Being Active With Your Dog

Dog parents simply want their dog to be happy. But what can we do to ensure we’re providing the best quality of life for our canine companions? Helping your pooch achieve a long, healthy, and happy life only requires your commitment, consistency, and creativity in providing a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and a nurturing environment. Here are a few tips to guide you on being active with your dog for a lifetime of good health.

Your dog’s good health begins at the food bowl

The foundation for your dog’s optimal health and longevity is what, and how much, you feed. Over 100 million dogs and cats in the US are classified as overweight. This means millions of our dogs are at risk for developing crippling arthritis, debilitating diabetes, catastrophic kidney and heart disease, high blood pressure and many forms of cancer. Even worse, studies show that overweight dogs live about two-and-a-half years less and with more pain and disease than those kept at a healthy weight.

Choose a food that is complete-and-balanced and has an appropriate nutrient formulation for your dog’s life stage and condition. Ultimately, the best diet for your dog is one that meets their specific requirements and keeps them healthy for years to come. If your dog struggling with weight or obesity issues, research supports the effectiveness of therapeutic weight-loss diets. The longer your pet is overweight, the more at-risk it is for developing irreversible disease.

Daily activity for a lifetime of good health

I’ve offered this advice to my veterinary clients for the past 30 years: “30 minutes a day helps keep the veterinarian away!” In addition to a nutritious diet, daily exercise is essential for your dog’s health, longevity, and happiness. 

Most dogs require about 30 minutes of aerobic activity each day. This can be periods of brisk walking, structured playtimes, or training sessions. Daily aerobic activity helps maintain muscles and strengthen joints, boosts immunity, and provides important behavioral interactions. Daily exercise has been shown in research to ease canine anxiety and other undesirable behaviors.         

Starting an exercise program with your dog: How long should I exercise my dog?

For most dogs, as long as they have normal heart and lung function and no other pre-existing medical conditions, can start with 30-minute walks at least five times a week. 

Ideally, you should be walking your dog every day for 20 to 30 minutes. If you haven’t been walking daily or for more than a few minutes at a time, start with this program: 

Week 1 30 minutes per day 10 minutes brisk followed by 20 minutes casual pace

Week 2 30 minutes per day 15 minutes brisk followed by 15 minutes casual pace

Week 3 30 minutes per day 20 minutes brisk followed by 10 minutes casual pace

Week 4 35-40 minutes per day 30 minutes brisk followed by 5-10 minutes casual pace

Week 5+ 35-60 minutes per day Try to do two 20-30 minute walks per day: 15-25 minutes followed by 5 minutes at a casual pace

If you’re pressed for time, you can divide the walks into shorter periods such as two 15-minute walks. If you miss a full day during the week, try to add some additional time to your weekend “long walks.” It’s ultimately better (and healthier) to do shorter daily activities with your dog than inconsistent longer efforts.  

How fast should I walk my dog?

Few dogs will naturally walk at a pace that generates the elevated heart rates needed for sustained aerobic activity and weight loss. In other words, your dog prefers to walk at a leisurely stroll rather than ramp it up to “exercise level.” We get it. We’d rather chill, too. But we need to pick up the pace to attain all of the positive health effects provided by aerobic activity.

Based on observation, the average pace of people walking with their dogs is about 25 minutes per mile, which is a sedentary slow stroll. The dog makes frequent pauses (on average every one to two minutes) to smell an interesting object or mark territory. Walking for health and weight loss is very different from walking for pleasure. There’s a time for both and you should definitely set aside opportunities to let your dog “be a dog.” 

To start walking your dog for health, set an intention to walk briskly from the beginning of the walk. Too often, if you start slowly, allowing the dog to sniff and smell everything, you may have a challenging time getting them to speed up. It's not necessary to “warm up” your pooch before a walk or a slow jog.

What if my dog doesn’t like to walk on a leash?

Training your dog to walk on a leash is one of the most important lessons a dog parent can teach. Start by using a short, four to six foot leash attached to a walking harness. I don’t recommend retractable leashes, ever, and only use walking harnesses, particularly during walks or runs. 

Draw your leash close - generally within two to four feet of your body - and set off at a pace you feel comfortable sustaining. This should be about a 15-18 minute per mile pace. It should feel like a brisk walk and you should break into a light sweat. The key is to keep it up! Don't look down at your dog when they inevitably want to stop and smell something or mark a fire hydrant. Continue moving straight ahead, tighten the leash (don't jerk), and give a command such as "No stop," "Come," or "Here." Head halters are a great method for training dogs to heel during a brisk walk. If your dog sits or refuses to walk, you may have to return home. If this happens, you should put him in a quiet space without your attention and try again another time. The great news is most healthy dogs readily enjoy a brisk walk outdoors! 

Walking your dog and other physical activities should be thought of as "fun with a purpose." When you combine exercise with a proper diet and nurturing lifestyle, you contribute to your dog's health and well-being and improve the quality of life for both of you.