Up to 50% of dogs in the U.S. are overweight. Studies show that 70.9% of men and 61.9% of women are as well. Overweight dogs and people are both at risk for health problems, from arthritis to heart disease. So, this may be a challenge you and your pet can face and overcome together. Research shows that people who exercise with their dogs are more likely to stick to a fitness program. There are also many ways to exercise together. Maybe one works better than another for you and your dog. Or a mix of different activities may help to keep things interesting.
You MUST be aware of the kind of movement your breed is best suited for. For example, short muzzle dogs like Shih Tzus and bulldogs can only do short sprints due to breathing issues. Most greyhounds, though great runners, favor sprints also, not distance runs. Of course, mixed breeds will probably have a mix of traits and behaviors. A little research and talking to your vet can help determine your dogs capability. Please remember that puppies have bones that are too soft for much distance running. It’s generally agreed that 1.5 years old and above is best for running.
Walking
Walking your dog is a no brainer. Fresh air, good company, and a way to see what’s going on in the neighborhood. Yet, I’m always amazed that many people don’t walk their dog, but rather let their pup out in the yard for a few minutes. Would you like to be cooped up indoors all day and just let out for a few minutes?
A longer, more adventurous walk with a good pace burns calories, builds confidence in your dog. It also builds a stronger heart, lower blood pressure, and denser bones. In dogs, regular walks can also reduce common problems like destructive behavior. Destructive behavior is often the result of too much energy and not enough exercise. Start slowly your first few times out. Build up the pace and distance over time.
Jogging
Though running with your dog can present obstacles (like when they want to stop and smell stuff every few minutes) it can also be incredibly rewarding. Embrace the pauses. While your dog is doing his/her thing you can stretch, check your stats on your exercise app, or just admire the scenery. It’s very interesting the things you notice when you pause… and look around.
Walking a dog that’s hard to control is unpleasant, but an unruly dog may even be dangerous to run with. You’ll have to train them with treats to stay on one side and not pull on the leash. This training behavior is best started while walking then expanded to running.
Verbal cues are helpful here, too. Very short voice commands such as “C’mon” to speed up and “Whoa” to slow down, will help the dog know what to do if used consistently. I was always told to limit voice commands to one word for optimal results. So “C’mon” may be better than “Let’s go”, and “Whoa” better than “Okay stop”.
There are amazing dog trainers like Cesar Milan “The dog whisperer”, Paul Owens “The original dog whisperer”, and my wife’s favorite, TV show Lucky Dog’s star Brandon McMillan (she also loves Cesar). You can access their dog training tips for free on Youtube, or in their books and videos.
Here are some sources for training :
Lucky Dog training videos on Youtube.
Lucky Dog, Cesar Milan and Paul Owens Training Books
Gear for the run
I was going to invent this leash/belt combo. Really. I was thinking about it. 10 years ago I planned to go to an ARMY/NAVY store and buy an ammo belt with hooks on it, then hook a leash up to it so I could go hands-free. But this product is better than my idea (that never got off the ground).
I’ve tried this hands-free leash/belt combo. It’s pretty great! It stretches and has a belt that adjusts from 28″ – 49″. You still have to carry the poop bags though!
Bike Riding
Riding a bike to exercise your dog is more challenging but can give them a better workout. Just be careful you don’t give them too much exercise. You’re on a bike and your dog is running and working much harder. Watch your dog for signs of exhaustion like excessive panting or lagging behind.
Common sense tells us to begin by teaching our dog to walk alongside the bike until comfortable and not pulling on the leash. Again, reward your dog with treats and verbal praise when they stay where you want them to be. Then slowly ride with the same kind of reinforcement.
The EasyRide Dog Bike Leash Set by Malabi. Engineers who love dogs made this quick-release, bike leash for the smoothest ride possible.
Hiking
Hiking with a dog on a trail makes me think of how life may have been when wolves were first domesticated. They would help hunt, forming a symbiotic relationship with man. We hunt together. We eat together. Maybe it’s just me, but this activity strikes a primal nerve.
And lucky you if there are hiking opportunities near by. You and your dog will love it. Wild animal smells for your dog, and new, stimulating terrain for both of you. Keep up a good pace and wear insect protection from mosquitoes and ticks. Lyme disease from the deer tick is a serious concern in many parts of the country.
If your trails have very rough surfaces, consider buying a set of dog booties to protect your dogs paws.
Other Activities
Dog parks are a great way for you to exercise and socialize your dog at the same time. Having a dog that’s comfortable and not aggressive with other dogs is the goal. In dog parks, all the dogs exercise each other. You can just watch and take it easy!
Not sure where the dog parks are in your area? There’s an app for that! Park Bark is the free app that helps find dog parks near you!
The Automated Ball Tosser is a great invention. You don’t even have to be involved. Once you train your dog to drop the ball in the bowl you can sit back and enjoy the show.
Playing fetch in a backyard or field with a tennis ball or Frisbee is a time honored source of exercise. Though it’s more exercise for your dog than for you.
Treadmill. People have even trained their dog to get on the treadmill. It makes sense during rainy, icy, or very hot days.
Safety first!
To help keep your dog safe and running with you, keep the following tips in mind:
- Dog’s like consistency. Try to develop an exercise routine that’s realistic and considers your other commitments.
- Warm-up your dog before your run and cool him down by walking for several minutes.
- Be aware of weather conditions. Dogs can’t handle heat and humidity as well as humans can.
- Carry water and offer it to your dog regularly.
- Give your dog frequent breaks: Bathroom breaks. Smelling breaks.
- Only allow your dog to run off-leash where it’s safe and legal.
- Watch your dog for signs that he’s had enough, such as excessive panting or lagging behind you.
Why 6 legs are better than 2
Exercising with a partner is always a helpful tool in getting fitter. Your dog will be happy to get out and do an activity with you and will never call and cancel at the last minute. Just be good exercise partners by watching out for each other. If you can consistently get out and exercise, you will see results and you both will both be better for it.