Golden pup

Question
I have been devouring every word you write in your answers and have found them all so helpful. One question - how much exercise should my 5 month old golden be getting? I don't want to overdo it. I try to take her on a "walk" with leash, etc., once a day and then take her for a real fun exercise hike/romp in a field later - each one is about 45 minutes long. Is this enough or should I be exercising her more?

Answer
Thank you for your encouraging words.  It wasn't that long ago that I was much lower on the learning curve.  I was very fortunate to have some of the best patiently mentor me.  I feel one way to repay them is to help others.  Besides, I love dogs and can make their lives better by sharing the good practices I have been taught.  

You shouldn't encourage too much running a jumping before a dog is a year or 2 old.  What you are doing sounds good.  Just don't push the dog, quit if it starts lagging.  Many times I have taken a young puppy on a longer walk than it could go.  When it starts to lag, I pick it up.  When it has enough rest to become too squirmy, I put it down.  I wouldn't want to have to carry a 5 month old Golden.