Stay Active With Your Dog: Dogs as Personal Trainers

Most of us have at least good intentions of being more active in our daily lives. The execution, though, is not always as simple as the desire. Luckily for dog owners everywhere, pups can serve as surprisingly effective personal trainers. Keep reading to see how you can stay active with your dog and enjoy your very own pup-sonal training sessions.

A Healthy Lifestyle…Naturally

A study in the UK found that dog owners are about four times more likely to log the recommended minutes of exercise in a week than people who don’t have dogs. From afternoon walks around the neighborhood to an innocent game of fetch in the backyard, owning a dog naturally adds in physical activity to your day. It’s much easier to be motivated to put on your walking shoes when you are trying to keep your best friend active and healthy. Many dog owners easily get 150 minutes of exercise a week without even trying. There’s nothing better than exercise that doesn’t feel like exercise. 

Contagious Energy

One of the most motivating factors of working out with dogs is their positive attitude. When you see your dog feeling so happy just from getting movement, it is easy to share their excitement. Whether you start taking more steps with extra walks each day or actually incorporate your dog into your workout routine (like Kate the Australian Shepherd), dogs are a great motivator. You don’t have to worry about talking yourself out of staying active when you have a pair of puppy dog eyes staring up at you, waiting to go for a walk. They’re not as likely to fall for any excuses you might think up. In fact, one dog (later named Gobi) kept pace with a man running a seven-day race in China. She impressed him so much, in fact, that he adopted her and brought her all the way back to Scotland.

Stay Active with Your Dog

Sometimes we all need a bit of help getting started—especially when it comes to a healthier lifestyle. Dogs make the ideal personal trainer because they are creatures of habit. If you’re trying to create a routine, incorporating your dog is a great way to do it. After a few days of morning runs, your dog will expect them—and won’t be afraid to let you know.

Little Balls of Energy

If you do not currently have a dog but are looking to adopt, you might want to consider an active breed that can help you get moving. Some of the best dog breeds for physical activity are:

• Beagles
• Labradors
• Golden retrievers
• German short-haired pointers
• Field spaniels
• Brittanys
• Vizslas

Stay active with your dog. Keep up with your dog’s regular veterinary care to help keep your dog in the best shape so they can continue to stay active with you. Oakland Veterinary Referral Services provides specialty and emergency veterinary services when your pup needs a little extra medical attention. Our team of veterinary specialists is always here when you need us. To learn more, please call (248) 334-6877.