Do not take your puppy running until after he is 18 months old that is when their growth plates in their joints close.
Given this statement relative to my own personal example(s) and experience, should you have directed it at that, I realize that perhaps my point was not all that clear since, admittedly ironic, I foolishly assumed that commonsensical assumptions would have prevailed regarding my suggestion(s) of "play/running/exercise". So if I did lack the required clarity to define the meaning of the play exercising/running my wife and I would engage in with our dobe (post thread#5) and you perhaps got the impression that I was suggesting to take the pup out for jogs or runs, I apologize for that and I'd like to further clarify.
First off to all and specifically the OP, I was not implying nor was I suggesting going for a run/jog with your pup at such young age, so please do not do that. Equally, in response to the OP and the OP's situation, I do make the assumption that no one on here meant that in any way either. However it is possible that I'm incorrect, but I'm speaking for myself and others can perfectly choose to respond otherwise.
Even though, different interpretations do exist therefore my examples/suggestion etc may have been "murky" or could've been misconstrued. So, to be clear-er, the point in my post that I was emphasizing was the energy level of dobe pups (up to 2 years of age and sometimes beyond), and that contending with the pups energy, albeit in a most creative way to not be harmful, is what will most probably alleviate much of the grief the OP was experiencing, as this should also help in the trust and bonding that needs to happen.
Secondly, the "play-exercise" with Shadow progressively started as active play in our yard when he was 3 or 4 months old. Prior to this, and for the remainder of his life, we took him out for walks several times a day, naturally, starting with short distances etc; which I'll assume some level of common sense in all owners and not have to define, and detail every phase. Even though, it goes without saying though I still sadly see this happen... what I feel is most important regarding walking a young pup, when your pup stops and refuses to go forward DON'T DRAG THE PUP!!! Don't force him or her in any way, pick-em up and carry him/her. I would safely presume that everyone on here knows better than to do this. Anyhow, walk with your dog every day, even if only in your yard... this is applicable and effective with ANY dog, and so this equally counts for exercise; + every walk can be a training opportunity, practicing proper commands you've learnt (hopefully in puppy training and/or with a book) applying the subsequent sage principles suggested by Patches Mom, as with what everyone else has suggested in terms of obedience training with a trainer.
Thirdly, I'd like to highly emphasize and reiterate the success we had earlier in Shadow's development of self play especially when he was younger, whether it is agreed upon or not, with those rubbery squeaky toys from the petshop that Shadow would incessantly jump on, pounce, and throw about the house for hours on end. It worked very well for us as it would get some of his compulsive puppy energy out.
Please do understand, as I bring caution to the over exuberance of some who may have the tendency to believe more is better, as it is generally not true, especially in what I'm discussing herein... that you need to astutely "read" your pups energy level during play-exercise at all times, as we did, and to not push him in ANY way beyond his energy level. There are many signs to look out for which, for me, seem evident, but nonetheless look for him drifting his attention after a while during vigorous play (which may also mean that he/she needs to "go"), either running off in a completely different direction seeking a break from play and/or seeking water. Inside our home, after Shadow had indicated enough play on his own, he would head off to lay down on our tile flooring, and not the carpet because it was cooler for his body, or sometimes he'd head off for his water bowl then the tile floor, or sometimes he'd jump up on his couch, and then I knew he was good for a while. Outside, when he had enough, he would look for shading under a tree etc, but I'm sure you'll become familiar with the signs he gives off.
Lastly, when we did PROGRESSIVELY increase his "play-exercise" to the stated soccer field - again, I reiterate that this, in and of itself, was equally progressive and completely directed by his own accord and energy level - in my recollection, he was just over 7 months old, so he was older than your pup, when we started this type of play. Even if he's younger, you can still bring him to a field and get him to run around after something for a little bit at a time, like a ball or a toy he likes (be creative), just stop when he shows tiredness, sit beside him and bond with him... oh, but he will still "nip" even when he's beat, just a little less though.
When we first started this type of play, we did it for about a few minutes at a time and then it progressed to longer, but at his pace. It actually started by me kicking a soccer ball around, as I enjoy playing soccer. This type of play naturally got him interested in the ball, and I would play with him trying to "deak" him out, dribbling the ball with and between my feet and trying to run past him... So, please understand that there was no running or jogging him on a leash involved, nor do I condone this, or, have I ever remotely suggested you go running with your pup at his age. That said, when Shadow was about 14 months, I started going for short 10 min slow paced jogs with him and subsequently longer... that is, of course, until my vet diagnosed his DCM, and naturally I stopped bringing him for jogs, or any form of exercise that would excite him.
At any rate, please, Patches Mom, as I'll assume you strictly meant not to jog/run until AFTER he/she is past 1.5 years of age, could you point me, via pm, to that particular reference and/or link stating this since I'd really like to have more details on the findings. Did it come from an orthopedic vet/medical paper of sorts? If so, please do send me the link, should you not mind.
Thank you for your input as it enticed me to clearly specify what I was, and was not, suggesting.
