With less than three months until summer, you may find yourself a little anxious about what you will look like this pool season. Do not fret, there is actually a great way to get in shape and tackle one of those to-do-items on your list – take your dog for a walk. Walking is a great way to melt extra pounds away and is extremely good for both you and your pup. Not only are you exercising your bodies and cardiovascular systems, you are able to breathe in the fresh air and spend quality time with one another. If your dog has been on the noisy side according to your neighbors, it may not be time for a bark collar just yet, increase your dog’s daily exercise and see if that helps quiet your pup’s barking – he may just have too much pent up energy. So why wait any longer – take your dog for a walk and get in shape while you do it!
Now you may be wondering exactly how a stroll every day is going to melt pounds, or you may be stressing about making it around the block – either way, we have some tips to help you start out slow and maximize your fat burning while you walk.
Start Slow
If you or your dog are not regular on the exercise scene, it is important to start out slow. Start by taking a stroll around the block. If after two or three laps you both still have energy do one more. A good rule of thumb is small dogs should begin with a quarter of a mile, working their way up to half a mile of daily exercise, while large dogs should be able to begin with a half mile walk, working their way up to two miles of daily exercise. These distances are of course a general rule of thumb. It is always advisable to discuss exercise plans with your dog’s veterinarian to make sure all of your pup’s health concerns are addressed. The same also goes for you, if you do not regularly exercise, it is always best to check with your physician before starting a new exercise regimen.
Increase Your Distance
As you and your dog become accustomed to exercising, you may feel that you can push your limits by increasing the distance you walk. Try exploring different blocks around the neighborhood and even visiting parks and nature trails in your city.
Vary Your Pace
Another great way to increase your endurance and physical ability is to vary your pace. Try increasing your pace to a fast walk, or even jogging and quick bursts of sprints. The varying of your pace will surprise your body and cardiovascular system making it work better.
Change It Up
The most important thing about exercise is to change up your routine. One of the main reasons people quit exercising is because of boredom, do not let that happen to you and your dog. Change up your routine by hiking up a mountain, adding lunges to your daily neighborhood walk and even do multiple sprint bursts or run hills. The change of activity is a great way to continue challenging yourself and your body to help increase weight loss and muscle gain. Another great idea is to incorporate play with sprinting – play a high-impact version of fetch using a Frisbee – both you and your dog can race to get it!
By incorporating daily exercise into you and your dog’s life you will both benefit from weight loss, increased muscle tone and cardiovascular benefits – all great needs to live life optimally. Not to mention you will find that your dog is the best motivational workout partner – just look at your dog’s joy when he or she sees you grab for the leash!
About the Author
Susan Wright DMV is a vet, a wireless dog fence specialist and writer. You may click here to view some of Susan’s tips and advice on invisible fence alternatives.





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