[DunkinDoodle]

Hi...I have seen a lot of posts/replies about doodle puppies and how much they should walk and when they can run. So my question is this. We have an almost 5 month old puppy who loves to go to the park and fetch the ball that my husband will chuck. Dunkin runs full speed for it and full speed back. He gets out to do it atleast once a day if not twice. Should we not allow Dunkin to run at the park?

Thanks.

 

[Jac]

Hi!
My personal opinion is that this type of running is okay. It is at his own pace and he does have to release energy...so playing ball is a good way to do that.
I think it might be a bit problematic if he was playing with other dogs and slamming into each other, but it is really hard to control that type of play anyway...and we can only do so much.
I think that jogging is something under our control and that is why it is suggested that we use caution and don't jog with our pups until they are 18 months old.
I think that good common sense comes into play too...you can probably tell just by watching if it is potentially harmful to your pup...like playing frisbee, where they jump high into the air and land on their hind legs...or when they jump off of high landing areas...things like that.

 

[Cinnamon's Mom]

Why aren't puppies supposed to run and play? I don't think I've ever heard this one. Is it a fear of injury?

 

[Jac]

Hi Cin, Yes, puppies are supposed to run and play...
There can be problems in dogs that grow quickly, as do Labradoodles, because if the play is too rough or if they are jogging/jumping and landing on hind legs, running up and down stairs...they can get injuries to their hips and joints. Sometimes these injuries can last a lifetime.
So, it is suggested that these types of activities, if done at all, are not part of your pup's routine until the pup is at least 18 months old.
Some people/vets do disagree with this...but my vet (the PennHip specialist) is the one who told me about the caution...and I trust his knowledge and judgment.