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I love dogs! Their loyalty is surpassed by no other animal, and I think they really do have the best life – eat, sleep, eat, walk *repeat* It’s a pretty fun existence!
The other thing I love about them is their enthusiasm for walking! It’s never an effort; and they’re raring to go at any given moment, day or night! Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could bottle this enthusiasm for ourselves?
Research has suggested that the secret of achieving and maintaining weight loss comes by having a dog. However, this benefit is not simply by having ownership of a dog, you do actually have to exercise together! The 2006 study by People and Pets Exercising Together (Ppet), found that those who work out with their dogs are more motivated to exercise, lose more weight, and keep it off for longer.
Over a 12-month period dog owners lost an average of 5kg, while the dogs lost an average of 5.5kg. For the owners this was a pretty modest weight loss, however every little helps!
So, why are dogs such great workout partners?
- They are reliable
- They are consistent
- They never make excuses
- They don’t put you down
- They initiate exercise
- They won’t let you forget
- They are enthusiastic about any activity
The other great thing about exercising with your dog is that it won’t necessarily feel like a workout - chasing your dog around the park, or going to the beach to play ball, is so much more fun than slogging away at the gym.
We already know that having a strong support team is extremely beneficial in the implementation of long-term lifestyle changes. Normally the support of family and friends are the first to spring to mind here, however there’s no reason why your dog can’t help too!
The added advantage is that exercise is also extremely beneficial for your animal. It’s estimated that up to 40%, or 17 million dogs in the U.S., are carrying excess weight, but many of their owners aren’t even aware of it. Just as in humans, obesity in dogs causes serious health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis. Therefore, you’ll not only be benefiting your own health, but also that of your pet by being more active together.
Easy tips for being more active with your pet:
#1 Make a new rule to take your dog for a walk each evening after dinner. Try to go for 20 to 30 minutes at a time.
#2 Take every opportunity to be more active - play catch, chase the ball, or play Frisbee in the back yard for a few minutes each day, just make sure your heart rate gets going for best effect.
#3 On weekends maybe you could arrange a visit to the beach or your local park. If possible, bring the whole family for a fun chance to spend quality time with each other.
What are your tips? I’d love to hear what’s been working for you!
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{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Now that the weather is nice I’ve been running (yes actually running) with the dogs. They love it and now instead of just taking them down to do their thing I put the shoes and shorts on and we jog for a mile or so.
I live in the city so I make sure to run down streets where they can run in the grass instead of on the sidewalk to keep their feet safe.
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How about using two heavy dogs, one in each hand, as dumbbells?
@Davey: lol — nice one, really me laugh!
One point in particular jumped out at me and that’s that it’s fun. Exercise is SO much easier to take (and do regularly) when it’s fun.
The other thing about having a dog is that you’re going to feel guilty if you don’t walk him. So he gets you moving even when you’re lacking motivation.
This one made me smile! I hadn’t thought about dogs being such good motivators but you’re right - whatever the weather they’re always keen to get out there!
My two cats on the other hand are useless. They’re curled up on the settee now, avoiding going out and getting wet. No wonder I’ve had to develop my own motivation strategies
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I too love dogs, and everything you said is 100% true when it comes to our dogs. Exercising with them is a lot of fun and good for everyone involved. They are always ready to go play, and always enjoy it. I suggest anyone who has a dog try to take the time to throw a ball or take them for a walk.
My dog has a few arthritis issues but he’s still pretty young. I take time everyday to go outside and throw his bucket (his favorite toy) around the yard. I make sure to run after him and really spend ten or fifteen minutes working up a sweat. I enjoy it and he loves it! plus, its good for us!
my brother just got a dog and he’s been running around with him a lot. that dog has never-ending energy!
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Everyone,
Thank you all for commenting! You’re all making me wish even more that I still had my little dog
@ Boydy - Very funny mate!! You may be onto something there!
@ Sophie - LOL When I was a child I tried to take my cat on a lead!! Needless to say it wasn’t very successful!! Poor thing.