How to Lose Weight—With Your Dog!

How To Lose Weight – With Your Dog!

*Disclaimer: Please consult your physician before beginning any exercise regimen. This article should not be considered medical advice.

Do you want to lose a few pounds but don’t know where to start? Instead of shuttling through crowded gyms with complicated equipment, or slogging through the same boring workout videos at home, how about trying another way to lose weight that you actually love? It’s as easy as walking your dog!

prevent health problems

It’s not always just about scale. Your dog needs exercise just as much as you do to stay healthy.

“In general, even a leisurely walk can be good for your dog, both mentally and physically,” says Bay Area veterinary dermatologist Dr. Nicole Eckholm.

That’s because prolonged sitting can lead to many costly health problems—for you with your dog!

“Weight gain is the biggest factor in sedentary dogs, and it can lead to joint problems and arthritis later in life,” says Dr. Eckholm. “Exercise is good for everyone!”

Exercise is also good for mental health. You get sunshine and fresh air, and your dog gets his primal urges satisfied.

“Animals migrate every day for food and water,” Beverly Ulbrich, California behavior therapist and trainer explain. “By walking your dog with purpose every day, you’re reviving the primal urge to find food and water and giving them an important job.”

Let’s start!

You may think you don’t have the time or energy, but just do it! Start slowly if you have to—even a 15-minute walk can pay off. But remember, your dog may need more, so keep trying!

“To start exercising and keep your dog in shape, 15 minutes is all it takes,” says Ulbrich. “But for some dogs, 15 minutes might rejuvenate them. You’re trying to help them get over any bad habits by walking, and 15 minutes won’t work.”

You’ll also benefit from longer walks.45 minutes of brisk walking each day can help you burn up to 300 calories or more, depending on speed and slope. If you up the ante and go for a jog, you’ll burn even more!

Try this calorie burn calculator See how increasing your intensity or activity can burn more calories and help your weight loss program. You can even download a calculator on your phone.

Of course, if you really want to go, you can go on a bike ride with your dog or even take him on a hike.make sure you protect your dog’s paws If you are going off a well maintained trail. Claw pads are not shoes and cannot withstand major impacts from difficult terrain.

Protect your dog’s paws on off-road hikes or even hot tarmac.image via Flickr.

Always consider your dog’s physical abilities before sending him on strenuous runs or hikes.

“You want to make sure they’re in aerobic state like humans,” Ulbrich added. “Young puppies are still developing bones and muscles, so be careful. Don’t overdo it.”

mix it up

It doesn’t have to be a stale walk every day. Try mixing up your routes, which will interest you and your dog.

“They need new sights and sounds to entertain them and keep their brains active,” Ulbrich explained.

You can also do some extra bodyweight exercises and dog training at the same time!

Practice sitting/staying with your dog intermittently while you’re walking, and take time to do some bodyweight exercises while your dog sits and waits. Here are some suggestions for your practice:

  • Squats (or Jump Squat Challenge)
  • Static or alternating leg lunges (or jumping lunge challenge)
  • Diagonal push-ups (or challenge ground push-ups) on a picnic table
  • Situps/Crunches (or challenge bike crunches)
  • Touch your toes (or challenge your leg up)
  • Plank (elbow challenge)
  • Burpee jumps (you may not be able to stay on a leash during this activity, so your dog must be well trained)
  • hiker
  • Stretching exercises

Be sure to reward a job well done with praise or a cookie – for your dog! Work to longer dwell times; start with a few seconds, then try to work up to a full minute. Once your dog can reliably stay longer, try escalating to “lay down.”

“It’s important to communicate with your dog and let them know they’re doing the right thing, but don’t overdo it with treats,” says Ulbrich. “Too many snacks can negate the benefits of exercise. A ‘nice boy’ or petting them is just as effective for communicating well.”

keep motivated

Once you start exercising with your dog, his excitement about your routine will help keep you motivated to get up and exercise.

Best of all, exercising with your dog is free! A family’s gym membership can cost up to $100, but walking the dog at the beach, neighborhood or park is a free and fun family activity.

Get fit with Fido!

*Disclaimer: Please consult your physician before beginning any exercise regimen. Before trying to avoid injury, make sure you understand how to perform any exercise properly. This article is for entertainment purposes only and is not meant to be medical advice or a substitute for advice or your doctor.

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