Before going out and purchasing a Gym membership that will probably only get used the first few months you have it look down at your feet.
Is your best friend there just looking at you, asking what to do next?
Okay, maybe your buddy is curled up next to you on the couch or bed because the resolve to keep the dog off the furniture didn’t stick. That is okay, your best buddy will help you keep this resolution.
Dogs, especially young active breeds like Mugsy and Banjo love to run. They even love to run at the slower pace of a human beginner.
Most dogs don’t take immediately to long distances, so you’ll want to build up distance and pace together. Set small goals, I usually aim to reach certain streets or Stop signs before I stop and walk. Gradually increase these goals. As you hit each goal crouch down pet your pup and throw a mini party, because you did it! No matter how small the accomplishment will seem to others you and your pup will know different. So celebrate, laugh, give lots of tummy rubs and receive too many dog kisses. You did it!
If you have a a senior best friend,a young puppy or a dog breed that has restrictions on exercise alway be sure to follow those restrictions. Only limit activity don’t limit the celebratory belly rubs.
Being fit, running a marathon, leading an active life style isn’t going to happen in one day. Don’t aim to make one huge change, make a lot of really small changes. Celebrate each small change you make with your pup and this big scary change you really, really want to make will become a lot more fun and attainable.
The first weeks of the new year don’t have to be stressful, you don’t have to go hike a mountain until even the sight of trail makes your legs burn or run so hard you never want to run again. You can set small attainable goals and gradually increase them.
Just like when you train a dog or introduce a dog to new concepts. Take it slow, work at your pace and the finished results will astound you.
Some dogs have better leash manners when they run than when they walk, but if they don’t and running is your goal, I will be posting about my experience running with Mugsy and Banjo.
Plus every dog owner knows nothing gets you off the couch more effectively than a dog demanding it’s walk. Keep a steady running or hiking schedule and your pup will demand you work out with them.
The best part? This change doesn’t have to be made on New year day, it can be made any day. For me this change was made the first time I took Mugsy hiking.
Let’s hit the trails with four paws and a smile.
