I have a new GP pup, 8weeks old. I have never owned such a large breed before. I have been told that this breed is predisposed to bad hips. How do I know, other than x-rays, if this pup is going to have bad hips? is there a way to tell? I know both parents so can go look at them if I have to.
Many moons ago I was told by a doggie person to do this with pups and it can give you an idea if thir hips are going to go bad. First you put the puppy on it's back. Then gently push down on thier hind legs. If they open up easily and you can push them open to the floor, good hips. If not, bad hips. I cannot push my pups hips wide open so this tells me she will have bad hips. OR, can you not do this trick with a GP?
Is there anything i should be doing now to strenghthen her hips? Like control her growth or something?