This is Olive. She’s my very active lab-Shepherd mix and she’s been in my life for 13 years (since 9 weeks old). I always tell people, she’s my security system, my emotional support and my fitness buddy. And all of that is true to the letter, but she’s much more than that! She’s my very best friend and companion. She’s a great listener and keeps all my secrets. Best of all, she feels my emotions as much as I do. She lifts me up when I’m down and she’s always on my side no matter what. She’s the love of my life.
Our beloved pets provide us with real companionship and unconditional love. The bond between us humans and our pets can be extraordinary. We share mutually beneficial relationships with our animals whether it’s a dog, cat, turtle, rabbit, hamster, ferret, or any other animal.
Whether it’s the purr of a cat or a wagging tail of a dog, our pets boost our mental health in many ways, but they also help us humans in physical ways such as helping us to lower our blood pressure and heart rate, lower our risk of depression as well as lowering our stress hormones (such as cortisol) and increasing our happy hormones (such as dopamine and serotonin). And hats off to the animals who serve our country in military applications, or are trained especially to help disabled, blind or otherwise medically challenged individuals? Wow!
Pet’s also create social interactions for us (and for themselves), be it with other humans or other animals. They can give us a sense of purpose, a reason to wake up in the morning and care for another living breathing being (which can be especially important for singles and seniors). And I joke about a security system, but there is no better protection than a big barking dog – I know that for a fact!
Of course, just like humans, all animals need exercise and they depend on us to provide them with the exercise they need. Dogs need to walk and run, cats need to chase things (as they are natural hunters) and hamsters need to get on their wheels and spin. But since I opened this post introducing my girl Olive, this post is focused on the benefits of exercising our dogs.
Exceptional Pet News states the top 5 reasons that exercise is important for pets:
- Helps them maintain a healthy weight
- Keeps their minds sharp
- Helps them stay social
- Helps them overcome anxiety
- Strengthens the bond between you and your pet
I find all of these reasons stated above to be true. Exercise with Olive provides great one-on-one time for us to bond through our interaction and mutual communication. It provides her with mental stimulation (an opportunity to train her as good canine citizen as well as socializing with other dogs and sniffing all the smells of the dogs that walked the path before her) and it keeps both of us active. We are accountable to each other to stay active.
While there’s always a good game of fetch to be had at a nearby park, I especially like the exercises where we both get a good workout. With that in mind, our goal is to walk 2-4 miles a day which usually takes us 40-60 minutes (given all her stops to sniff the bushes). Walking the beautiful paths around our neighborhood is our daily “go to” exercise. And when I can, I let her off leash at the park to run a bit as walking by itself doesn’t give her the much needed activity she craves.
In spring and summer months, we do more “excursions.” Often times I’ll plan some longer hikes or we’ll drive to the lake for a hike and swim. And we both like to paddle board.
And while Olive doesn’t do yoga with me, she is typically by my side and it’s funny as I do notice sometimes when I pull out my mat, she’ll do a “downward dog” to stretch her body before plunking down on the mat. And she always gets a good stretch in before our walks, usually after I say the word “WALK” but before we head out the door.
I often thought Miss Olive would be a great agility dog (running through pylons or obstacles or jumping hurdles), but I never pursued it with her. I wish I had. Agility is so good for the dog’s mind and body and she’s so smart!
Not every exercise is safe or appropriate for every dog, but walking is definitely one of the exercises that is good for every dog. According to my vet, even small Chihuahuas need at least 30 minutes of exercise a day and older dogs continue to need daily exercise as they age, although not as strenuous as younger pups. Just like with people, a canine body in motion stays in motion! Olive and I live an active lifestyle and it keeps both of us in shape mentally and physically!
If you have a dog, put this tantalizing article aside and take your dog for a walk around the block. It’ll bring both of you some serious goodness, mind, body and soul.
If you don’t have a dog borrow your neighbor’s dog. Your neighbor will love you and so will their dog!
If you are thinking about getting a dog of your own, it would be a good idea to do some research before you make a selection as the breed will dictate activity that your dog requires to stay healthy, which means it will also dictate your activity level.
Having a furry four legged family member of any kind in your life is a huge responsibility but it’s well worth it as it can boost your overall wellbeing mentally, emotionally and physically. Based on my experience, our furry family members feel our feelings and lift our moods with their innocence and vulnerability. Their presence bring such unconditional love, happiness and positive energy to the world, and they have remarkable souls.
And speaking of souls, when you select your pet, you’ll know the one for you, because it will touch your soul. In fact, the animal might even select YOU!
Click HERE to meet my Olive on YouTube!
The journey to a healthier, happier you is so worth it. I know—because I lived it. I stopped chasing skinny and started focusing on my health—and that single shift changed everything. I lost 140 pounds, but more importantly, I found clarity, energy, and a life that finally feels like mine. I share the whole story in my book. Click HERE to learn more.
