In more primitive times, our relationship with animals and the outdoors was much different than it is today. Back then, survival was about how hard you worked, exercise was a necessity rather than an option and our dependence on animals was crucial to our survival. Exercise was not an option then- it was sink or swim, be fit or perish. We teamed up with wolves, copied their hunting styles and depending on which theory you subscribe to, domestication occurred into what we now know as the dog. Today, most civilization tends to dwell near major metropolitan cities, towns, suburbs, etc. Humans by design have always been pack animals much like horses and wolves and it is un-natural for us to live our lives out alone. A fair amount of animals and people these days aren't getting the exercise and elements of the outdoors as we once did. Recently while down in South Central, I interviewed a homeless man who talked about the relationship between a homeless person and their dog. I found that this relationship clearly mimicked our earliest interactions with our canine companions in search of food.
Homeless people are constantly on the move looking for food with their dogs. Feral dogs are also doing the same thing. When a homeless person lures a street dog to be his or her pet, they use food and once again mimic the same behavior that once was a partnership between both species. On the move the two look through trashcans, hang out near restaurants, etc. If the dog sniffs out a happy meal box on the street, both owner and dog share in the meal. Because movement is a part of this process, the homeless and their dogs are mimicking ritualistic hunting behaviors. The exercise for both members is rewarded by eating- the same as it used to be when we lived in the great outdoors.
Obesity in dogs and humans has been a big problem in the United States. Some of us tend to be more tired to go for walks after work with our animals so we buy them big backyards and sit in front of the TV to relieve stress. More space is not a solution for the boredom and behavioral problems that you may find in your best friend. Sitting in front of the TV is not going to give YOU the same benefits and rewards as exercise as a human being.
I like to tell my clients to do their cardio not at the gym but with their dog. Even if you don't have a breed suited to be as active as you are, you must get them out of the house walking off your property daily. The walk is the highest form of bonding you can do with your animal and brings the two (or more) of you into a team partnership- mimicking pack behavior.
Studies show that pet owners have lower blood pressure, lower stress levels, and low levels of heart disease, depression and lower levels of overall health care costs.
Most animals tend to mimic their owners. If you are putting on weight ask yourself when the last time you walked, ran, hiked or swam with your dog and for how long? It's also important to note that the walk is exercise. It's not for your dog to stop and sniff, lift a leg or go to the bathroom. It's a complete fast paced- exercise for both human and pet. Everyday I urge clients with active dogs to get out daily and commit to one full hour of training and walking or running. The environment should change, never get set into one pattern on your walks but mix it up. Using a treadmill should not replace this form of exercise either.
This does wonders for not only behavior problems but also stress, general health for the both of you and promoting calmness around your home. The both of you will be releasing endorphins through exercise as well as raise your confidence level that you are doing something healthy for yourself and your pet.
There are also great sports for dogs and owners that will not only keep your dog in shape but yourself also. These sports are great for learning balance, keeping up with co-ordination, bonding, problem solving, giving your dog a job to do, working certain muscle groups and raising confidence levels as well as great for pack structure, obedience training, etc. Some K-9 Sports that are great exercise for dogs and owners are:
- Agility
- Canicross (Canine Cross Country Running)
- Dog Mushing / Dog Sledding
- Rollerblading with your dog
- Flying Disc Dog or Dog Frisbee
- Flygility (Components of both Flyball & Agility Training)
- Herding
- Hiking with your dog
- Backpacking with your dog
- Hunt & Field Trials
- Musical Freestyle (Dancing with your dog!)
- Obedience Trials and Training
- Rally Obedience
- Ring Sport
- Schutzhund
- Watch Dog Trials
- Search and Rescue
- Tracking
- Trail Running
- Surfing
- Swimming/Water Training
- Snowshoeing with your dog
- Horseback Riding with your Dog
These K-9 Sports are generated more towards the dog's physical activity:
- Weight Pulling
- Carting
- Playing Ball
- Swimming/Water Training (If you are not swimming with them!)
- Coursing/Racing
- Dock Jumping/Diving
- Dog Scootering
- Earth Dog Trials
- Flyball
- Bikejoring (Having a dog pull you on a bike)
- Skijoring (Having a dog pull you with skis)
No exercise program can be complete with out talking about nutrition. Most people are not aware that the more protein you give an animal, the more energy they will have. Sled dogs do not eat the same thing as a pet dog. When I go into a Schutzhund Trial, I always give my dogs a little cow tripe before going into the ring. If you treat your body like a temple and provide yourself and your dog with fresh air, exercise, natural foods and supplements, you will prolong your lives by hours each day, have lower health care costs and be less likely to see behavioral problems in your canine. Preserve the pack, protect the bond and get into the outdoors for a healthy relationship between yourself and your best friend…