How to Exercise With Your Dog

With October being “Adopt a Shelter Dog” month, why not talk about all the great ways you can exercise with your dog (present or future). It is has been reported that if you are inactive then your dog is also not active. An inactive dog can lead to the same type of physical problems as with humans such as obesity and diabetes, but it can also lead to behavioral problems such as chewing, excessive barking, and just plain old bad behavior.

As with any decision to start exercising you should consult with your doctor and you should consult with your vet to see if there are any limitations that you should be aware of for you dog.

Cleared for exercise now wha? There are quite a few things you can do with your dog for both of you to get some exercise.

• Walking: Why not start off with the obvious. Walking with your dog is great exercise for both you and them. You should shoot for 30 minutes a day even if you have to break it up into 10-minute segments but try for at least one 20 minute one if you can fit it in. It is always a good idea to try and get longer walk in the morning to help exercise all that pent up energy the dog collected during the night. Plus it has been shown that those who work out in the morning are more consistent in keeping their up with their workouts. Feel like you are not getting enough of a workout? Try running some intervals and walking up hills both of these are great for you and your dog and keep things interesting.
• Running: Again a bit obvious, but nonetheless still a great way for the two of you to get some exercise in. Just make sure you know your dog’s limits and you keep your runs to the number of miles they can handle.
• Hiking: You may not be able to get a hike in every day, but a good long hike on the weekends is great for both you and your dog. The inconstantly of the trails helps to work both you and your dog out in different ways than your everyday walks in town. Added perk of being able to hang out in nature for a couple of hours and see some great views.
• Swimming: This is one where you both need to enjoy the water, but if you do a great way to get some exercise and give your joints a break from all that walking and running.
• Rollerblading/Roller Skating: If this is your favorite choice it should be said that you should be an expert at rollerblading/skating and that your dog should be an expert of heel so they don’t pull you off your path. Even if you are both experts a little caution never hurt anyone.
• Doga: Yep Doga: Dog+Yoga. This is a type of Hatha yoga practice that incorporates stretching, massage, and relaxation. Let’s face it your dog ends up on your yoga mat most yoga sessions at home why not just include them in the practice. Who knows maybe you can finally learn the proper form for Downward Dog.
• Stairs: This is a great way for you and your dog to use different muscles and get a pretty great work out in on days when being outside is just not going to happen or you are short on time.  Outside you could even add some stairs to your daily walk or run. Think Rocky but with a dog by his side.

With all of these activities you need to make sure you are monitoring how your dog is doing; are they hot? Cold? Tired? Thirsty?   Always make sure you carry some water and collapsible bowl for them to drink from don’t forget some water for yourself as well.

It has been shown that owning a pet can make you healthier, but there are a few other perks to working out with your dog. You are creating a greater bond with your dog, they provide as a cute furry reminder that you need to workout. Once you establish a routine with your dog they will force you to continue it by nudging you off the couch or out of bed.

What are you waiting for? Grab your dog (or adopted a shelter one) and get ready to not only look great, feel great, but also have the cutest workout partner on the block.