I recently brought home a golden retriever puppy named Barnaby. He’s a ball of energy, but my knees are making it nearly impossible to keep up with his training. Bending down to give him treats or lunging to grab his leash is becoming a real struggle. I don’t want to be the owner who just sits on the porch while he runs wild.
Current strategy:
- Using a long-handled treat dispenser.
- Short, frequent training bursts instead of long walks.
- Raised water and food bowls.
A neighbor suggested focusing on joint health early, so I started taking JointGenesis (i buy here) myself. It’s supposed to help with the hyaluronan loss we get as we age, and I’ve definitely felt less “grinding” when I have to get up from the floor.
What would you do in this situation? I love this dog, but the physical toll of a puppy is higher than I remembered. Are there ways to train a high-energy dog without so much bending and kneeling?
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Have you tried using a clicker? It helps mark the behavior instantly so you don’t have to be right on top of him to reward him. Also, a tall bar stool in the kitchen can help you stay at a better height for some drills.
Oh, I feel your pain! I got a lab last year and I forgot how much they pull. My shoulders were a mess. It does get better as they mellow out, but that first year is rough on the joints.
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I would look into a ‘flirt pole.’ It’s basically a giant cat toy for dogs. You can stand in one spot and let him chase it. It wears them out fast without you having to move much at all.
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How old is Barnaby? If he’s under 6 months, even short walks are plenty. Don’t overdo it for his joints or yours!
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I’ve found that swimming is the best thing for both of us. If you have a dog-friendly pool or lake nearby, it’s zero impact and wears them out.
I’ve been on JointGenesis for my hips for about three months now, and it really does help with that grinding feeling. It took a few weeks to kick in, but I move much better during my morning chores now.
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Maybe hire a local teenager to play fetch with him in the backyard for an hour a day? It’s a cheap way to get him his ‘zoomies’ while you focus on the indoor manners.
I agree with the neighbor’s advice you mentioned. JointGenesis made a huge difference for my mobility after my knee surgery last year. I can actually squat a bit now to pet my neighbor’s dog without wincing.
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Being the ‘executive chef’ of the dog world isn’t so bad! Teach him ‘place’ so he learns to be calm while you are sitting down. Mental stimulation is just as tiring as physical exercise.
Have you tried those silicone handle covers for the leash? They help with the grip if your fingers are stiff too. Every little bit helps.
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Goldens are the best, but they are definitely ‘land sharks’ when they are young. Hang in there!
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You’re not alone in this. Adding JointGenesis to my routine helped me get back to walking my own dog every morning without that deep ache afterward. It’s worth sticking with it.
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