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Hi guys,

So in July we are doing this 116 mile walk over a couple of days for charity (cancer research). This walk is all in the mountains and stuff (The west highland way, Scotland) We are doing a practice walk this Sunday at the lake district and it will be about 6-8 hours long. I really want to take the dogs but I think it may be too long. Zeke is now 5 months old and if I was to take him he would be off lead. Is 6-8 hours to long for off lead walking for Zeke?

Thanks Guys

Very long for an adult dog, let alone a five month old. Not only might he not have the energy for it, but it may cause a lot of damage to his joints because he's still developing. I'd imagine even for an adult dog it may cause problems unless the dog's been gradually introduced to it over time.

I know you want to take him with you, there's loads of things I want to do with Loki too, but even at 12 months old he's still too young for some things (for example weight-pulling, jogging properly, spring pole), so as difficult as it is, it's better for Zeke's health if you didn't bring him

It might be a bit much tbh, I don't think I'd put Logan through it.

That does sound like a very long way for a puppy to walk. NO way would I even consider it

Absolutely too much - you'll damage his health, and at that age it may well be irreparable.

No, no, no, no, no! It could do serious damage to him!

I agree with the above.

Could u maby take them for upto an hour / and have someone pick them up n take them home ?

Absoultley too long and will case irrepairable health issues for the rest of his life. They should only be walked for 5 minutes per month of age until they are 18-24 months and than gradually increased form there.

Going that distance would be like taking a 5 year old for a 120 mile hike over a two day period.

Jackieb wrote:I agree with the above.

Could u maby take them for upto an hour / and have someone pick them up n take them home ?

Great idea Jackie, perhaps they could just join you for the last 45 mins/1 hour

Personally I think that even an hour of that sort of terrain would be bad for a 5 month old pup.

Thats a shame but maybe Zeke can join you next year, good luck btw

I would say its much too far...

Hi Guys, thanks for the advice.

I generally thinking of not taking him anyway but I'm definetly not now. Maybe when hes older and a shorter walk!

Good luck with The West Highland Way. We did it a few years back and it's fantastic. You must be veeery fit to do it over a couple of days. Apart from The Devil's Staircase and the distance involved, it's not a particularly taxing route, but doing it over a couple of days won't give you the chance to take in all the glorious scenery. To really appreciate it I would recommend taking 6 days if possible.
Hope it's a doggy charity.

Hi Rodger,

Im far from fit and we are aiming to do it in 5 days and camp over night. Im really looking forward to it! Well I did put my Vote in for an animal charity RSPCA but it got chosen for Cancer Research which is still a great charity!

Hmm the stories that I have heard about Devil's Staircase nearly gives me nightmares.

If he was another breed of dog such as a dalmation or huskey i would say sure go for it, but for a staffy this is far too much. Have fun anyway and good luck!

Robyn2202 wrote:Hi Rodger,

Im far from fit and we are aiming to do it in 5 days and camp over night. Im really looking forward to it! Well I did put my Vote in for an animal charity RSPCA but it got chosen for Cancer Research which is still a great charity!

Hmm the stories that I have heard about Devil's Staircase nearly gives me nightmares.

TBH the Devil's Staircase isn't a problem, you can just take your time and plenty of breathers. It's the sheer distance involved that gets people if they haven't done the training and don't have the proper gear. We had done a lot of training but took seven days. Mind you it was a hoilday for us not a race. Some young guys started at Milngavie ( pronounced Millguy ) which is the official start of the walk. They were totally unprepared ( in trainers etc. ) only one of them made it as far as Kinlochleven and had to be taken to Fort William hospital because of the state of his feet.
Having said that, if you're prepared you'll have a great time, will meet lots of nice like-minded people and will enjoy a cross section of all of Scotland's beautiful scenery from lowland farming land to majestic mountains and beautiful sea lochs.

Have a great time and let us know how you get on.

I Think I am prepared! Just collecting everything I need! I will let you know how we do Thanks Rodger

Robyn2202 wrote:I Think I am prepared! Just collecting everything I need! I will let you know how we do Thanks Rodger

Have a great time and I hope the weather holds for you.