Article Source: msnbc.com
from:msnbc.comLooking for a fitness buddy? Get a dog
Seeded on Mon Sep 26, 2011 8:56 AM EDT (msnbc.com)
— Filed under: health
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Awww, I want a dog so much! One more reason to work towards the goal of puppy ownership.
After a 6 year break with no dog, I developed high blood pressure and gained 20 pounds. I adopted a dog about 10 months ago and now, the doctor says I no longer need meds for high blood pressure and the extra weight is gone. And yes, he gets walked daily 3 to 7 miles, rain, snow, whatever. In fact, during bad weather is the best time to walk because hardly anyone is at the park or recreation areas. Best thing I ever did for my health.
Man, I wish my economic situation would allow me to adopt a dog again (I had them all the time growing up), but I refuse to put myself in a position of adopting an animal, and then not being able to take care of it.
I would love to adopt a dog as well, but until I can find a job, I and my husband are out of this apartment. Until then, I will have to be satisfied with my rescue cats, and walking my neighbor's chihuahua twice a week.
digitalnoise and stephace- I feel you. I just don't have the time or resources for a dog right now but boy do I think about it a lot. I even look on petfinder and find perfect adoptable dogs when I'm bored. Life circumstances means it might be years before I can get one but I'm willing to move to a different state (to be near family who have yards with friendly dogs and can help dog-sit during work) and making sacrifices so hopefully I can get one soon. For now my cat is great though he's never encouraged healthy habits. I hope you both can get a pooch soon!
This article is spot-on. I adopted my amazing border collie mix in August, 2010. (She was my consolation when my son went off to college.) Since that day, I've lost 51 pounds, and made many new friends at the dog friendly beach nearby. I go to bed at a decent hour, because I know that cold, wet nose will be nudging me by 5:30 for her morning walk. I've perfected my ball throwing, frisbee toss, and she's a great resistance trainer when she brings me her tug!
If oyu want a good fitness partner make sure that your dog of choice is active, so it can encourage you to stay active. Not every dog is good for excersize.
You aren't just woofin' Dixie! We have some friends who are always on diets that never seem to work, and they have real lap dogs, dogs who are unhappy if they are doing anything but sitting. Two couples, four dogs between them, lots of sitting. Don't have that problem, we have one big crazy Lab. She's seven, and the neighbors all ask when is she going to stop being a puppy. Active dogs are so much more fun!
I used to just tie my dogs out in the back yard but started walking them around February to get myself fit. I've lost a bunch of weight since, feel & look better and so do my dogs. They absolutely love the walks.
I always knew it was a good idea to get the tall guy out for a walk every day. He carries the poop bags AND gets a healthy workout! Win-Win!
But sometimes he spends WAY too much time talking with the neighbors when we could be smelling some really interesting stuff on the trees and light poles. Woof!
Blue the Great Dane
Facebook: bluedane1
Great idea but remember that a dog is not built to jog 5 miles. But they need to be walked a few times a day and there is not better companion than man's best friend.
We loving taking our dog scout for a walk after dinner. 30 minutes of walking after a meal can greatly reduce your risk for diabetes and heart dieses! Losigntogether.com