How old?

[DJPUP]

I asked my vet,and she said it was alright to run with DJ. DJ is 4 and a half months old now and we ran the other day a 1/2 mile. Is that ok for a younger dog? Just want to make sure.

Thanks!

[Mom2Many]

What kind of dog is it? In large breed dogs you want to be careful jogging them beyond what they are willing to do, also jogging on grass is much preferrable to jogging on cement, it is easier on the joints. Although you need to exercise your dog to build up muscle and bone strenght don't push the dog, if they are tired stop, or if you notice any irritation in a limb or joint afterwards take it easy for a few days and jog him less.

[oc_spirit]

1/2 mile is fine but I wouldn't go any farther just yet. Although at 5months start builing it up so you're running 2-4 miles by 1year. Make sure you build very slowly though and do NOT ever run on pavement, concrete, or other hard surfaces such as that

[Mellie]

1/2 mile does seem fine for 5 months. But like Mom2many mentioned, you need to be particularly careful with a large or giant breed dog.
And as both Mom2many and OC said, dogs need to be conditioned just like people do. Start slowly and gradually increase your running exercise in increments. At the first sign of ANY stress in your dog, stop and treat it. Hydrate if thirsty, cool down if too hot, etc. Also keep in mind that if you run on concrete, your dog's paws can be injured after wear and tear. Further, a dog will feel heat from a pavement far sooner than a human will, since they are so much closer.
Seek more advice from your vet about your dog's nutrition, as well.
I have been a runner since I was a kid. I have had many wonderful doggy running companions. Some could only go along for a short jog, others would run a marathon if they were in control. I currently have a Saint who only comes along for very short, slow jogs once in a while. My 6 month old Springer, however, will grow to be my true running companion. I have just started 'training' him.
There are many wonderful sites that give helpful hints and advice for running with a doggy companion. Just do a simple google search and you'll find plenty!
Good luck.

[Carrie]

I'd be careful of any lengthy, repitious exercise in a med to lrg. size dog. Jogging is the same size steps, reach, pace....same, same, same. From what I have come to understand, it's much better to have some running freely in a yard, some stopping, some trotting, some walking, bouncing after a ball....that sort of thing for a while. (if it's a larger boned dog.) For walks, I've heard 5 minutes per month of age. But if your vet thinks it's OK, then it must be...unless you want to get a 2nd opinion from another vet.

I did take my Dobe when he was your pup's age for pretty long (1/2 hr to 45 min) off leash walks/runs where he did whatever he felt like doing. He could stop and sniff bushes or rip roar on a trail. He could slow down and trot for a while.

[mulroony]

DJPUP - all depends on the breed, size, speed (some jogs are dif then others) and the pup in general. Listen to what your vet says and go from that. no one from here would be able to give you a certain yes or no.

I would say listen to what was said before and focus on activities that the pup can go at its own pace and enjoy until you can get a final voice from your vet. Love running w/ my pup though, but she does not wear out and picked her (in part, partially because she is so cute) for her ability to go distance.