As Featured on "Get Fit with FOX 2" :: May 1, 2006
A Body By Jenn “No Excuses Workout” Feature with Jennifer Gray
WALKING & RUNNING FOR WELLNESS
Spring is a great time to start getting back into shape. Walking and running outdoors are great ways to build cardiovascular health, tone muscles, and lose weight... and who better to train with you than your dog! Dogs, like people, need exercise to maintain a healthy form and you can work out with your dog to achieve your fitness goals.
Listed below are my veterinarian's top recommended dogs for walking and running, along with some of their characteristics and informational links for additional reading. I'll also touch upon the benefits of working out with a buddy, such as a dog, spouse, or friend.
Australian Shepherds are my personal favorite as a workout buddy, because of their boundless energy. My Australian Shepherd, Duke, goes running with me frequently and I actually consider him to be my own personal trainer. The "Aussie" is a very intelligent, active dog that needs a great deal of exercise on a daily basis--making him a committed running partner. Duke's level of stamina enables him to keep up with me on long runs as compared with lower-endurance running dogs, like Greyhounds.
 |
 |
 |
||
| Duke helps keep my Body Beautiful Boot Campers motivated while we perform standing abdominal exercises outside. | See how excited Duke is to be able to go running with us? | Running beside my personal trainer, Duke |
Note: If you like to take walks with your dog or jog, please remember that it is unwise to take a puppy under the age of 18 months on walks or jogs of more than 1/2 mile as their skeletal systems are not yet solidified enough to take the stress. After 18 months you can gradually extend the walks a 1/2 mile every week or so.
TOP RUNNING DOGS
| Greyhound Greyhounds love to run and were born to run. They must have room to expend all that energy so they can be what they like best-- a couch potato and a happy well adjusted companion. http://www.greyhoundclubofamerica.org/ |
 |
|
| Afghan Hound Afghan Hounds love to run, jump and climb. The Afghan Hound is both independent and sensitive and does not repond to harsh treatment. He is a companion for life! http://clubs.akc.org/ahca/ |
 |
|
| Whippet Many enjoyable competitive sports are open to pet Whippets. Whippets, as their heritage would suggest, are outstanding running dogs and are top competitors in lure coursing, straight racing, and oval track racing. http://www.americanwhippetclub.net/ |
 |
|
| Australian Shepherd The Australian Shepherd is a delightful and loyal companion and a great family dog. Because of their high energy level, combined with high intelligence, Aussies need to be given a "job" to perform, be it shepherding the children, protecting the house, herding livestock or competing in dog events. http://www.australianshepherds.org/ |
 |
|
| Labrador Retriever Labradors have a kindly, outgoing, tractable nature; eager to please and non-aggressive towards man or animal. The Labrador has much that appeals to people; his gentle ways, intelligence and adaptability make him an ideal dog. http://www.thelabradorclub.com/ |
 |
|
| Brittany The Brittany is strong, vigorous, energetic and quick of movement. He does need lots of exercise or opportunities to hunt to keep him happy. With a typical friendly disposition, he very willing to please his master. http://clubs.akc.org/brit/ |
 |
|
| Welsh Springer Spaniel Welsh Springer Spaniels are intelligent and have a strong desire to please their owners. They also possess great speed and "springing" ability, as well as great stamina. http://www.wssca.com/ |
 |
|
| Black Russian Terrier It is a formidable and trainable protector, who also possesses a calm, interested disposition. Easily socialized, the Black Russian Terrier is an impressive and imposing dog who can also serve as an excellent family companion. http://www.brtca.org/ |
 |
|
| Rottweiler The Rottweiler is a calm and self-confident dog, who has an inherent desire to protect home and family. He is an intelligent and highly trainable dog. http://www.amrottclub.org/ |
 |
|
| Vizsla The Vizsla is a dog of power and drive in the field yet a tractable and affectionate companion in the home. He is lively, gentle-mannered, demonstrably affectionate and sensitive though fearless with a well developed protective instinct. http://clubs.akc.org/vizsla/ |
 |
|
| Jack Russell Terrier Jack Russell Terriers present a lively, active and alert appearance. They impress with their fearless and happy disposition. http://www.terrier.com/ |
