at us while we try to catch up. We are lucky in that we have a half-mile stretch of pipeline right of way that runs straight and it seems to be the perfect length for that last effort run before we come into the house. It is also far enough from the house that Oak can cool down and relax before he flops on the kitchen floor.

You should take the time to study running. Your dog is just like people - he needs a warm up period, his real exercise, and then a cool down period. If you don't take the time to learn these things you can wind up with a dog that is lame from muscle strain. The dogs should not be encouraged to run excessively until they start their second year. Young bones do not heal well after breaks and pups are somewhat clumsy and prone to breaking their legs. Once the pup is in control of his body, he will wow you with his grace and speed.

A brisk walk around a park is NOT sufficient energy burning for any coursing hound. Remember this if your 18 month old pup is still eating your furniture.