Are You Fit for Your Dog? Exercise Habits for You

You’ve probably heard this axiom before: dogs often look like their owners (or vice versa). And there is truth to this especially looking at physical fitness. Is your dog overweight? This suggests he or she is not getting enough exercise. Does this mean that maybe you aren't getting enough exercise either? Dog exercise is healthy for you as well as your dog.

Studies show that dog owners tend to be healthier than those how don't. Clearly, this is because dogs have needs and we have to get up to take care of them: whether it's feeding them, exercise, giving attention or bathroom duty.

Don’t fight those needs--go with it!! You and your dog will be better for it. And a dog definitely needs exercise--at least a walk to exercise them as well as to let them use the bathroom. More active and mentally busy dog breeds really need high activity (running, chasing, pulling) as well as challenging activity (chasing after, retrieving, following commands, navigating obstacles).

But taking care of your dog's needs, you will find you have no choice but to move your body more often, which keeps your body healthy.

Did you know that the average dog owner that walks their dog on a regular basis is going to cover more ground than those who just hit the gym to work out. Studies suggest that dog owners walk about 650 miles per year--just from dog walking! The same studies find that the average gym member on treadmills only covers about 450 miles per year.

Even if you split the detail with your kids or spouse or other household member, you are five times more likely to stick to your daily routine of exercising than you are just going to the gym. Furthermore, dog owners, according to some studies, return to their resting heart rates faster than their gym counterparts because they are used to the speeding up and slowing down that comes from walking the dog.

Experts say finding an exercise buddy can be a great motivator for people who have trouble sticking with a workout routine in particular a routine that involves being outside. Let your canine companion be your partner.  They won't chat your ear off or be embarrassed by your workout clothes or complain about the route you choose. Furthermore, they will usually be more excited about it than you and be disappointed if you two don't go out. This motivation (guilt, whatever you want to call) is great and can be enough to get you off the couch. 

Stress Reduction
We love our pets. They reduce our stress. They provide us with great companionship and affection. Just petting your dog will lower your stress level.

And exercise reducing stress. So why not double up! Get your pooch out and spend time with him or her while you exercise your heart.

Not to mention exercise reduces your dog’s stress which means less whining, less fighting, less jumping, less tearing up things and less bad behaviors.