The next time you’re in search of a fitness partner to help keep you motivated and on track – look to one of the most important members of your family..your dog!
Did you know that dog owners are more likely to exercise daily than non-dog owners? A study in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health reported that dog owners are 34 percent more likely than non-dog owners to get the exercise they need.
Exercise isn’t just important for us, it’s important for our four-legged friends too! More than 52 percent of dogs in this country are overweight or obese, according to the Association for Pet Obesity. Compare that to people, with 33 percent of Americans being obese as reported by the Centers for Disease Control. In Berrien County alone, 71 percent of our population is overweight or obese.
So what if you and your dog could get fit together? Good news, you can!
Exercising with your dog enhances your relationship and allows you to:
- Spend quality time together
- Burn energy
- Learn good manners
- Communicate better
- Relieve boredom
- Reduce behavioral problems
Your dog truly looks forward to it, and they’re excellent motivators because who can say “No” to an eager face and wagging tail?
So what type of exercises can you do with your dog? Walking and running are common exercises that pets and owners can do together. Walking or running outside improves your dog’s mental health by stimulating their sense of smell. You can always increase the intensity by adding intervals of high-stepping or sprinting. Playing catch or Frisbee with your dog are great exercises too!
You can also try cardio and strength exercises to get both of your hearts pumping such as:
- Reverse lunges: With your dog sitting down in front of you, lower your body into a lunge as if you were kneeling down on one knee. Then, ask your dog for its paw to shake. Alternate sides.
- Side shuffles: With your dog on a leash, shuffle from side to side across the floor or ground, having your dog travel with you.
- Push-ups: Ask your dog to sit or lay on the ground while you perform as many push-ups as you can. Then, have your dog do “doggy push-ups” where you have them sit, lay down, and sit again.
Be sure not to overexert yourself or your pets when you’re exercising. There are some telltale signs that you and your dog should slow down.
Pay close attention to breathing patterns. You may be working too hard if you’re too breathless to carry on a conversation. Your dog may need to slow down if they’re breathing fast or panting heavily. Dogs may also stagger or refuse to follow you.
If this happens, don’t stop moving! Rather, slow down and walk or march in place. Bring water and a foldable drinking bowl with you because like people, dogs are susceptible to dehydration and heat exhaustion.
Join the Conversation: What is your favorite way to get in shape with your dog?