exercise

Question
Hello, I have a 4mo old white german shepherd. She is quite the perfect dog but I am worried that I may be exercising her too much. We live in a neighborhood with some "hilly" roads and there is a 0.6mi loop I've been walking her around 1 or 2 times daily depending on how tired she is. We've also did 1mile trips here and there. I"m worried tho due to her recent behavior..everytime I bring out the harness and start to put it on her she just lays down and drops her ears back in a submissive stance and acts like she dosent want to go. Once we get out and start she is fine but its just getting her out the door. Could we be doing to much with her at this age. I'm so afriad of not exercising enough or to much. She often times naps after our walks but only for maybe 30 mins to and hour.

Answer
As you report, the dog is fearful (unwilling) to participate when you take out her harness.  At three months, her orthopedic issues (while yet unable to be identified medically) may still be present and there might be some pain involved in heavy exercise.  She is still a baby.  I think a mile and a half walk for a puppy this age is too severe but I strongly suggest you take her to the veterinarian and ask for him/her to help you plan a safe exercise regimen for this dog as she gets older.  Meanwhile, you have some remediation to do: make putting the harness on a rewarding experience by associating it with a tiny food treat, then take the harness off and do nothing.  Repeat this a few times a day, randomly, until the dog is clearly excited to see her harness.  Take her outdoors once in a while after putting the harness on (but be certain to food reward) and walk briefly, bring a squeaky toy and toss it around for her, end game and go in the house.  Be sure to socialize her very heavily off your property to other people, dogs, places, every day through the next three to four months, if possible, or at least three days a week. The friendlier she is, the better a companion and protector she will be.  The GSD is one of my favorite breeds and the white GSD can be an exceptional companion, but heavy socialization and positive reinforcement training are not options: they are mandatory.  For information on how to best interact with and teach your dog, go to Dr. Ian Dunbar's site, DogStarDaily.com, which has a Sirius Puppy Training course free of charge, with videos and extensive instructions.