You should not run your puppy until he is at least 18 months old. (Not formally run him I mean, like biking or jogging) or encourage jumping.

You can play fetch, free running with other dogs, etc. But it sounds like you are aware of the insane exercise requirements of the working dog... so this is great. I dont see why your dog can't go running with you when he's older. Dogs are great running partners because they are so reliable - they don't care if it's raining or you're tired. ;-)

 Quote: molly patterson

Our vet recommended that we feed him Nutro Natural Choice dog food, but after reading more on the Leerburg site, I am thinking we should switch him to raw food....

Also, I am an avid runner and I would love to take Bazino jogging with me. How old should a dog be before he starts distance running? I don’t want to hurt my puppy by running him too far too soon. I would love to have him eventually be able to run 5-7 miles w/ me. Is this realistic?

Molly - GO RAW!! There's LOADS of info on this site to help you get started and make sure Bazino is getting everything he needs, and I guarantee it'll make you feel better every time you prepare his dinner!

About the running - 7 months is too young for sustained running alongside you. He's still growing and you don't want to put too much stress on his joints at this age or you could end up with injuries or ortho problems in the future. Most say 12 months is a good time to START serious exercise (some wait 15 months, though the wait time increases with the size and weight of your dog and 12 is probably fine for your boy's size). When you do start, start slow with short runs and build up his strength and stamina - 5-7 miles is roughly 45-60 minutes of running, which he'll be prefectly capable of, once he's conditioned for it.

For now, walks and bits of self initiated off leash running or ball chasing (if you can let him off safely anywhere) will allow him to burn off energy while not restraining him to the rigor of a proper "run". As long as he can stop the minute he gets tired, he'll keep himself in check and shouldn't over exert himself. (Sometimes these bouncy young ones need their humans to remind them to take it easy though - remember, he's still got a fair amount of growing left to do .)

I trail run with my dog - we waited 15 months because he's a big 90lb boy - but it's one of the most wonderful things we do together, and it's great exercise for us both. This winter we did 13 miles together without a problem - he's 2.5 years old now and I'm hoping we'll be running together for a long time to come.

~Natalya

Thanks Natalya! I look forward to running with Bazino when he is old enough. Have a great time on the trail with your dog this summer.

 Quote: Molly Patterson

Our vet recommended that we feed him Nutro Natural Choice dog food, but after reading more on the Leerburg site, I am thinking we should switch him to raw food.

My dogs both ate Nutro Natural Choice dry dog food up until a few weeks ago-now they are eating raw and loving it! My GSD doesn't pick at her food anymore(eats heartily!) White, sharp teeth, small stools, less smell on breath, and a happy dog is good enough for me to stick with it.

Good luck with your new boy!

 Quote: Angela Burrell

Whatever he is, he's beautiful. Thanks for rescuing a dog and giving him a great home.

Ditto!!

Also, wow Carol, Rock is a really beautiful dog also.

Hi
My Fred is a Dutch Bred Shepherd, his colour is Wolf grouw
Or as we know it Sable. If i could get a photo of him on the forum you can see the shape of him he is now six and a half months old the last photo taken was at four months old,
But i am that thick with computers although a couple of members have tried to help me i have failed badly to get to grips with putting a photo on
Steve

Steve I am assuming you are meaning you have a Dutch bred German Shepherd? A Dutch Shepherd is a different breed entirely and is brindle in color. I have never heard of a sable dutch shepherd

Mike: He has a German Shepherd from a Dutch breeder of German Shepherds.

Gotcha.

R U now a permanent runaway, Mike?