How Your Dog Can Help You Reach Your Fitness Goals

As 2009 ends and 2010 begins, so many resolutions are made (and quickly broken). If your resolution is to get fit in 2010, here are a couple of ways that owning a dog can help you keep from breaking your resolution.

1. Exercise: both you and your dog need it. Your dog wants it! Why not help your friend out. Walking is great exercise and simple to do. You don't need any special equipment (except good shoes) and you don't need a club membership to do it. There are also other ways to exercise with your dog. Why not go outside and toss a frisbee or her favorite toy. Go to the dog park and run around (both of you!) Or, if you're ready and your dog is ready, go for a run or bike ride. Just make sure you know if your dog can handle it. For example, I'm a boxer and have a short snout. Short snouted dogs like me (pugs, boston terriers, etc.) have a harder time breathing and can overheat. So, please know your dogs limitations.

2. Happiness and less stress: Being happy and stress free will help you keep your resolution. And owning a pet has been shown to relieve stress. Why wouldn't it. We're there when you need a friend, always willing to give you a "kiss" or just a wag of the tail to let you know we love you. And we don't care if you have taken a shower or made your bed! It's no wonder they call us man's best friend!

So grab the leash and get going!