60% of people who start an exercise program with their dog stay
with it at least a year. That makes exercising with your dog smart for
both of you. Photo: Weider Pet Health
Research shows that people who diet and exercise with their pet stick to it, well, like a dog with a bone!
A study at Northwestern Memorial Hospital revealed that more than 60% of people who began an eating and exercise program with their pets stuck to the program for a year.
Fortunately, here in Silicon Valley there are several options for people and their dogs to exercise together.
Dog parks are for the dogs of course, but walking there and doing a mild workout with your dog is a good social and physical activity. And the Humane Society Silicon Valley has social events for dogs and their owners.
Society Dog out of Los Gatos has weekly walks for dogs and their owners, a nice way to relieve stress and socialize both you and your pooch.
The K9 Outdoor Adventure Club organizes easy, moderate and strenuous hikes for people and their dogs.
Or, if you're a more adventurous person and your dog is in good physical condition, check out Bay Area Hikers recommendations for good places to hike with your dog.
Anytime you go out with your dog for exercise, remember a few important tips: dogs are lower to the ground than you are. Keep them hydrated, don't over tax them, the rule "no pain no gain" does NOT apply to your canine companion. Dogs aren't little people, and don't belong on treadmills or other exercise equipment just so you can film them for YouTube. Each breed has its own restrictions that might include special warnings about their heads, necks, backs or legs. Talk to your vet about what is best for your breed. An out-of-shape dog, aged dog, or couch potato pooch needs acclimation.
Click here for some dog fitness ideas that help keep you in shape too.
Comments
Great article Amy! We love our dogs here and they do make keeping fit more fun. Unless you have one dog who leaps at the chance of a long walk and another who must be dragged off his down feather bed - just kidding about the down feathers but he is a bit of a lazy bum.
Sonja, love your dog tales. I would totally believe it if you gave a dog a down feather bed....we soooo pamper our pets. I take my down comforter off the bed every summer, and the cat likes to claim it for his own during those months.
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