Does having a dog make/keep you more active?
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puppies!!0
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My dog definitely made me walk a lot more and I haven't gotten sick once since she moved in.
Just keep in mind a puppy will not immediately need long walks, discovering the world around them slowly will be more important for the first few months. That includes standing in the pouring rain for 15 minutes until puppy decides it's safe enough to go potty.kshama2001 wrote: »Working dog breeds often have behavior issues when they don't get enough activity so do plan to commit to giving them that.
Same goes for too much activity. Even a Border Collie working with a shepherd needs to learn to relax, since they are "unemployed" for months during winter.
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This is mine a couple years ago (he's almost 11 now). Unfortunately he HATES dogs (we tried to fix it.. but he was abandoned at 4 weeks in a shelter and I guess he got traumatized or something) so walking him is just too stressful for me (he pulled the leash out once and lunged at another dog and we had to pay $800 in vet bills).
We got our first dog because I wanted a dog to go on walks with, but he was impossible on the leash and our neighborhood sucked for walks... but still, it got me out more for sure, and we discovered some nice parks... I miss having a nice dog I can walk without stressing out!
My sister got an Australian Shepherd and started flyball with him, so yeah, it can really make you more active if you're into that!0 -
Yes, absolutely! Owning a dog is a commitment and part of that is keeping him or her healthy! Walks are a necessary part of that, and they keep you healthy and active too. There are a few minor exceptions (awful weather, sickness, etc.) but I get my dog out for a minimum of two 30 minute walks per day (usually much longer) and other bathroom breaks. I use the Runkeeper App on my phone as both a reminder and proof to give her the time she deserves.
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This is mine a couple years ago (he's almost 11 now). Unfortunately he HATES dogs (we tried to fix it.. but he was abandoned at 4 weeks in a shelter and I guess he got traumatized or something) so walking him is just too stressful for me (he pulled the leash out once and lunged at another dog and we had to pay $800 in vet bills).
We got our first dog because I wanted a dog to go on walks with, but he was impossible on the leash and our neighborhood sucked for walks... but still, it got me out more for sure, and we discovered some nice parks... I miss having a nice dog I can walk without stressing out!
My sister got an Australian Shepherd and started flyball with him, so yeah, it can really make you more active if you're into that!
My husky was a rescue dog and was TERRIBLE on the leash at first (oh my could he pull) but with a lot of patience and practice, we overcame that.0 -
My 15 pound terrier mix is all energy all the time. She gets a 1.5 mile walk in the morning, a half mile in the early afternoon, and a 1.5-2 mile walk in the evening. If she doesn't get to burn off that energy walking (like on days when there's a thunderstorm) she is a maniac in the house. She definitely makes you get up and move.
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I've got the best running motivation ever when we got our Golden. He's very active, and Loves.. LOVES... His runs. I can't go without him tearing things up. Before you take on a dog, make sure you understand the breed and the activity level. Also take some time to make sure you leash train it so they don't end up dragging you around. My buddy Zeke is friendly and always wants to visit with whomever we meet along the way. Do some training first though. They are fantastic motivation to go outside, but don't get a furbaby unless you are ready to put in the time with them.
I totally agree with this. I joke that my golden retriever as a puppy was more stressful than my twins... and I'm not actually kidding. It was HORRIBLE. He ate everything and peed and pooped everywhere. Then he got severe resource guarding issues and scared me to death at times and we ended up having to give him away to someone with more experience after he snapped at our toddlers after he stole one of their toys. He was great at basic training but anything more than that... ugh.
Our second puppy was easier because he took to potty training in no time but he still destroys a lot of things (my kids lost so many toys) and as I said above, he hates other dogs.
Honestly I'm not sure we'll ever have a dog again. If we did, it would probably be an adult rescue that is already potty trained (if I could even find a rescue that lets us adopt a dog after we gave one away) and is good with cats.0 -
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When I got Kaiju (APBT on the right), my activity slowly increased with his. We got him as a puppy, so his endurance had to build over time. At 6 months, with two walks a day, his energy was too much. While debating the merits of doggie day care, we met Tonto, our grumpy old man (Boxer mix on the left).
They keep each other pretty entertained, but they have kept me more active, especially when its warmer out. Spring/summer/fall months mean 3-4 mile walks daily after dinner. Winter... more like 1 mile walks and chasing mom up and down the stairs. And Tonto likes to run with me when I'm feeling ambitious. Kaiju hears run and fakes a limp, but then is mad that he gets left behind.
EDIT: I forgot to attach the pic.0 -
Currently my only dog, approx. 13 yr old, rescued and had lots of issues that we worked out over time. Loves walks but is slowing down a bit.....
ETA-not a good pic....she was shedding her undercoat by the pound...0 -
LOVE all the dogs, wish I could pet and play with them all!0
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This dog, Kali (named after the Hindu Goddess of Destruction)...keeps me very active. If we don't hike just about every day, rain or shine, snowing, cold or what have you, I get the stare down with those big sad brown eyes...just gotta do it.
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I'm a lot more active because of my dog. I live upstairs, so I'm always going up and down to give him bathroom breaks. He's also very active, so it's two long walks + frisbee every day. If it weren't for him, I'd rarely walk. On days I don't want to, he'll stare me down until I do it.0 -
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Having a dog definitely will make you more active, because you HAVE to walk them everyday. That's just part of the "contract" when you get a dog.
