Get a Dog

danequin

If you need motivation to exercise get a dog, I got a puppy in April, needed motivation to walk and he's helped alot. been using my fitness Pal for the last 3 weeks steady and dropped 12 pounds. A dog can give you motivation to walk if you don't really want to.

pussycatdoll21

This is true!
I don't have a dog right now but i used to walk my baby a lot ❤️

glovepuppet

terrible post! dogs are a serious commitment, to be acquired only after proper consideration and planning. shelters are full of pups bought by some bozo why thought it would fix their health, relationship, security issues, etc.

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glovepuppet

UltimateRBF wrote: »

Y so srs. Pretty sure he's just saying that getting a dog has led to him being more active because dogs love to be walked.

been to a shelter recently? that's why.

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glovepuppet

UltimateRBF wrote: »

glovepuppet wrote: »

UltimateRBF wrote: »

Y so srs. Pretty sure he's just saying that getting a dog has led to him being more active because dogs love to be walked.

been to a shelter recently? that's why.

Why yes, yes I have.

then you'll know that the world is full of idiots who will read that post and take it as what he said, not what you think he meant. and the shelters are full of their victims.

zyxst

Glad a puppy helps you, OP. Pets are out of my budget.

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CurlyCockney

I got my dog for exactly the same reason @UltimateRBF. Turns out she's the best physiotherapist I've ever had! She's also the first of her breed to qualify as an Assistance Dog in the UK ::proudmum::

ohmscheeks

Erm, I bought a fitbit for motivation to walk more; not a living creature.

glovepuppet

ohmscheeks wrote: »

Erm, I bought a fitbit for motivation to walk more; not a living creature.

*like*

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Spike_G

danequin wrote: »

If you need motivation to exercise get a dog.

Ridiculous reason to get a dog.

Getting a dog is a commitment not a fitness accessory.
I wholeheartedly agree with glovepuppet.

Spike_G

UltimateRBF wrote: »

I think your zeal is admirable however misplaced in this case.
I got my dog because I was lonely and wanted something to take care of. Guess I'm an idiot also.

And that is a good reason to get a dog or indeed any pet.

sheldonklein

Some people love dogs because they hate people. Naturally, they think that most people are unworthy of a dog.

tbonethemighty

Well, why not impregnate someone? Most of the people I know with small children seem to spend a lot of their time running around...probably an even better way to get exercise than a dog!

Spike_G

sheldonklein wrote: »

Some people love dogs because they hate people. Naturally, they think that most people are unworthy of a dog.

No. Most of us who love dogs want them to go to loving homes and not be a fashion or fitness accessory

Edit. The dog in my avatar is my mothers who has both the time and space to devote to one. I unfortunately do not, so have deferred in giving one a forever home until I can.

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sheldonklein

I have owned many dogs, all of them rescue dogs or strays. I stand by my observation.

Spike_G

UltimateRBF wrote: »

sheldonklein wrote: »

Some people love dogs because they hate people. Naturally, they think that most people are unworthy of a dog.

Yep.
That said I love my dog more than most people...so ultimately I'm not sure where I fall on that spectrum :P
!

Lol

auddii

zyxst wrote: »

Glad a puppy helps you, OP. Pets are out of my budget.

Agreed. Plus, I'm away from home a lot during the week.

tbonethemighty wrote: »

Well, why not impregnate someone? Most of the people I know with small children seem to spend a lot of their time running around...probably an even better way to get exercise than a dog!

You win the thread.

Ninkyou

I understand the motivation behind the opening post, but no, no thank you. I love dogs and all, but it's out of the question financially and emotionally (it's been nearly 7 years since I had to put my beloved chihuahua to sleep, and I just can't have another dog yet).

I'm glad you found something that works for you, but please remember that what works for you may not work for someone else.

MondayJune22nd2015

danequin wrote: »

If you need motivation to exercise get a dog, I got a puppy in April, needed motivation to walk and he's helped alot. been using my fitness Pal for the last 3 weeks steady and dropped 12 pounds. A dog can give you motivation to walk if you don't really want to.

Or just volunteer at an animal shelter!

malibu927

Actually I do less exercising with my dogs because they stop every twenty feet to sniff or bark at something

SherryTeach

True about the toddlers. When my daughters were 1 and 2, respectively, I weight about 100 pounds. And it was effortless. I never sat down for more than a couple of minutes at a time. As for my dog, she is my companion and friend. But I specifically got a dog that did not require too much exercise. As much as I love going out with her, we aren't getting that much exercise when it's 117˚ outside.

shadowfax_c11

Sometimes a dog can make a great exercise buddy. But that should not be the only reason for getting a dog and before doing so a person should give careful consideration to whether their lifestyle will be able to provide for the needs of a dog. Also good to keep in mind that dogs get old a lot faster than people and in 6-10 years, depending on breed give or take depending on breed, you are going to have a pal who can't go out on those long walks and runs anymore.

Pets are great. I think anyone who can make room for one in their life will be glad they did. As long as they are up for the comitmet, time, training and sometimes difficulties and expenses of having them... for life.

pointkoala

glovepuppet wrote: »

terrible post! dogs are a serious commitment, to be acquired only after proper consideration and planning. shelters are full of pups bought by some bozo why thought it would fix their health, relationship, security issues, etc.

Agreed. Dogs are animals. If you only get them for exercise, you clearly don't care about them as another being on this earth.

danequin

I got the dog, because I wanted a dog, He helps keep me motivated. Helps me get going even if I don't feel like it some times...I take him out for him not for me some times

Owlie45

Terrible reason to get a dog. If you can't make the effort to exercise on your own then getting a dog will most likely not motivate you. I know plenty of people who did that. Poor dogs don't get the activity they need. Or people get the wrong dog, Pugs are not runners people! Or you get a dog that looks fine but has bad joints, like mine. She wasn't purchased for exercise.
Then you got people who don't understand dogs in general. Too many stories of dogs having to be carried off trails because their owners thought they were fine because they kept up with them.

Lounmoun

It's great that you can enjoy exercise with your dog.
A dog might be a good exercise buddy. It might be motivating to get them outside and walk them if you are committed to their well being. If you already want a dog and research types of dogs you might find one that is great for joining you in exercise. Don't just go pick out any dog and expect to lose a bunch of weight walking them. Wanting motivation to walk is not a good argument to get a dog though as they are a huge commitment. Not all dogs are good exercise partners.

My dog loved to walk, run and play like crazy when he was a puppy. He is old now. He is slower. He gets confused or scared more easily. He can't see as well. Still a great friend and family member but has been a poor exercise partner for the last several years.