Friday, September 13, 2013

FitDog Friday - Garth's TOP TEN Reasons to Exercise with Your Dog

1. It will make your dog happy




2. It will make you happy

3. It helps with stress for both doggies & humans 


Stress?  What stress?

4. It makes you and your dog look and feel better 



5. It's a great way to make new friends



Me and Trevor, Cooper, and Austin
on one of the first Human Adventure hikes mom & I led


Walking with Rocco of To Dog With Love
on the greenway at BlogPaws

6. It's FUN





7. When you & your dog are physically fit, you can do even more fun things


Photo by Brian Padow, Canine Adventure
I'm six years old.  I couldn't leap like this if I didn't walk every day, play fetch most days, and go for 2+ hour river romps two or more times a week.  

8. It tires your dog out so he/she is better behaved (it can even help with behavior problems)


Too tired to eat the carpet


Demonstrating my good behavior

9. $$$$$ - Dogs who exercise and maintain proper weight have lower vet bills and need fewer medications

10. Dogs who exercise and maintain proper weight live LONGER, healthier lives


Don't know where to start? See How to Keep Your Dog Healthy and Fit, Part I and Part II for some tips.


***BIG NEWS***

Our pals at SlimDoggy have a very exciting announcement today that will help you and your doggie stay motivated to exercise every day.  SlimDoggy.com also has all kinds of info on doggie nutrition, weight control, and exercise.  Check it out -- it's a fantastic resource.


It's FitDog Friday!  

FitDog Friday is a blog hop hosted by my friends SlimDoggy

Peggy's Pet Place, and To Dog With Love. Check out our hosts and the other bloggers in the hop (see below) for ideas, tips and inspiration for getting and keeping your pups fit and healthy.






14 comments:

  1. Excellent Top Ten list, Garth!! The more exercise we get, the longer and healthier our lives.
    *high paw*
    Oz

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  2. Excellent ideas Garth, just what I would expect from one very fit fella! is that a donut I see???

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  3. Have a fabulous fit Friday Garth.
    Best wishes Molly

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  4. #8 cracked me up! Love the dangling head. Post more! I'm sure there are more than 10 reasons :)

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  5. Too funny Garth - we posted a similar post today. 11 Ways Exercise Helps your Dog. I love that we have the same topic and different perspectives! Your list is great!

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  6. Ooh, I'm all excited about the new announcement! Momma makes sure I stay fit and go on good walks every day. She tells me I can't go running with her until I learn to pick up the pace on walks, though. What can I say? I like to amble and take in the sights!

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  7. Nice list Garth!!! There's nothing better than getting outside and exercising with your humans! (BTW, that was a very impressive leap my friend!) Oh and apparently, when you exercise, you can eat delicious donuts! Hehehe!

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  8. Great top ten! We agree with all of them. There are just so many great reasons for humans and dogs to exercise, we can't imagine life without it!

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  9. Since Dex had his leg surgery, I find that after I do his range of motion exercises (since any major exercise is prohibited right now), I do my own stretches and feel good for it. Great shot of Garth with the stick!

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  10. Oh, I'm doin' my bestest to gets my arse off the sofa Garth!!! I have to be carefuls (since Ma tried to 'kill me' from walkin' too far too soon!), butts I'm gettin' theres! I have only 3 more lbs to loose!!! then maybe I can partake in one of those pawsome donuts!!! BOL
    Kisses,
    Ruby ♥

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  11. I agree with all 10 of them...especially #3 about reducing stress. I don't notice any obvious changes with Gretel and Chester but I know that they are tired/more relaxed after. When I am stressed, going for a run, hike or walk definitely gives me an attitude adjustment.

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  12. Those are all wonderful reasons. We often joke that "a tired dog is a good dog"

    Bonding and quality time are two of my favorite reasons for exercising with my pooches.

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  13. I know our dogs are much happier after our walks so I'm not looking forward to the time change when we lose daylight hours, but that's what a head lamp is for :)

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  14. That is a great list, Garth, and you demonstrate how true each one is very well!
    Jan, Wag 'n Woof Pets

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