To start running or not? that is the question...

[DoodleDogLeo]

I have a 5 month old male Doodle named Leo. I have heard competing answers as to when is the most appropriate time to start taking him on runs with me. I do not want him to get injured in the course of exercising so I wanted to know if anyone has any insight.

Typically, I run to 3-5miles at a time. Thank you for your Help.

[M&Tdoodles]

Ide wait until after at least one year. This web site is helpful explaining hip dysplasia..Do not take any chances with your young puppies hips.

Category Canine Hip Dysplasia @ Canine Hips – Canine Hip Dysplasia Information

[lindamarie]

Thank you, Martha.
We all have been in the "wait mode" with our pups. It's not easy because we want to just jump in and do all the cool things doodles can do right away......but it's far better to wait until we can't hurt them.

[deepnite10]

though i take Toby out for alot of walks..i rarely encourage him to run more than a few times a week..he ll do a few 200 s a couple time s week and run with the neighborhood dogs and that s about it..

unless you do most of your running on grass..id refrain from allowing any dog to grind out a couple miles on a hard surface..

[lindamarie]

unless you do most of your running on grass..id refrain from allowing any dog to grind out a couple miles on a hard surface..

This was the point everyone got through to me, at this forum, when Bogart was a pup.
I don't run per se, but I speed walk 3-6 miles and I couldn't wait to take Bogart along.
I also was advised about the hard surface on sidewalks and streets as being most harmful.
That's a little tough to get the dog on the grass while you are on a hard surface....most likely. Plus, I think the distance, at that young an age, can be harmful.