![]() How can you tell if your dog is getting the most out of your walks? Wasserman said, “Listen to your dog. Switch things upon your walksĪny routine can become stale over time, so how do you keep the daily walk fresh? Vary your routine - a longer walk, a faster pace or more challenging terrain - adds physical and mental stimulation and keeps both you and your dog involved and motivated! It’s better, Clough said, to engage your dog’s mind by “breaking up the walk and putting some fun play into it,” adding to both your exercise and enjoyment. What about weighted dog vests? Montgomery insisted that you consult a veterinarian first, since improper use may lead to unnecessary back, hip and knee problems for your dog. ![]() If you are comfortable with a hands-free dog leash, carrying small hand weights adds extra effort to your 10-minute workout. Wasserman recommended throwing “tennis balls for the dog to chase while you’re getting ready for work” as one way to make the most of your time together. Montgomery said that there are many “little things that you can add to improve not only the bonding time but also the exercise component for both you and your dog.” Clough suggested “pushing the pace” and “walking as hard as you can” if you only have 10 minutes. Only have 10 minutes to dedicate to walking your dog? Make them count!Īny time you spend exercising with your dog is better than none at all. Wasserman said a healthy dog walk “should be about focused, brisk-paced exercise.” To Clough, that means walking fast enough that you’re “just slightly on the edge of being able to talk normally.”Ī walk around the block is OK, but, for Clough, “when you get on hilly terrain, grass, or trails - something that’s not just flat surface,” you build more strength and endurance. Terrain and pace matter more than distance No matter how far you walk, both you and your dog will be rewarded physically, mentally and emotionally. Stick to a dog-walking routineĪngel Wasserman, founder of Raleigh’s Paws in Training, suggested creating “a daily walking routine that fits into your daily schedule.” Two 30-minute walks, three to five times a week, is ideal. I did, and both of us felt the difference immediately. JT Clough, author of 5K Training Guide: Running with Dogs, told me that “the way we’ve always been taught to control our dogs” causes serious “wear and tear on their bodies” and that I might try a harness instead. Your ability to walk with your dog, rather than pulling each other, matters, too. Getting into a rhythm that works for both of you matters. ![]() Tricia Montgomery, founder and CEO of K9 Fit Club, said the first step is “knowing your body and knowing your dog.” A puppy’s ability is different than a senior dog’s, and a Bluetick Coonhound needs more exercise than a Min Pin. Photography © Jupiterimages | > / Getty Images Plus. Get in a rhythm Walking a dog in snow and ice. Here are some simple steps you can take to turn your dog walk into more of a workout. When it’s part of your regular routine, dog walking has long-term benefits for both of you. Walking the dog doesn’t have to be just another part of the daily grind. Since then, our walks are not only our primary form of bonding and exercise, but also the fulfillment of a promise I made to her. Beyond a doubt, the most painful thing about rehab was the sad look on my dog’s face day after a walkless day. I used to think of walking the dog as just another daily chore until I had surgery on my right knee and couldn’t walk under my own power for months.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |