MORE ARTICLES
We have more articles on the way. Come back soon!

IN THE NEWS
Did you know Petcentric's team of volunteers has picked up more than 400 bags of trash? No? Click here to find out more in our News section.

ARTICLES

Workout Buddy

12/07/05

by Wendy Fisher

If you have answered "yes" or even "sometimes" to these questions then mid-day visits to your home may not only benefit your dog or cat but also may benefit you too!

For humans exercise plays a key role in maintaining a healthy weight and in helping to keep muscles and joints flexible. Regular exercise may also extend a persons life and make them happier. For those same reasons, your pet also needs regular exercise. Not only can exercise extend your pets life; it will also exert his nervous energy and make him less likely to get into trouble when left alone. Without you to lead the way, your pet is not likely to run laps or do 20 push-ups, so as a pet owner it’s up to you to ensure your pets get safe, enjoyable exercise on a regular basis. All pets need physical activity to help them live a happy and healthy life but different pets require different amounts of exercise. I recommend discussing your options with your vet before determining the correct level of exercise for your pet.

Grady - My Personal Workout Buddy
When I decided to adopt a dog I decided I wanted one who would hike and run with me and so I ended up with Grady, a 100 pound mixed breed of love and fun. Grady was about 8 months old when I adopted him so I wasn’t sure of his previous exercise routine so I slowly started him on a program. I first worked on leash training him with daily walks around the neighborhood morning and night. After a few months of brisk walking he and I graduated to neighborhood jogs. Although I have always been an active person this slow transition from walking into jogging was also beneficial to me too.

After several months Grady and I moved onto off-leash hiking explorations in the Bay Area hills, which by far was Grady’s and my favorite activity. In 2001 we moved down the coast to Santa Barbara and it didn’t take long for Grady to decide he enjoyed beach runs more then hiking. So we spent much of our time at the beach with Grady body surfing and chasing, but never catching the birds! As Grady has aged the off leash runs have become less frequent so now he’s back to at least twice a day leash walks with an occasional off leash romp at the beach.

Grady and my relationship has changed in the last several months as he now share’s my love with his baby sister Maya, my 8 month old 2 legged baby girl. One thing though that has not changed is that Grady continues to receive his twice daily walks and just as much love as the "pre-Maya" era.

Since adopting Grady I’ve always worked out of my home and so he’s always received an abundant amount of attention all day long but most pets don’t have the luxury of having their parents home during the workday. Many parents even work extra long hours, which make’s it difficult for them to exercise their pet. For those people hiring a professional dog walker to break up their pet’s day is crucial. Having the dog walker come once a day is ideal but for some that isn’t doable, so if once or twice a week is what your budget allows then even just that will make a difference in your pet’s happiness and well being. And, isn’t that worth the wealth of unconditional love he provides?