10 Great Exercises for You and Your Dog

The obesity epidemic - We hear about it all the time on the television and on the radio. Everyone seems to want to get fit and healthy, but if that's the case, why aren't more people doing it? Bottom line is that we all have excuses. We love to procrastinate. In fact, one of the hardest things about getting fit is staying motivated. Luckily for you, your best friend can make the perfect motivator!

Ferreting Out the Fat

So you know you need to diet. The first step in losing weight, both for you and your pup, is to go through and take a look at what the two of you are eating. It goes without saying that you want to cut out some of the obvious unhealthy foods in your own diet, but you want to make sure you do the same for your four-legged friend. Not only do you want to cut out the table scraps (most of which are terribly unhealthy for him anyhow), but you also want to take a look at the ingredients in his dog food. Interesting to note is that I have fed my dogs Beneful's Healthy Weight for a couple of years now, with good results, but a mere month at my mother's and her insistence upon feeding everyone a teaspoon to a tablespoon of wet meat in the morning and night, and my pups are showing a definite weight gain. It doesn't take much!

Also be sure to check your puppy's treats and limit them to special times or as a means of positive reinforcement for good behavior. I usually look for natural treats that contain fruits and vegetables - they may cost a bit more and don't look as fancy, but my dogs eat them up, and I know it's better for them.

Walk the Dog

One of the best things that you can do for both you and your dog, is getting out and going for a brisk daily walk. Walking your dog can give both of you more energy and a better attitude (believe it or not, walking lowers your risk of depression). Walking is also heart-healthy, lowering your blood pressure and strengthening your heart, as well as strengthening your bones. Even better? Walking can also help to prevent many behavior problems in dogs - most of which they engage in, out of a mixture of boredom and frustration.

Before starting on a walking regimen, talk to both your doctor and your veterinarian to make sure that it's safe for you to start an exercise program. Once you get the go-ahead, then take your time and start out slow. As you walk, gradually increase your speed as well as the length of your walks, paying close attention to your own fatigue as well as that of your pet. Also be careful walking on pavement or concrete in the hot sun - remember that we wear shoes, but they don't have that protection.

A Daily Run

Jogging is a great form of exercise for some people but, for others, it's not always an option. The same goes for dogs - Before you decide to take your dog out for a daily jog, be sure that he's not only physically fit enough to keep up, but also keep in mind whether or not he's built for speed. Some breeds, such as Labradors and Golden Retrievers are great jogging partners - but you definitely won't get far if you try to jog with your Basset Hound!

If you get the okay from your vet and you want to take your dog for a run, remember to break him into it slowly. Dogs shouldn't start a daily running program until they are fully grown - otherwise, they are at risk of stretching or tearing ligaments, suffering painful conditions like luxations of the patella. Even with an adult dog, you want to treat them like a professional running partner - Set aside 30 minutes for your daily run. The first 5 minutes should be a gradual warm-up, allowing you and your dog to stretch out a bit. 20 minutes can be spent jogging, but make sure you set aside at least 5 minutes of the run for a cool-down. Also, be sure to bring a doggie dish and some water for your four-legged friend, as well as for yourself!

Do the Mashed Potato!

Alright... chances are, your happy hound isn't going to rock out to Chubby Checker and do the Twist, but doggie dancing (also known as musical freestyle) is certainly gaining popularity. Helping to burn calories as it gets the blood pumping, dancing with your dog is an ideal pastime for those who want to get out and get some exercise, but don't have the time (or desire) to go for long daily walks.

Doggie freestyle dancing is also great because it gets you and your pet off the couch, out of the house and socializing with others, as well as creating a great conversation topic. After all, it's not everyone who can say they get out there a cut a rug with their best friend!

Everyone Loves a Frisbee Dog

Whether you toss it in the dog park or you join an official Disc Dog team, Frisbee is a great pastime that you can enjoy with your dog. Not only does your dog get to burn off some extra calories (and extra energy), the exercise will also help strengthen his heart, improve his stamina, and help make him more coordinated. Frisbee is also a great exercise, because it helps with training and strengthens the bond between you and your dog.

My only downfall with this activity is that it isn't always the best form of exercise for the owner - Good Frisbee dogs tend to do most of the work, running and jumping around. You won't get quite as much of a workout, while playing Frisbee with your dog - unless you have a dog like my old pal, Mikey, who believed a good game of Frisbee included a rousing bout of "I Caught the Frisbee, Now You Try and Catch Me!"

