Jogging with your Dood?

[Amy & Bernie]

Sorry all, this will be my only question! And Donna, if it's not appropriate please feel free to delete. I just have a feeling you all may be able to give me some genuine feedback. Bernie is 8 months old, 60lbs, very active, and used to a 3 mile walk every day. Lately I've been jogging with him as well, about 1.5 of the 3 miles. Is he too young for this? I've been scolded by some dog people and others have taken the "as long as it's at his pace" position. I love jogging with Bernie, he likes it and he's excellent motivation for me - but I don't want to push him too soon.

Thanks!

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I think this is one of those questions that if you ask 10 people you will get 10 different opinions.  Here is my take on it .... I too have heard the concerns about jogging with them prior to a year old at least.  I know with my Sophie I had at least 3 scares with knees/hips/foot issues between 8 months and 1.5 years.  I firmly believe that her leg muscles and ligaments just weren't fully developed (strong enough) yet.  Our problems weren't encountered when jogging, but when playing in the back yard ..... since I have 2 they play pretty hard sometimes.  She spent over two months confined with limited activity during these episodes.  Given the known facts that our dogs are prone or susceptible to hip issues anyway, I personally decided to err on the side of caution and come down on the side of I think it is a good idea to wait. (you'll be amazed how quickly that 1st year goes anyway).   That being said, there are many on here who do run with their Doodles and thus far I can't recall any issues so who really knows what is the best thing to do.

[Amy & Bernie]

I think you're totally right, on all accounts. We were jogging almost daily until it occurred to me how young he is still, despite being such a big boy! He does really well, never lags or slows down, and that's why I wasn't worried - but like you said, he's developing still, and I'd feel horrible if he was simultaneously developing any issues on my account.

We want him around a long time, problem free, so it certainly wouldn't be a bad thing to wait...I was raised by parents who came from very big families, where if there wasn't blood or risk of contamination you were fine! Haha, I guess it's caused me to push a little harder than I should sometimes - Bernie's training us to be more mellow with our future children ;)

[Donna Vee]

It really depends on the dog. Ginger has way more energy than Penny. I jog about a mile with her and then we rest/walk for a short time, but it's usually her that wants to pick it up again. I follow her signals. She is also 8 months. I am not an expert but by their age, they are almost full grown. They will continue to gain weight, fill our and possibly get a little bigger.

One of the most important thing you can do if you really push your pup is to make sure you are feeding an adequate amount of food and keeping him WELL hydrated and rested. When in doubt, ask your vet. He will be able to examine growth plates and determine, like your own doctor, a proper amount of exercise. It's also really important that they get "puppy" play at this age and not just physical fitness. My girls also love playing with other dogs. It's a good balance.

[Amy & Bernie]

Good to know Donna, thank you. Bernie drinks a ton, he's a good drinker. I try to throw in at least 3 trips to the dog park a week for play time, in addition to our walk/jogs. And on the walk/jogs we stop to shake, sit, lay down, have a treat, do mental things too. But you're right, I should just get him in to see the vet for a quick checkup to make sure he's developing properly.

[Cydney Dashkoff]

I've asked my vet and they say to wait until their bones and joints are fully grown, the growth plates full matured, the joints, ligaments and tendons well stabilized before taking them on a prolonged sustained run. Dog typically are sprinters, they run all out for a time (a goal like a ball, bird etc) stop and walk, rest whatever...not long distancers which put a lot of stress and strain on growing bones. And they are still growing, maturing even if you don't linear growth just as humans, our bones are not fully matured until we're in our early 20's but we're not getting any taller.

I am, once the sun rises early again, going to run with MacDuff but around a ball field where he can be off leash and pace himself, run sprints, stop, smell the roses, catch up to me, and do it all over again. Dogs want to please and will do anything to keep up with you without complaints. That being said, ask a vet who specializes in orthopedics.