Are you sticking with your New Year’s Exercise resolution?
If you are and want to stay committed, we have a partner for you!
Dogs make great exercise partners because they just want to spend time with you. Think about it! People make up all kinds of excuses not to exercise, but dogs are always ready to go. Dogs don’t care if it’s raining. Dogs don’t care if it is cold. Dogs don’t have a meeting or another obligation.
If you commit to a daily walk, your dog will start to expect it and look forward to it (which will also help to keep you on track!). Having a dog as an exercise companion is simply………. Rewarding!
Check out some of our featured dogs that would make great exercise buddies:
Carl was bought as a Christmas gift in 2019, and his owners decided in 2020 they no longer wanted him. They unfortunately did not do a lot of training with him or even spend a lot of time with him, but despite his “ruff” start in life he is a friendly boy who is looking for a home with the time and patience to finish up his training and give him tons of mental and physical stimulation. He is an active, strong, and smart boy from his mix of breeds and we are so saddened that his previous home never spent the time with him to give him proper outlets! He would NOT be good in a home with small dogs, cats, or young children (under 14). He would benefit from a fenced yard or a VERY active home!
Libby is a chunk Bull Terrier mix that is 5-6 months old and weighs just over 30 pounds. She is a young pup who does not know her size and needs a home that has the time, patience, and ability to finish up all of her much-needed training needs! She is a little rough and tumble with her playing and will need a dog that likes to play like she does! She can be very mouthy, and until she learns what is appropriate playing, she will not be good in a home with children under 12 years old. She is a loving puppy that just needs some finishing touches and a family that will do that for her!
Beefcake truly lives up to his name! This 80-pound goofy dog is affectionate, sweet, friendly, and playful! He is a BIG boy and he is very strong on leash and will need a refresher course on basic obedience but he does know how to sit, give paw, and to lay down! He is good with other dogs but definitely needs another big strong buddy to play with. He is even good with cats! We think he would be best with children 12 years and older just due to his sheer size! His is going to need someone to help him finish up some basic obedience training to help him be the best dog he can be! He would benefit from some structure and rules as well.
There is so much you can do with your dog! Walking, hiking, running, throwing and fetching a ball or Frisbee, rollerblading and swimming. If you are starting to feel bored with your normal route or type of activity, change it up by trying a new path, or a longer walk. Explore dog-friendly trails in the mountains, by a lake or at the beach. Try out some dog parks. Don’t be afraid to get your “paws” wet and go for a swim!
Please remember: Like humans, you’ll want to slowly start an exercise plan with your dog. Consult with your veterinarian before you start, that way you can set attainable and sustainable activity goals for your pet. You may want to start with a short walk or hike, and then begin to increase the length and challenge as you and your dog gets accustomed to the exercise routine. As your vet will tell you, for dogs with joint problems or osteoarthritis tendencies, it’s much healthier to undertake activities like swimming, paced hiking or walking, over high-intensity exercises like running.
We can’t say it enough! Having a dog as an exercise companion is simply…… rewarding.
If you are interested in adopting any of our animals please fill out an application on our website www.lastchanceranch.org.
Posted: January 26, 2021, by Jill Roggio