Does having a dog make/keep you more active?

My dog has been a big help with my activity, I like taking him for walks because I see a big difference in his behaviour and energy levels when I do.
I wouldn't go for a walk outside at all if it wasn't for my dog.

Unfortunately I got him at the height of my social anxiety and when I was at my highest weight.
Realistically, I was so depressed at that point that getting him was me looking for some sort of reason to stick around.

It did the trick, unhealthy approach, but I have a very strong bond with my dog because of it since turning my life around.

My anxiety hindered his socialization and he also can be fairly anxious.
So if you get a puppy, do everything you can to socialize your pup and give them confidence early on. That is my one regret.

My dog walks on leash perfectly fine until we turn towards home, then he will try to anxiously rush me back home.
It's a work in progress, he is much better now (there was a time I would have to carry him off the porch to the sidewalk because he was too anxious) but I always worry when he is pulling me slightly that people are judging me as a "bad" pet owner.
Reality is that there was a time that I couldn't even leave my house, of course that rubbed off on my dog.

As for "obeast" people having overweight dogs. At my heaviest I was almost 400lbs and my dog has not been overweight a day in his life. In fact, before I got him I researched dog food brands extensively because I was more concerned with his nutrition and health than my own.

OP, make sure you factor everything in when deciding what breed would be most suitable for your family. Energy level is huge, as others have already said.
Some breeds are also harder to train in general (house training is a big undertaking sometimes).


A lot of people don't think of this, but grooming needs are something to keep in mind as well. If you can't stand dog hair, any sort of breed that sheds will be an issue.
I have a Rough Collie and he sheds like a beast. I need to vacuum every day or two, I keep a "top blanket" on my bed, I am always petting him/having him sitting by me so I don't own black clothing & finding dog hair in my food is a daily occurrence.
It doesn't bother me though because I love my dog.
That being said, I couldn't have a short haired breed like a Lab because I can't stand the short hairs everywhere.

Just something to think about ^^

alstin2015 wrote: »

Obeast people always have obeast dogs and cats. My brother is a vet. We always laugh about it. The obeast people are always in denial about their animals weight, projecting on the animal. Having a dog may make you slightly more active if you have the will to actually walk your dog

The word you're looking for is obese.

Mr Brown is a good running buddy.

But while they didn't "make" us active, they certainly contribute to "keeping" us active, because the dogs always need a good walk, whether it's freezing cold or pouring down with rain. We also cater our holidays to the dogs. Rather than flying somewhere and lying on a beach while the dogs are in kennels, we go on hiking holidays and they come with us wherever we go.

sault_girl wrote: »

I'm loving all these dog pictures!
@lynch17 , I LOVE Olly and Stan! They look like good dogs

Thank you.

moya_bleh wrote: »

Absolutely - especially when they can bench more than you!!!!!

Dreaming about benching....

March 2009, Brussels, Belgium, our Cocker Spaniel Agua will be touring with us wherever we go. Living in Holland makes it easier to travel Europe by car, but the breed and size do help!
They are both 6 years older, but keep on hugging.
My son is taking her every day for a walk, being 12 years old thats not easy, but if the dog may not pee, he cant either....!

I love Austria.

LessthanKris wrote: »

stm712015 wrote: »

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!

Thanks so much!

Dogs are great, they make you get out and walk..they do faces like this at you until you get off your rump and get them out

michellekirkman30 wrote: »

I have a Labrador and cross lab and Springer, currently have tendonitis hand so can't walk them as pull too much and have put loads of weight on. Looking for a collar\\lead that stop this halti doesn't deem to work. As desperately want to get back out there.But yes having a dog definitely helps activity levels in normal circumstances as long as have all weather gear waterproof clothing etc.

This worked wonders on my 75# lab. I've gone back to a collar and she's gone back to pulling even though she knows "heel". I put the easy walk harness on her occasionally to remind her how to behave.

http://www.petsmart.com/featured-shops/leashes-harnesses/petsafe-easy-walk-dog-harness-zid36-9378/cat-36-catid-800716;pgid=wIZUqHIQ5yFSRpuZ_BfxiWOZ0000Ep0CTtPw;sid=_8ne4W0Ui4_X4TvFU8Sd5V0eHMKCRyhoqNs_ZozX?var_id=36-9378&_t=pfm=category

It depends. If you're not going to TRULY change YOUR habits for the benefit of the DOG, then don't get one. A dog is not going to magically make you a more active person unless you're completely engaged in the health and mental wellness of the dog.

We have 5 dogs, on walk days they each get a 1.5 mile walk, 2 dogs at a time, the Golden with the Lab, the Aussie with the Malinois mix, and the jack russell chihauhau mix (yes he will run the entire 1.5 miles). That's a 4.5 mile walk and an hour and a half.

Are we doing this for our health? Sometimes, but I actually have more effective workouts for myself. But mostly its because the dogs are happier, healthier, more well behaved and mentally stable. They get this walk 3 times a week minimum. The rest of the time they get morning and evening activity with us, if we have to drop what we're doing and give it to them. They are a priority, if you 're not going to be able to put down your devices for this, please don't get a dog.

Also, we live on 1.25 acres, fenced. Having land that your dog may run around on all day, is NOT the same type of activity to them as a structured walk with the pack leader.

Our beast from the pound doesn't play well with other dogs, so I don't take her out. Pity because I would love to walk her, it's just so much work.

My dogs are lazy. They are great company, but honestly they prefer the couch potato life. So it's me that has to entice them to be more active. Lucky for them their health is important to me.

CollieFit wrote: »

PS both our dogs are "from the pound" / rescues too.

Mine too.