Spring is here and you will want to run with your dog…and your dog will want to run with you.
Better read this first!! Great tips for pet safety.
“Dog owners who walk their dogs are 34 percent more likely to meet federal physical activity benchmarks than those who do not have a canine companion, according to researchers from Michigan State University.”
Ok, not to get off topic but this was one of the statements in the link you give. It just caught my attention because it seemed so ridiculous. If it had compared to dog walkers to people who don’t own a dog but still walk then it would have some relevance but as it stands the whole “dog” part of the argument is lost. I tried to read the original study but you have to pay for it so…
Other than that I think the tips seem good. I’d add to watch your dogs pads. I’ve overdone it with my whippet before and she had sore feet for a couple days. Anyone have and good recommendations to toughen up the pads. I’ve heard using some special wax before heading out really helps.
“Dog owners who walk their dogs are 34 percent more likely to meet federal physical activity benchmarks than those who do not have a canine companion, according to researchers from Michigan State University.”
Ok, not to get off topic but this was one of the statements in the link you give. It just caught my attention because it seemed so ridiculous. If it had compared to dog walkers to people who don’t own a dog but still walk then it would have some relevance but as it stands the whole “dog” part of the argument is lost. I tried to read the original study but you have to pay for it so…
Maybe I’m misreading what you’re saying, but I suspect (haven’t checked the article yet) that the point the researchers were making WAS to compare people who walk dogs to people without dogs. The whole point being that someone who has to walk a pet is going to walk if they like it or not (generally), but someone without a dog will not have that extra motivator.
Now, clearly many people walk and don’t have dogs. And many people with dogs probably never take them on walks. I run 65+ miles a week and walk everywhere I go (don’t have a car, live in NYC) and I don’t have a dog, but in the mornings in the park when I’m running, I see more people walking a dog than people just walking. Especially when it’s cold out.
Also interesting note, I recently read an article finding that dogs in an urban area living in apartments tend to get more exercise than dogs living in the burbs with a yard. The research showed that suburban dog owners often just let the dog out in the yard, where they run a round a little and then lie down, rather than walking it. People in an urban area (who generally do not have a yard) can’t do that and have to take the dog for a walk, hence it gets more exercise.
Oh, and I REALLY want a dog. My wife says I have “doggie fever.” Thinking of a Vizsla.