How much excercise is too much?

[David and Franklin]

I read a few posts about avoiding allowing our doodles to over-exert themselves. The posts related to running with a doodle. I worry about this re Franklin's playtime. We live next to a dog park and I walk my 18 week-old three times a day. Today he probably played with nearly 20 dogs. He sprints until exhausted, comes back for water and then repeats. When he looks fairly worn out (takes about 20 to 30 minutes), I take him home and let him rest in his kennel. Within an hour and a half he is ready to come out and play and is once again my little hellion. Any thoughts? Too much play, or not enough? Thanks in advance for your replies!

[Cindy and Olive (Ollie)]

I remember reading a while ago that when running with dogs (or walking, for that matter) they will follow along with you no matter what. It is instinctive for them to continue with you. So, that can put them in danger of over exertion as they will try to keep up no matter what. But, when they free play, they have more choice about taking rest breaks. So, that is a safer exercise for them, especially while pups.
I'd just watch carefully at the dog park, knowing what body language to look for. Always leave before things get hairy.
I'm sure others will have more to add on this but hope it's accurate/helps... Sounds like your guy has a lot of energy and he's having fun with you! Best,

[David and Franklin]

I was hoping his elective rests between romps was the defining difference. I used to run (and mountain bike) with my dogs, but I am older and wiser now. Dogs do not have a physiology well suited to long distance running. They are sprinters who bring down prey and then rest while eating it. Little Franklin has the attention span of a gnat, and I think that actually helps in his unstructured puppy play time. I appreciate your response, as always!

[Malenie Piscetelli]

I have a question... Why are you put him in the kennel? If you are home with him.

[David and Franklin]

i sit at a desk and talk to clients and draft documents all day. Some days, he sleeps at my feet. Some days, he barks, nips at me and tries to eat my files. If I cannot have eyes on him, or if there is a chance that he will misbehave while I am on a phone call, he gets nap time in his kennel. May be harsh, but the pack leader has to bring home bacon to feed the pups,

[Cindy and Olive (Ollie)]

I've noticed Rippley, my almost 7 month month old, slowing down with his puppyish bursts of energy. One play date, and he is content for the rest of the day. Meaning, he lays down next to me for a good hour or more at a stretch, before we train or take a short walk. Then he will rest again periodically through the day. After my boys get home at 2:30 he takes a walk with them, and then he is content to laze around the house for the rest of the day, except for potty walks in the yard. No zoomies. And I don't feel as much like I need to drain energy, know what I mean? ;) Perhaps your guy will do the same. It started off and on about a month ago.
He especially is cued that if I sit/ignore - he rests, "switches off." I have never played with him while sitting, only while standing. That has been terrific advice from our local training facility. And, "wait" at the door (both directions) and in/out the car, etc. has been terrific. I highly recommend it! Very safe for him and puts him in mind frame of looking to me for permission when we go out. You prob know all this but thought I'd just share the highlights as Rip is just a bit older than Franklin...
Plus, he has recently picked up on our routines. It is very funny. He knows to get up at 2:30 to get the kids. And he even knew today was Saturday and daddy should take him to the park to see his friends!
Have fun with him! Best,

[David and Franklin]

We had a "first" today. I put him on the bed with me and we took a nap. He is usually too high strung for that. My last dog, Boomer, laid at the foot of the bed during a year in which I was very sick. That 45 minutes of rest meant a lot to me. As you might have guessed I am incorrigible about allowing my dogs on the bed.

PS: I hope Franklin's coat fills out like Ripley's has.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Not harsh, David, and entirely appropriate to kennel him.  If you went out of the house to work, you would probably be crating him, so ....