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As you may have noticed
from the title, this edition’s column is dedicated to animal
lovers. While hopefully all of you realize how important your
health is to living a happy and fulfilling life, many people overlook
their pet’s health in the process. In reality, exercising
with your pet not only keeps them in good health, it can be motivating
for you as well. There have been times when I certainly didn’t
feel like working out, but when I think about how unfair it is
to my dog to neglect her health, I feel more motivated to do so.
And since Bossy (my dog), has learned from past experience that
putting on a shoe, getting a bike from the garage, or even walking
in the general vicinity of an in-line skate may mean a workout
for her (she’s spoiled), I am even more motivated to go even
when I don’t feel like it.
There are a number of fantastic activities you can do with your
dog around San Diego County. All you need to do is engage your
imagination. Having your dog with you is like exercising with
a partner—it’s motivating, stimulating, and fun! Dogs
simply want to please you, so unlike a human being they rarely
complain that the route is boring, they would rather be doing
something else, or they have a headache. They simply want to be
wherever you are. What more could you ask?
One of my favorite places to take Bossy is to Lake Murray, although
any smooth track or sidewalk will do. We grab the in-line skates,
her leash, a harness, a couple water bottles in a hip pack, and
some sunglasses (for me, not Bossy), and away we go! My husband,
Bossy and I just went there last Saturday and had a great time.
Bossy was the talk of the lake!
Another thing I really like to do is go hiking with her. San Diego
is full of fantastic trails and it is a shame not to get out there
and enjoy the beautiful outdoors. Just make sure that the trail
allows dogs, and bring plenty of water since sometimes you may
be out there for hours and it can get pretty warm. We always put
Bossy’s boots on if the terrain will be rough or hot. You
can pick up a pair of "doggy hiking boots" at your local
pet store that will prevent your pet from getting blisters on
his/ her pads.
Another of my favorite activities is to take Bossy biking by tying
her leash onto my street bike, as this allows her to gallop rather
than trop, so she can stretch her legs. She absolutely loves it!
There is even a special contraption I have seen at a trade show
that is made specifically for attaching your dog to your bike.
Your animal should be trained to heel so that he/ she will stay
on one side of the bike and run in the appropriate position. Remain
on a relatively flat surface when riding with your dog and don’t
attempt to go off-road.
And of course there is the old standby of running with your pet.
Again it makes things much easier if the dog is already trained
to heel. A collar or harness will work fine depending on your
preference, but if your dog pulls I would suggest a harness rather
than a collar.
This year my husband and I plan to take our dog backpacking. She
already has her own dog pack (believe it or not they actually
sell them) so she can carry her own food and water. Every bit
of space counts when backpacking. Those are some of the things
we enjoy, but you can come up with your own activities. I think
you will find that your animals love being with you outdoors,
so get out there with them so you can both enjoy it!
To summarize:
• Use your imagination and get creative!
• Purchase the proper equipment
• Start your pet out slowly and get him/ her used to the
activity
• Always prepare by bringing plenty of water
• Let your dog rest periodically and drink when thirsty
• Use good sense and know your dog’s limitations
• Enjoy yourselves!
Melissa Allen is a certified
personal trainer, Blackbelt & fitness consultant, as well
as the owner of Optimum Condition— personal fitness training
and kickboxing instruction. She is a regular columnist with various
newspapers and welcomes input from her readers. Please contact
her with any questions or comments that you may have by calling
(619) 252-4993, email her at Opticondit@aol.com, or visit her
website at www.optimumcondition.com. |