Swim Your Way to Healthy

One of my favorite things, as a child, was going swimming. I didn't care where I swam - whether it was in the pool, the river or the pond out back. So long as I could paddle around, I was thrilled. Of course, my canine companion was always right beside me on all my adventures - If I went jumping off a horse's back into the middle of the pond, he was doggie-paddling his way out there to meet me. Ahhh life on a farm!

Water was always a favorite form of exercise for me, mainly because I suffer from two trick knees. Swimming and various water exercises offer a non-concussive form of exercise that doesn't put any pressure on the joints. Of course, swimming isn't the sport for every dog - some breeds are better adapted to the water than others. If you do want to try swimming with your dog, go slow and easy, rewarding them with treats for good behavior. Never throw your dog into the water and always ensure he only has to swim short distances at a time - dogs can tire very easily in the water. You want to keep it a positive experience for you and your canine companion.

What the Heck is Doga?

Doga is a new program that's been slowly gaining popularity across the country. A great way of strengthening the pet/owner bond, Doga basically involves incorporating your beautiful Boston into your morning yoga stretches and workout routine. Including your pet in various Hatha yoga exercises, some canine companions find it peaceful and relaxing. Just be prepared - it's not for the hyper, get up and go kind of dog and it probably won't help remove any pounds from your portly pup.

Visiting the Local Dog Park

This is one of our favorite things to do with our dogs - Provided your dog is friendly with others, has all his shots and knows basic obedience (or at least some manners), a trip to the dog park can be a very fun and rewarding experience...and a good workout for you! Dog parks are excellent for your dog, as they give him the opportunity to play at his own pace and rest as needed, as well as offering cool down stations and shady spots for you to take a break as well.

Woofs and Wheels

Cycling, rollerblading and roller-skating are all great activities that you can participate in, provided you have the coordination not to fall on your butt and a fit, active dog. If you've never tried this with your dog before, however, be ready to take some time and slowly condition your dog, working them up to it. Many dogs are startled or fearful of the wheels and may bolt, pull or jump to the side, all of which may have potential embarrassing and/or painful results for you. However, if you have an active dog that is properly conditioned, it can be a lot of fun to take your dog out for a run, while you ride your bike. Just remember the rule about hot pavement - you may want to invest in some booties for his feet if it gets really hot.

Hiking With Your Hound

If you like picturesque scenery and uphill climbs, taking your dog on a hiking trip can be a lot of fun for you and your canine companion. While not as likely to give you as quick a cardiovascular workout, hiking is excellent for building up the stamina and, trust me, walk uphill enough and you will feel the burn in your legs and backside. Dogs love the opportunity to get out, run about and take in new scents plus, with the lack of everyday distractions, it's an excellent opportunity for you and your four-legged friend to bond.

Canine Agility For the Win

Perhaps one of my favorite forms of exercise for man and beast, alike, are canine agility courses. The reason that I'm so fond of these is, not only do they give you and your canine companion a good workout, but they also work both of your minds. You have to work your mind to remember course patterns and encourage your pup. He has to work out how to do the things you're asking of him. Together, it makes for a fun, exciting and well-rounded workout that will help strengthen the heart, build endurance and strengthen bone. Additionally, it strengthens the bond between you and your dog, making it an ideal all-round activity.

Before You and Woofer Work Out

Before you start any exercise routine, always check with your doctor and with your veterinarian, ensuring that you are both healthy enough to participate in the routine you want to do. Don't be afraid to talk about your ideas and goals, making sure they are within a reasonable limit. Your doctor will tell you if you're pushing too hard, too fast, as will your veterinarian.

Keep your dog's age in mind as well... Chances are, you wouldn't expect your 2 year old to keep up with you in a jog and you wouldn't expect it of your 80 year old grandfather. Make sure you don't exceed your dog's physical limits. Take it slow and gradually work up to goals.

Comfort is everything - When you go out and exercise, you want protective gear, plenty of liquids and protection from the elements. When you take your dog with you, make sure he has the same luxuries. Doing so will help to make his experience all the more fun and, before you know it, he'll be encouraging you to get right out there and exercise with him!

Sources:

Experience with my own dogs through the years

http://www.dogadog.com/ - Examples of Doga poses

http://www.caninefreestylemagicmatch.com/ - Canine Freestyling