# Sofas, stairs and other like that

How do you see an Akita puppy going up and down stairs or sofas or other things like this before the age when his bones are more consolidated? I'va always read that large breeds, with fast and intense growths shouldn't go on heavy exercises like that or walking on sand, for example. The vet says, a…

## Thread
In Akita Inu · started by Leonberger · 4 replies
- **Category:** [Akita Inu](https://nihonken.org/community/c/akita-inu)
- **Forum:** [Nihon Ken Forum](https://nihonken.org/community/)

## Leonberger (admin) · 2008-05-04T21:16:17.000Z
How do you see an Akita puppy going up and down stairs or sofas or other things like this before the age when his bones are more consolidated? I'va always read that large breeds, with fast and intense growths shouldn't go on heavy exercises like that or walking on sand, for example. The vet says, and it seems to make sense, that, if it's done in a calm manner there's no problem and it's just a matter of not letting them get crazy about it. I've been letting Kuma go up the 5 steps we have at the entrance of the building, slowly, about 2/3 times a day. And down those steps about once or twice, slowly. How do you handle this?

## MommyofNiko · 2008-05-04T21:44:46.000Z
I asked the breeder about this when talking about the Akita and he stated to take no special precautions...I think that ensuring that he gets the necessary introduction and experience but not overdoing would be good....

## JessicaRabbit (admin) · 2008-05-05T17:19:52.000Z
i don't know about Akitas but I know that Katja suggested not too many stairs for the first year for my Shikoku.

## scarlet · 2008-05-05T19:26:37.000Z
I was told by the Shiba breeder not to go on long hikes, but short walks until 6 months or so. I know Jake hurt his leg when doing an acrobatic jump at around 5 months. Took him over a week to start walking on it again. I agree with Niko, probably best to limit during early growth stage.

## brada1878 (admin) · 2008-05-05T19:34:09.000Z
We limit our Akita Inu from jumping off things... No jumping out of cars, or off sofas, or etc. until age 1.5 - 2. For Shiba, Shikoku & Kai I think 1 year old is enough of a wait.

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