How much exercise is too much?

[Diva'sOwner]

I know that Rotties should not run for exerise or do agility until hips are checked and they reach about 18 months. But can puppies play too hard and hurt themselves? I am trying to decide if 6 month old Haley should be able to run and romp with her new puppy and doggie friends. Three times a week we go to a field to meet up with a few (approved by me) pals. I have Haley on a 30 foot leash which I hold or let her drag around while she plays. We typically stay for two hours. I do make her relax in a down stay when i think she needs a break and she spends a lot of time cuddling with the people. But she also jumps and runs and rolls arounds with the others for quite a while. Are these types of very long play sessions okay for her developing joints?

[BostonRott]

Sounds fine to me. I would not leave a line on a dog while it is free running or with other dogs.

[Platzz]

"I do make her relax in a down stay when i think she needs a break and she spends a lot of time cuddling with the people."

That's an excellent plan!

It would help all the pups in the play group to take breaks and do some "light" obedience durning the fun time. Just few random sit & downs will work wonders for all.

[kywildcat581]

I thought I had seen it said in an earlier post not to push them - puppy play is fun and exciting as well as excersizing, and tiring. But I believe from what I have read in the past about this issue is to let them play, let a pup be a pup.

I believe the concern of the health issues would come more of an owner who is an everyday jogger getting an 8 week old and strapping a leash on it for a nice morning jog. This would be bad... but as far as Blitz is concerned - he leys down when he gets tired so we let him play. If he gets too far out of line with the play though it is back on the lead and down stay for him. So I agree with the way you are doing it.

The lead being on him running free though can be a dangerous situation - if it were to grab a tree - root - stump - someones foot or worse.. car? I would think twice about this or the rott may get more than he bargained for