This is my daughters dog who is an excellent and fast walking partner. My own dog walks slower than a snail..
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I love seeing the pics of everyone's dogs. Yes, my dog has definitely made me be more active. I was diagnosed with leukemia back in October - thankfully I'm in remission - but the chemo has left me with no energy. But my herding dog needs to be walked each day so I force myself. We do two 20 min. walks a day. In the long run it's been the best thing for me because exercise promotes blood production. My chemo will be finished in June and I'm feeling better and better each day. My beautiful boy has been a big part of my mental and physical healing.
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It can. I started walking my son's dog when he went off to college. We walk everyday now weather permitting. It has helped me to stay motivated. Just make sure you teach your dog good walking etiquette. The dog should walk beside you and keep your pace. Don't let it pull you it try to lead you where it wants to go. I see so many people at the park whose dogs don't know how to walk on a leash. It drives me crazy.
As someone with a very well trained hunting dog, I will say that he knows good and well how to walk on a leash, he just doesn't do it.
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Definitely will depend on the dog. We had a Lhasa Apso who passed last year who did not need much exercise. img]https://us.v-cdn.net/5021879/uploads/editor/xf/kz13bvzwfhrb.jpeg[/img]
We have a 10 month old beagle now and he needs the activity to release some energy. If the weather is too bad for walk he still needs a good play session or he gets into to many things. My husband walks him in the morning but when the weather is nice we get the kids and we all go for a walk in the evening. He has definitely made my husband less of a couch potato. It is not the fastest with a three and five year old but it is nice for them to get out too. I am not sure he will be a great running buddy since he walks horribly in the leash since he picks up on every smell and I worry he would trip me but we will see in a few months.0 -
I love seeing the pics of everyone's dogs. Yes, my dog has definitely made me be more active. I was diagnosed with leukemia back in October - thankfully I'm in remission - and the chemo has left me with no energy. But my herding dog needs to be walked each day so I force myself. We do two 20 min. walks a day. In the long run it's been the best thing for me because exercise promotes blood production. My chemo will be finished in June and I'm feeling better and better each day. My beautiful boy has been a big part of my mental and physical healing.
That is a sweet story! I hope you keep feeling better and better each day!0 -
This dog, Kali (named after the Hindu Goddess of Destruction)...keeps me very active. If we don't hike just about every day, rain or shine, snowing, cold or what have you, I get the stare down with those big sad brown eyes...just gotta do it.
I cannot say no to the big sad brown eyes either. I was very, very sick for a long time with lupus attacking my heart and back trouble. Thankfully my dad took over walking my Labrador. He's 4.5 years old and lives for his 3 daily walks. 30 minutes in the morning, 40 minutes - 80 minutes late afternoon, and 30 minutes at night. We also play fetch a lot in the house. He gets along superbly with my sister's children, and keeps them on their toes when they come to stay as well.
I also walk my dad's springer spaniel; he was a handful as a puppy but at 12 years old he considers 2 - 2.5 mph "really fast". He also can't walk so far, so I split my walks into shifts and now walk him at his speed & distance, then take the other dog out for a serious exercise walk.
@finnsgma , a dog is a real commitment of your time and resources. Please only get one if you really love dogs, and if you are willing to do what the dog absolutely needs. It breaks my heart that so many dogs are neglected, abused and abandoned.
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This dog, Kali (named after the Hindu Goddess of Destruction)...keeps me very active. If we don't hike just about every day, rain or shine, snowing, cold or what have you, I get the stare down with those big sad brown eyes...just gotta do it.
I cannot say no to the big sad brown eyes either. I was very, very sick for a long time with lupus attacking my heart and back trouble. Thankfully my dad took over walking my Labrador. He's 4.5 years old and lives for his 3 daily walks. 30 minutes in the morning, 40 minutes - 80 minutes late afternoon, and 30 minutes at night. We also play fetch a lot in the house. He gets along superbly with my sister's children, and keeps them on their toes when they come to stay as well.
I also walk my dad's springer spaniel; he was a handful as a puppy but at 12 years old he considers 2 - 2.5 mph "really fast". He also can't walk so far, so I split my walks into shifts and now walk him at his speed & distance, then take the other dog out for a serious exercise walk.
@finnsgma , a dog is a real commitment of your time and resources. Please only get one if you really love dogs, and if you are willing to do what the dog absolutely needs. It breaks my heart that so many dogs are neglected, abused and abandoned.
Don't worry, we have been thinking about this for two years and because I know what a huge commitment it is, we have waited until we knew it was good timing and we could commit 100% to being a great, forever home for a dog.
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My two babies. Adopted as pups about 5 years ago.
I have no idea what mix they are but I wouldn't trade em for anything!
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I have two dogs; this one is a bit of a couch potato now that he's older:
And the new one, who can barely stay still long enough for me to take a picture:
The puppy is a VERY high-energy dog (lab/shepherd we think) compared to the old man (lab/newf we think) and she has increased my activity by at least an hour a day.
They are both a big help around the farm.
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Shadow
Angel
Raphael
Smokey
Thor 0 -
My little Pablo! As a dachshund with short legs super long walks aren't his forte, but he can do a mile like a champ!
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