How much to excercise my 7 month old lab

Question
Hi there,

I have a seven month old lab and I  am eager to run and hike with him.  My friend who has a lab has warned me not to run with him until he is 1 or do short runs where he isn't on a leash so he can run, walk and stop whenever he wants to the repetative motion isn't occuring to cause hip displasia.

Can you tell me what is the right thing to do for my dog?  I don't want to hurt him.

Thanks
Lynne'

Answer
Your friend isn't quite right, but no, don't do extensive running for now.  It is less likely to cause hip displasia than soft tissue injuries.  

What can cause joint and other problems is overweight.  Your dog definitely should be narrower at the waist than the hips and chest. You should be able to easily feel the ribs, but not see them. Each dog is different. Standard recommendations are a good place to start, but each dog must have its food and exercise adjusted to its individual needs. Here is a link to a good illustrated guide, http://www.longliveyourdog.com/twoplus/RateYourDog.aspx  An early switch to adult chow helps too.  Go ahead if you are still feeding a puppy chow.