Although this website focuses on mainly
Canine and Human Fitness, I will eventually be adding on sports that involve
other animals, such as cat and rodent agility. For more information about
pets, please visit my sister website at
www.losttemplepets.com.
Physical and
psychological benefits for a DOG that is kept physically fit.
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Increases the dog’s strength and coordination, which decreases the likelihood of injuries.
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Helps control the dog’s weight. Muscle burns more calories than fat.
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Releases endorphins, which cause a feeling of euphoria and well being.
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Decreases destructive behavior, restlessness and/or excessive barking.
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Helps the respiratory and cardiovascular systems to expand their capacities. (Zink, 2004, pp110-111)
Physical and psychological benefits for a HUMAN that is physically
fit.
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Contributes positively to maintaining a healthy weight, building and maintaining healthy bone density, muscle strength, joint mobility, reducing surgical risks, and strengthening the immune system.
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Helps to prevent or treat serious and life-threatening chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, obesity, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, insomnia, and depression.
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Endurance exercise before meals lowers blood glucose more than the same exercise after meals.
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It also improves mental health, helps prevent depression, helps to promote or maintain positive self-esteem, and can even augment an individual's sex appeal or body image. (Physical Exercise (Wikipedia) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_exercise)
Before starting a routine here are some
factors to consider when setting up an exercise program for you and your
dog:
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Age – Are you in your 40s and have never exercised? Do you have a puppy that is still growing or an older dog that may be arthritic?
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Puppies should not participate in strenuous training until their bone plates have closed and their muscles mature, at about 14 months of age depending on the breed. Larger breeds may take longer to mature. Older dogs should have a complete physical and approval by their veterinarian.
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Men over 45 and women over 55 should have medical evaluation before starting a vigorous exercise program. If you will be participating in low to moderate exercise, it is suggested that those with or have signs and symptoms of cardiopulmonary disease set up a medical evaluation.
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Body type – Body structure plays a big part in what you and/or your dog will succeed in. For example, at 5’2 you may love to play basketball for fun, but chances are you won’t play for the NBA. On the other hand, you may excel at body building. The same concept goes for dogs. A bull mastiff may be great at weight pulling, but may ‘dabble’ in agility for fun. If you are not looking to compete, try a little of everything, you may be surprised what you and your dog may enjoy.
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Current level of fitness – Do you currently participate in any type of fitness program, such as walking, weight lifting, aerobics, etc. Has your dog been a couch potato and are now thinking of having him jog by your side? If you have no experience, start slow for both you and your dog.
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Energy Level – How much ‘get up and go’ do you and/or your canine companions have? Is your dog the border collie type with endless energy or the greyhound type that goes for a quick run several times a day and then finds a place on the couch for a nap? If you plan on starting agility, make sure both you and your dog have energy levels that match. If you are out of shape, how can you keep up with your Australian shepherd on the agility course? It is important that you and your dog have the stamina to go the distance.
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Chosen event if already part of canine sport – Do you and/or your dog already participate in an event or are you currently investigating different options? Consider the prior questions and then decide if your chosen sport will be agility where you need to keep up with your dog, or something like weight pulling where YOU need to be careful of your body mechanics while enticing your dog to pull the weight. Most sports will involve you mentally and/or physically, as well as your dog, so make sure you are up for the challenge.
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Medical and physical condition – It is very important for you to be aware of any medical or physical problems that may impede your dogs’ performance, as well as yourself. It is recommended that you bring the dog to the vet for a physical before starting any sport. This way if there are any modifications that need to be made to your training /exercise program, you will know ahead of time before causing any avoidable damage.
