Exercise With Your Pet For Greater Health And Companionship

Article Title: Exercise With Your Pet For Greater Health And
Companionship
Author: Melanie McVarney

As the holidays approach, a level of apprehension continually
grows in each person's mind: `how can I not gain weight this
holiday season?' people ask. `How can I quickly lose weight
after the holidays?' is another question that
health-conscientious people have asked themselves each year.

Weight gain is not only a problem for people during the
holidays. Dogs get new bones or new tasty treats and biscuits.
Sometimes, dogs are even allowed table scraps so they can be a
part of the family festivities. Because it is most likely cold
outside, there may be a warm fire in the fireplace, or maybe the
family has decided to sit down and watch TV for the day, so the
family pet joins in the relaxation and leisure of the holidays.

So, what should you do? Enlist your doggie to be your exercise
partner! For many people, having an exercise buddy helps them
stay on track and get the exercise they know they need. This is
a win-win situation. Your dog can get the exercise he wants, and
you will have a companion, an accountability partner, and you
may even lose a pant size or two!

Dogs are born with an inherent desire to run, play, and get
exercise. Though they are often happy to sit on your lap as you
relax and watch TV, if it is beautiful outside, they want to be
outside as well, romping around in the fresh air and chasing
after squirrels.

Before you formulate your workout plan with your dog, be sure
you check with your veterinarian first. They will be able to
help you decide on a program that fits your dog's current level
of fitness, and you then will be able to formulate a plan that
works well for both you and your dog.

So, don't wait…get started! Begin by taking your dog on two
walks a day. Slowly increase the length of walking of time, as
well as the pace. This way, you will be able to work up your
goal fitness level. Be sure to switch up the routine some
days…take your dog to a park (where pets are allowed, of course)
and play chase or fetch with a tennis ball or flying Frisbee.
This will allow your dog to run around without a leash and they
will be able to romp around freely.

Once your dog becomes accustomed to taking daily walks
outdoors, they will hold you to your commitment. It is just like
mealtime; you dog lets you know when it is time to eat (in this
case, when it is time to exercise!). How will you be able to
resist those big brown pleading puppy eyes? The whimpering that
begs, `please walk with me!' is also hard to ignore. Listen to
your dog; you will most likely find that taking a walk two times
a day is relaxing and fun. You will get to spend time with your
pet, you will probably meet other people in your neighborhood
who have pets, so it is a great opportunity to get some fresh
air and clear your mind.

After the holidays, choose to lose the few extra pounds you may
have gained and formulate and exercise plan for you and your
dog. Your pet will hold you to the routine, and you won't regret
it! So, get started, and good luck!

About The Author: http://www.dog-training-collars.org
http://www.gbem2004.com/

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