Mans Best Friend Is A Weight Loss Wonder Pet
How can a dog keep you healthy?
One of the major health benefits of dog ownership is that they make excellent workout partners. They serve as a great source of motivation to keep you active on a regular basis. Their enthusiasm is contagious, theyre ready to go in an instant, and theyre annoyingly persistent about wanting to get out for some activity.
The benefits of walking or running with your dog include improved stamina, weight management by burning off kilojoules, plus the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors. And these same benefits also extend to your four legged friend.
Some of the reasons that dogs make great exercise companions include:
- They like to be walked every day
- They are ready to go when you are
- They never have an excuse not to exercise
- They provide added safety during your exercise
- They make you feel guilty if they dont get walked
- They can behave badly if they dont get walked
- They dont slow down for hills
- They can vary their speed to suit you
- They rarely wear out before you do
The research
Recent research labeled the PPET study (People and Pets Exercising Together) compared a group of overweight people on a combined owner/dog program of diet and exercise with people who also dieted and exercised, but who acted alone.
Both groups were encouraged to follow a diet of 5900 kilojoules (1400 calories) per day and an exercise program of 20 to 30 minutes walking a day on most days of the week.
While both groups lost a similar amount of weight, participants who trained together with their dogs were more effective at maintaining participation in physical activity.
According to the researchers, the dog owners were more confident and motivated to follow the diet and exercise program and succeed at weight loss, both in the short and the long run.
It seems that having a dog can help you maintain healthy lifestyle habits. Its also interesting to note that the same factors that lead to excess body fat in humans also impact upon dogs, including a lack of physical activity and eating too much.
Its estimated that one quarter of dogs are considered overweight. In the PPET study, the dogs lost around 15% of their body weight after 12 months, showing the benefits extend to both man and dog alike.
Practical tips on exercising with your dog
Following are some tips on how to make the most of every workout with your dog.
- The breed and size of your dog will determine how fast, and generally how effective, your shared exercise sessions are. Medium to large size dogs such as a labrador or beagle will allow you to walk faster and even run, while smaller dogs such as a terrier or dachshund still enjoy a short walk and can add some fun to your exercise routine.
- If you intend to do a lot of running, it may be best to look towards a breed of sporting dogs, such as a retriever.
- If your fitness is at a moderate level, incorporate some interval training into your combined workouts. Find a suitable open space, and perform several short sprints, followed by slow walking to catch your breath. Its a great way to up the intensity of your workouts, and most dogs will enjoy it too.
- If your dog constantly stops to sniff things or play around, go to puppy training school. A rhythmic and continuous walk will offer you both more health benefits. If your dog is too old to learn new tricks, add an extra walk or run afterwards (by yourself) to get the maximum health benefits.
- A well trained dog should allow you to maintain a good steady pace at a level where you can hear your breath. The breath test is a good indicator that you are exercising at the right intensity.
- Remember to keep the both of you well hydrated before, during and after your workout, especially on hot days. Its also best for both of you to exercise on an empty stomach. Youll potentially burn more fat, while your dog will be less likely to experience bloating.
- Try not to rely on exercise with your dog as your only source of physical activity for weight control. Use it as a compliment to other, more intense activities.
- Don't forget to take a lead and a plastic bag, and be aware of providing a comfortable space between your dog and other walkers.
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