Jeannette
At eight months old, he's still a pup. Be very careful about trying to muscle him up. To much, to soon, could do more harm than good.

Jeanette,

I am delighted to hear that your major worry about your dog was unfounded.

I think us dog lovers are all the same - we always imagine the worst <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I hope now that you will be able to enjoy life with your dog.

All the very best,
Gwen

Thanks for support everyone!! I love this board <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> !! Everyone is really wonderful!!!!!

OK enough slobbering <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> !!

I will tell you all that if the breeder hadn't relocated herself 3 states away I would have been tempted to drive over and slap the
B#$%& <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> !!

As far as the conditioning is concerned, I had the same worry, which I shared w/Dr. Whitefield(remember, he is a renowned ortho vet). He assured me that if I work up his fitness level SLOWLY and steady, with staight walking, swimming , or jogging(no jarring rough and tumble running and playing as is usually between him and Bella)that he will be fine.He explained that his shoulders are under muscled and that good muscle tone helps to support the skeletal system and(regarding the hips)will help keep the bones tight in the socket.

Sooo, a walking we will go!! Believe me, w/ 4 kids I don't have the time to over do it anyway!! My dog time is my escape time!!( other than the times I do some per diem work in my field!!)

Thanks for the words of caution OED!!!!