In the immortal words of comedian Will Rogers, “I love dogs because they do nothing for political reasons.”
Although they might make terrible running mates for office they make for great jogging partners. And that’s simply because your dog loves you, and they enjoy bonding with you through physical activity. So if you’re planning to lurch from your couch to the road in search of fitness and you’re looking for someone with the same amount of commitment — too often both the flesh and the spirit are weak — it’s wildly smart to consider your dog.
One partner that won’t let you down on the track is your faithful dog. He’s usually ready, willing and able to help you shed that extra weight you may have packed on, or to help you maintain the physique you’ve sweated so much for.
However, before you grab your running shoes and his leash, there are a few things you’ll want to remember:
He may be as out of shape as you, so go easy. Before starting him out on your exercise program, have him checked by a veterinarian (his heart, lungs, joints, etc.). By the way, if you haven’t been exercising for some time, you may want to consider a checkup as well.
Start out slowly and build up endurance.
Warm him up by walking first, followed by a short jog. Let him cool down with a walk at the end.
Watch him carefully for any signs of discomfort. Dogs are eager to please and yours will be thrilled to be out running with you. Unlike you, they’ll ignore or even be unaware of pain. If you see him struggling or tiring, walk.
Mind the weather. Dogs cannot tolerate heat as efficiently as you can. Consequently, they’re at greater risk for heat stroke or dehydration during warm weather. The best time to jog is early in the morning or the evening, to avoid the hottest time of day.
Bring enough water for yourself and your dog.
Exercise unleashes serious benefits for humans and pets alike —especially when you get moving together.
“Working out with your dog encourages you to stick to an exercise plan, and it incorporates him into more areas of your life, enhancing your bond,” says Robin Dupree, a certified dog trainer with VIP Pet Sitting.
It’s also an ideal way to keep everyone in your family healthy. After all, the obesity epidemic isn’t exclusive to humans — an estimated 45 percent of dogs in the U.S. are overweight or obese.
Before you team up for a workout, check with your vet and take into account your dog’s breed, age, and health. Exercise is especially taxing for older dogs and brachycephalic breeds — the ones with short or flat noses, like bulldogs and pugs.
Don’t under estimate the power of walking your pets either. It pays off for the owner too — in a study by the George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services, dog walkers faired a stronger body mass index and were less likely to suffer from chronic conditions and depression symptoms than those who didn’t walk their pets.
Dupree says there’s also a new trend barking up the fitness tree. It’s called Doga, whereby your dog takes part in the yoga on your mat.
“It’s a spiritual bonding experience with your pet and since dogs are social by nature it’s another activity that can reduce behavioral problems down the road,” she said. And just like that, you and your dog will have established a working exercise routine.
After all, it’s important to remember that if you give a dog what it needs, it will give you what you want.