Make Your Dog Your Exercise Buddy

Start Exercising with Your Canine Friend

Are you interested in starting an exercise program, or increasing your level of exercise? How about exercising with your dog? Dog's are terrific exercise buddies. A dog's enthusiasm can be contagious, making them extremely motivating for walkers, runners and joggers. Dogs love to get out an play and be active and they love reminding you to get off the sofa and start exercising.

When you start on an exercise program with your "best friend" consider their special needs, so you can both get your heart rate going and improve your health.

1. Consider your dog's physical characteristics, age and condition. If you and your dog have gotten sedentary, start gradually, for both of your sakes. If you have an older, heavier dog, they will need to start gradually, and take off the weight and develop the muscles, just like you do. The difference is that they have shorter legs. A small dog may not be able to take you for a mile's walk, but even a short walk is beneficial to both of you. Small or older dogs probably aren't going to keep up with a jogging program, but will enjoy a good walk.

2. Keep consistent, for both of your sakes. It is better to get regular exercise of short duration, then to take a three mile walk once a month. Overdoing it on occasion will result in sore, tired muscles for both of you, but will probably be harder on your dog. Spending a ten or twenty minute walk with your dog daily is better then getting overambitious sporadically and risking injury. Your pet will love the daily time together and so will you. Gradually, you can increase the amount of time and distance.

3. Proper vaccinations are important, as you and your dog will likely encounter other people and dogs of the sidewalks and trails. While you are getting the vaccinations, check with your vet to make sure that your pet is in physical condition to start a regular exercise regime.