The Pet Effect

Walking the dog isn't a chore, it's an excuse to exercise! Here are some of the biggest benefits for taking your pooch along on your workout.

So you thought your pup was just for company, or to keep the burglars at bay? Wrong! Your dog may be one of the least expensive and most effective exercise tools on the market. What's more, this one wags its tail and welcomes you home after work. Now that's a bonus.

Faithful friend, companion, protector -- and now a great way to get (and keep) fit. Currently around 70 million U.S. citizens count walking as one of their main ways to stay in shape.

But rather than thinking in terms of a treadmill, think of the positives to outdoor walking:

• You are breathing fresh air.


• You can become part of a walking club or group.


• You can combine it with tasks such as shopping, dropping off mail or paying a bill.


• And -- you can take your dog!

Running with Rover
After all, a dog is a natural for walks -- just watch your pooch when you say the magic word. He doesn't roll over, yawn and say he'd rather watch a rerun of Seinfeld. A dog's enthusiasm is infectious, often just the motivation you need to get out there and be active.

What's more, walking your dog is good for his health, too. Most vets agree that dogs should have some exercise every day -- and a moderate walk fits that prescription. But even if you only walk three times a week, that's fine for your pup, as long as other days you give it a workout by tossing a Frisbee or ball in the garden or park, having an energetic game of catch or tugging on a rope or piece of rag.

A dog has a differing agenda while on a walk, though. He 'reads the newspaper' as he wanders the neighborhood -- each scent is a different piece of news. But your schedule stipulates a nonstop, brisk walk, so how do you coordinate? In quiet neighborhoods, where unleashed dog-walking is allowed, you can let your dog dawdle and catch up while you keep right on walking. Other places you may need to switch activities and run on the spot or do some calisthenics or stretches.

Dog Gone It!
But what if you don't have a dog? You certainly don't want to buy one just so you can stay fit. After all, owning a pet is a responsibility not to be taken lightly, and many people lack the motivation (read: time) to walk a dog regularly. But you can still do the dog-walk thing: Tag along with a pooch-owning friend, help animal shelter agencies out with some volunteer dog-walking or put an ad in your local pet shop window. Or check out the web. There are dog-walking groups and businesses all over the country.

Why, you could even get paid for exercising! Bow wow!