Get a Dog and Start Exercising
In the world of health and fitness, not everyone wants to become a long distance runner, a professional sports person or a world class athlete. Some of us just want to be fit, keep the heart going and give ourselves every possible chance of a long healthy life. It means that we don’t have to join the latest gym or play all the sports under the sun to be healthy.
Take Sparky for instance: Sparky is my dog, she is a border collie, my companion and best friend (along with my wife, of course!) and because of her I get to walk across beautiful countryside for at least one hour everyday. We go across hills and valleys using our leg muscles, our hearts and our lungs – all in all a very good enjoyable workout.
Social Advantages
Not only is dog walking a great exercise but it is also a very sociable hobby, far more social than any gym I have been to and many dog owners greet each other with friendship and a chat (a completely different greeting than the dogs do – thank goodness).
So are you ready to own a dog?
I think many fellow dog owners will agree with me when I say that a dog is not just any old pet. It is like having a child, and a hairy one at that! They need attention, love and companionship and in some cases like Sparky – 24 hours a day attention! And of course exercise. Taking this all into consideration you must be able to dedicate a lot of time to your four legged friend. You cannot leave your dog alone for more than 4 hours at a time, so if you have a busy work schedule then maybe a dog is not for you. Although I am not a dog professional, I am a big dog loving fan and if you want to learn more about dogs and their needs please click here.
Your dog – Your fitness:
Beginner – if you are very unfit and being outside is a new experience to you, then a simple street walk with a smaller fury friend would be enough to get you health benefits. Certainly better than sitting in front of the TV.
Dog suggestions for beginners: an old dog, short legged dog. How about a German Spitz Mittel, English Cocker Spaniel or American Cocker Spaniel
Intermediate – Pick your walk carefully managing to find hills and a cross country walk will be much more challenging for you. By walking hills you will use your muscles much more than a flat street walk.
Dog suggestions for intermediate walkers: How about a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Bichon Frise, Clumber Spaniel (Spaniels sound good here – Beeble) or an older rescue dog?
Advanced – much the same as the intermediate level, but why don’t you throw in jogging instead of just walking? Pick a distance that will be challenging and jog cross-country as it will challenge you much more than flat jogging.
Dog suggestions for advanced walkers: young healthy dogs like Sparky. Dogs will run circles round us at a jogging level if they are built for running. Terriers are good as are Labradors, Italian Grey Hounds and Ridgebacks
Expert – We are talking hill running with added exercises which you would normally associate with the gym e.g. lunging or squatting down to pick your dog’s ball. Also you could introduce interval training (click here to read about interval training) by adding sprint sections.
Dog suggestions for expert walkers: choose a fast active dog – Sparky! border collie, sheep dogs, whippet and grey hound.
Of course choosing a dog is not like picking a treadmill; you have to take in many other considerations like the size of your house and if you have children etc. If you would like more help selecting the right breed for your needs then please click here.
Summary
Dog walking is a excellent form of daily exercise, as it is naturally motivating because you have no choice, you must do it as the dog has to be exercised and you enjoy the time you spend with your dog. So if you feel you would make a good dog owner then research what dog is best for your fitness levels and enjoy the best loyal friend you could ask for.
Consider getting a dog from a rescue centre, this way you will give a needy dog a good, caring home.
And a Warning…
While I have done this post somewhat tongue in cheek, if you cannot cater for your dog’s needs then give it to someone who can. A dog is not meant to be stuck in a house all day and nor are we, so get out and start exercising together!