 |
TOP WALKING DOGS
| Labrador Retriever Labradors have a kindly, outgoing, tractable nature; eager to please and non-aggressive towards man or animal. The Labrador has much that appeals to people; his gentle ways, intelligence and adaptability make him an ideal dog. http://www.thelabradorclub.com/ |
|
|
| Golden Retriever The Golden Retriever is friendly, reliable and trustworthy. The Golden Retriever needs daily exercise, but likes to retrieve balls and other toys, so exercising is fairly easy. http://www.grca.org/default.htm |
 |
|
| Beagle The Beagle's preferred forms of exercise include leisurely walks with their family or a good run while out hunting. Many beagles are enthusiastic retrievers, if taught when young. The beagle also can be a faithful jogging companion. http://clubs.akc.org/NBC/ |
 |
|
| Italian Greyhound The Italian Greyhound is rather luxury loving and enjoys the comfort of the indoors; at the same time being a true hound, he likes exercise and outdoor activities, weather permitting. http://www.italiangreyhound.org/ |
 |
|
| Basset Hound Healthy, trim Bassets have good energy levels, but they are also content to snooze away the afternoon in a patch of warm sun. Although this laid back nature makes them desirable house pets, their weight must be kept in check. A daily walk with your Basset is recommended. http://www.basset-bhca.org/ |
 |
|
| Australian Shepherd The Australian Shepherd is a delightful and loyal companion and a great family dog. Because of their high energy level, combined with high intelligence, Aussies need to be given a "job" to perform, be it shepherding the children, protecting the house, herding livestock or competing in dog events. http://www.australianshepherds.org/ |
|
|
| Pug A Pug's character is unique in that he is a clown at heart with a terrific sense of humor but at the same time he carries himself with great dignity. They are not too delicate for fun and games. http://www.pugs.org/ |
 |
|
| Poodle The Poodle is an active, intelligent, ruggedly-built dog which is at the same time elegant and refined. Well-bred Poodles have steady, calm nerves, hardy constitutions and they can be easily trained. Each one is a character and for that reason they make wonderful companions. http://www.poodleclubofamerica.org/ |
 |
|
| Collie Collies are good-natured, friendly, dogs and are energetic outdoors. The Collie needs plenty of exercise, preferably some of it off the leash. http://www.collieclubofamerica.org/ |
 |
|
| Dalmatian Dalmatians are a hardy breed and their day-to-day upkeep does not involve a lot of fussing. The Dalmatian's first concern is that he be with "his" people, the object being that he have proper exercise and attention. http://www.thedca.org/ |
 |
BENEFITS OF A WORKOUT BUDDY/PARTNER
If you have a hard time getting motivated to exercise, enlisting a workout buddy may help. A fitness partner can encourage, challenge, pace you, and can make working out more fun.
A recent study found that new mothers who had fitness partners got more exercise than mothers with no partner support. Another study suggested that college students were significantly more likely to be active if they had the social support of their friends and/or family. A third study found that just a phone call might help motivate someone to exercise more. People who received motivating phone calls were more likely to increase their level of physical activity after three months than people who didn’t receive the calls. (http://www.mydna.com/)
Why are people more likely to exercise if they have a supporter? Having a fitness partner can motivate you to workout even when you don’t want to simply because you know someone is counting on you. Exercising with a fitness partner is also a great way to socialize. Instead of dreading your daily workout, you’ll find yourself looking forward to catching up with your friend. Another benefit is that a fitness partner makes it less intimidating to join a gym, try a new class, or learn a new sport. Your friend can give you the courage to take that kickboxing class you’ve had your eye on or head to that hiking trail you’ve always wanted to try. Finally, it’s safer to workout with someone. If you injure yourself on a run, for instance, your partner can find you the help you need.
Be sure to sign up for our newsletter for more information about setting up a walking or running program for weight loss.
Jennifer Gray's dog, Duke, is groomed by Marcy's Groom A Pet, located at 2075 E. Fourteen Mile Road in Birmingham.