Changes after the first year

[Kim, Abby & Beckett]

So first let me start by saying my sweet Abby turned one on Sunday. It rained all day and she was stuck in the house. Needless to say, she was not a happy doodle.

 

Abby is a pretty active dog. I try to get her outside to play fetch with the chuck-it daily. She loves to run and it helps tire her out. But, and I know this may sound odd, but now that she is one it seems like her run it so much different. It is like it changed overnight. She is quicker, more controlled and the gait is larger. Has anyone else noticed this with their doodle. I know it seems weird and maybe I just love my little girl so much I notice all these little things.

 

It also reminded me of something I remember the vet saying. I am a runner and asked about taking Abby along with me. He said waiting until her first birthday so that her bone structure has time to develop. Now I can see why.

 

[Bonnie and Kona]

Happy Birthday beautiful Abby! Enjoy those runs with your mom!

[Diane, Hurley and Sidney]

Happy Birthday to Abby!!!

Kim,

I am also a runner.  My vet, Hurley's breeder, and Hurley's trainer all say I am not to start him running with me before he is 18 months and preferably wait until he is two years old.  The concern being the maturity of the growth plates.  What I do is take him for a slow trot for no more than 2 miles (keeping it under 30 minutes) two to three times a week.  He is almost 10 months old.

Yes, I have see him run free in that beautiful flowing way that I did not see even last month but as challenging as it is I am going to listen to my vet, the breeder and his trainer and hold off until he is two.

Hope that helps.

[Kim, Abby & Beckett]

Thanks for sharing. I hadn't heard of the 18 month to 2 year date. I think I may wait too. I know Abby would love to be outside running with me, but her health and growth are more important to me.

[Diane, Hurley and Sidney]

Kim,

That is exactly the way I feel.  We started with two 20 min walks per day as all the sources I noted mentioned.  The walks are now up to 30-40 once per day with a short 20 minute walk in the evening.  Hubby takes Hurley for an occasional hour long walk.   I never take Hurley for his slow two mile trot the day after a two walk day or a one lone walk day.   And hubby never takes Hurley for more than 2 20 minute walks the day after I take him for a slow trot.  Hope that makes sense.  

Abby is very cute and precious looking.   

[Sue & Lily Grace]

Abby, your birthday pictures are wonderful.  You are a very pretty doodle.