Home Dogs
Dog Knowledge PDF Print E-mail

 A Happy Way to Get Fit
Printed courtesy of Parade Magazine
Written by Allison Takeda

When it comes to getting active, you maybe better off investing in a dog than a gym membership.

Researchers in Great Britain recently surveyed 5000 people and found that those with dogs exercised up to six hours more a week than those who workedx out at a gym or on their own.

According to the study, the average dog owner walks his pet for less than 30 minutes twice daily and then longer three times a week. Those short spurts add up to more than eight hours of

physical activity a week. In contrast, the average gym-goer works out less than two hours a week.

Researchers say the differences can be attributed in part to varying levels of enjoyment. While 86% of dog owners said they enjoy the time with their pets, only 16% of respondents rated going to the gym favorably.

Perhaps that's also why dog owners are more likely to make physical activity a priority.

Nearly two-thirds said they walk their pets even when they're pressed for time. Compare that

with 46% of gym-goers who admitted to often making excuses not to work out. Sound familiar?

Try the dog owner's secret of breaking up you workout into small bursts of activity. The miles and minutes will add up. 
Should you get a  pupply or rescue an adult dog?

There is no right or wrong answer to this question; each of us has different needs when it comes to a new dog in our life. That said, dog experts, books, and articles elsewhere promote the importance of a young puppy’s early socialization and a good start in life to such an extent that it is hard to imagine why someone would choose to "risk" adopting an older puppy or an adult dog.

Still, many of us do. Why do we choose rescue dogs?

Aside from the obvious reason – that you may be saving a life – there are a lot of advantages. Here are just a few:

What you see is what you get. Size conformation, coat color and texture are all developed. Most rescue dogs are really nice dogs! And while puppy experts may have an idea of how a dogs personality will develop, most of us will have a better shot at picking a good match with an older dog than with a young puppy.

The energy level and exercise needs of an adult dog will be more obvious.

All puppies are energetic, but will settle into a quiet house dog or become excellent candidates for agility. Even when you take breeds or mixes into account, there are no guarantees with a puppy. You will probably sleep better.

Young puppies usually need to get up one or more times in the night. In most cases, housetraining an adult dog will be faster.

A puppy’s bladder just isn’t as developed as an adult dog. You won’t have to go through the puppy crazies. It’s normal for puppies to chew on things and people, jump up, and exhibit general rowdiness, but it’s not always easy to deal with.

Adult dogs tend to settle quicker. While your adjustment period with an adult dog will likely be weeks or months, it often takes several years for puppies to settle. It’s a risk either way.

Starting with a puppy doesn’t guarantee a healthy or well-behaved adult dog.

Did you know that one dog in 6 years can produce 67,000 offspring and one cat can produce over 500,000 offspring. In 20 years many millions of them become unwanted and homeless. We need to stop the abandonment, neglect, abuse, homelessness, and euthanasia of millions of animals per year.
 
Device an action plan ahead of time for you and your pet

Keep your pets' vaccinations up to date

Maintain a list of safe places where your pet can go if you must be separated, including the home of a family or friend, pet-friendly hotel, animal shelter or boarding f acility. Include 24- hour phone numbers and addresses.

Provide copies of your pets' ID tags, microchip registrations and licenses with those caring for your pet

Prepare an emergency kit of leashes, collars, extra ID tags, water, food, medications, health records and photos to prove ownership.

Maintain easy access to portable carriers large enough for your pets to stand and turn around in

Prepare a pet emergency kit and store it with your pet carrier. Include first-aid items as well as photos of your pets, bottled water, medicines, pet food for five days,blanket, litter and litter box, food/water bowls, favorite small pet toy and an extra leash and harness.

Keep printed relief plans provided by your local Red Cross chapter,; emergency management office, or police, fire, health, wildlife, and agriculture departments so you know where to turn for specific resources.