Over exercise?

[Daria]

Norton (our 9 month old Goldendoodle) loves to play in the yard and chase his jolly ball! Saturday I took him for a 2.5 mile run. It was cool out and he didn't exhibit any signs of being tired. When we got home he galloped in the high snow playing ball and frisbee. He has been slow moving and resting a lot since Sunday. He's not wincing or anything but just not his normal active self. Is there such thing as over exercise?!!!

[Sally S Miles]

In short, yes. He could be simply worn out. cold requires more exertion and he is still a pup.    

I lean towards not running a dog less than a year old, this was planted in my head ages ago so we do walks only and running left for play. He truly could be worn out, but I would certainly keep a close eye on him.   When hubby takes Journey for her three mile walk she is beat, happy, but in the cold she starts slowing down at  two.   I'd let him rest and see how he does, if he's up for a romp later observe him and his energy level.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I agree....great advice.

[DonMarie and Picco]

I agree too. Puppy's might overdo it because they think they can. When I introduced Picco (around 2 yrs old) to hiking I started shorter hikes (even shorter than his walks) and then watched his recovery time. On a hike there are new smells, other dogs and new terrains that can be mentally challenging and exhaustion. Our drive home time is around an hour and he's bouncing around by then!

[Barbara B., Sasha & Oliver]

When I take my doodles down to my BF's parents house who have a very large fenced in property, my doodles run all day long.  They are constantly going and usually I'm there for a good 6-8 hours and the next day all they do is eat, pee/poop and sleep.  It take them about 12-18 hours to recharge their batteries :)

[F, Calla & Luca]

I wouldn't make them do overly long hikes etc. until you see their endurance. I know my dogs can do a lot more than I can so if someone else took them I would make sure the dogs built up to longer adventures. In the yard, Luca, the one who like to play ball, will simply lie down somewhere and rest when he's had enough.

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

Hi Daria ~  There is a lot online concerning jogging with your dog.  Of course exercise is great for your dog, but I think they also need to be conditioned (just like we do).  I recently read an articles on this subject and this is what the ASCPA articles said: 

"Exercise is great for energetic young dogs, but sustained jogging or running is not recommended for young dogs (under 18 months) whose bones haven’t finished growing.

 Because large dogs are more prone to cruciate ligament injuries, arthritis and hip dysplasia, sustained jogging can be hard on their joints and bones, too. If you’ve got a large dog, make sure she’s well conditioned before you start jogging together.

As long is Norton is slowly conditioned and he matures, you should think you will have many good years of hiking together.

Good Luck.  BTW - Norton is a cutie!

[DonMarie and Picco]

Norton is a cutie and shaggy!  Got more photos?