There are more than 65 million pet dogs in the United States, each one of them offering a lifetime of companionship to their owners. But dogs can give much more than just companionship, they can help us to stay fit and healthy too. In fact, whatever their age or breed, dogs can make a perfect workout buddy. Whether you want to start a regular fitness regime or plan to join a PuppyUp Walk, dogs are full of contagious energy and never complain about hills or the weather. In fact, dog owners are 34 per cent more likely to achieve the recommended 150 minutes of weekly exercise compared to non-dog owners. But it’s not just good for us humans; your dog will benefit too.
The benefits for your dog
Exercising with your dog is a great way for you both to strengthen the bond between you as well as keeping fit. But not just that, physical exercise will also help keep your dog’s heart, joints, lungs, circulatory, and digestive systems working well. Exercise helps maintain their weight and burn off excess energy. It can even help with their behavior too. Bored dogs who don’t get enough exercise could develop negative behaviors and habits and also experience increased anxiety. There are many ways that you can exercise with your dog, here are just a few examples.
Get on your bike
If your dog has lots of energy and you struggle to keep up, then cycling is a great option. Letting your dog keep up with you as you cycle is a great exercise for a dog who has boundless energy. Dogs love to have the opportunity just to simply run. And you get a great workout too. After all, cycling can burn over 500 calories an hour, and is a great way to build your leg muscles.
Run together
Dogs love to run and can help keep you motivated to hit your targets. Whatever the weather, your dog will be ready to hit the streets with you and her excitement and enthusiasm while help keep you going. If your dog is on the small side, don’t worry too much about whether they will be able to keep up. Small dogs often have more energy than bigger breeds. Just make sure you keep your dog well hydrated and be mindful in particular hot and humid weather that dogs don’t sweat the way we do.
Dog yoga
If you prefer something a little less vigorous, Doga is becoming increasingly popular among dog owners and yoga fans. It’s a great way to bond with your dog and if you join a Doga class you can also learn some dog massage and acupressure. Giving your dog a massage is not just great for bonding, but also allows you to give your dog a good health check and feel for any lumps or abnormalities under the fur.
Join a PuppyUp Walk
With the perfect exercise buddy alongside you, why not sign up for a PuppyUp Walk? With walks taking place across the country throughout the year, there are plenty of opportunities to stretch your legs and get some exercise with your canine pal.
However you want to exercise, your canine pal’s boundless energy and enthusiasm will keep you motivated on the right track to reach your fitness goals.
