How Old Does My Dog Need To Be To Run 2 Miles With Me?

This is a very controversial subject-if you ask 5 different veterinarians you will get 5 different answers.  I would ask your veterinarian their opinion.  They have actually examined your dog, felt the hips and elbows--this can help them tailor activity to your individual dogs.  It would also be helpful to know if your dog has a history of elbow or hip dysplasia in its lineage.  Where his parents screened?
As a general rule I tell people it's ok to start light activity at 9-12 months and then full activity at 12-18 months depending upon the individual dogs.  Golden Retrievers are prone to hip dysplasia, if your dog has any early signs radiographically or it "runs in the family" I would be conservative and not start activity until 18 months.  At 18 months the growth plates should be closed.
It is probably ok if you take your dog on short runs and a slow/medium pace.  I would also only run on soft surfaces like dirt or grass instead of pavement which has a higher impact on joints.
I also prophylactically start my large breed dogs on glucosamine chondroitin and fish oil supplements.
Again the best resource is your veterinarian!

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