athletic dog

Question
When do golden retrievers bones stop growing.  I want to
start long distance mt biking with my 9 month old retriever, we usually hide hard for 20-30 miles.  Steep climbs and fast descents - I have heard that running them for long distances when their bones are still growing will hurt their ligaments and joints.
Thank you

Answer
Hi Carin.

Yes that will indeed hurt their bones. I suggest you don't make him run 20miles at a time. For now you should start out with 1 mile with walking breaks in between. Don't wear our your dog in just one day. Pick it up slowly as long as he can handle it.