Exercising your dog

Spring is finally here and I'm excited for the new opportunities it presents!  After having braved the winter cold days, it's now a joy instead of a chore to get out and walk my dogs.  For a dog to truly get the exercise they need; they need to run.  So what does one do if you're not a runner yourself?  Don't despair, it can be as simple as biking your dog.

On Youtube, there is a video of a New Zealand Bikjoring group that bike their dogs through the woods.  Even if you're not an extreme biker, take a look at the video as it almost appears as if it is in 3D.  They barely miss the trees in the woods.  It's a rush just to watch them.  They are using x back harnesses on their dogs which reduces the stress to their dogs' bodies as they pull the bikers through the woods.  An x back harness is different than a walking harness (leash attaches on the dog's back as opposed to an Easy Walk Harness that attaches to the chest to prevent pulling) in that it is longer and distributes the pull over the dog's entire back including his powerful hips.  Bikjoring is an excellent non-winter activity for a dog that is taught to skijor or to pull a sled.

For a dog that won't be doing skijoring or pulling a sled, than you will probably want to consider using a "Walky Dog" instead of an x back harness as it places the dog on your side instead of out in front of the bike.  A "Walky Dog" prevents the dog from being able to run in front of or behind your bike.  He/she runs comfortably out to the side of your bike ensuring there are no entanglements.  It is recommended that you use the Walky Dog in combination with a regular walking harness (leash attaches on top of his/her back) so as to take the pressure off from the neck area that a regular neck collar would do.  There are also step scooters on the market which look like skateboards with a handlebar but they tend to be a rather expensive investment.  One can purchase a Walky Dog for only $37.95.

For those who don't bike but have a social "green light" dog, taking your dog to a dog park or doggie day care such as Lil Nell's Pet Salon in Walled Lake, Michigan; a few times per week, is also an excellent option so that your dog can get regular exercise running and playing with other dogs off leash.  Or if your dog loves to chase balls, find an isolated area in which you can practice your dog's retrieving skills.  Doing this at a dog park though is not recommended as it may be too stimulating for other dogs which could cause a dog fight over the ball.

Another option is to walk your dog.  It's not running but it's still good exercise for your dog and for yourself.  There are many interesting and fun places to walk your dog such as Maybury State Park nature trails, Cherry Hill Nature Preserve, Gallup Park in Ann Arbor, Rotary Park nature trails in Livonia, Kenningston Metro Park and many more.  To experience these places with a group of fellow dog lovers, join the MichiganDogTrainer "meet up group" who meet up at these and more locations as a group.

If your dog still needs a little help with learning to walk on a loose leash then contact Michael Burkey, a professional dog trainer in southeast Michigan.  He offers private dog training as well as group classes such as Basic Dog Manners, Outdoor Adventures and many others.  And, if you've got the desire to become a runner with your canine companion, contact Jt Clough, a professional dog trainer and nine time Ironman competitor who also happens to be an excellent fitness dog training coach.

No matter your venue, the important thing is to get outdoors and enjoy fresh air and exercise with your dogs.  Your dog will love you for it and you'll be healthier for it too.




 Important:  As with any exercise program, please consult with your medical doctor and veterinarian before embarking on a new exercise program for you and your dog.