Dogs Do It, So Should We

As I mentioned, I just adopted a new greyhound, Gracie, and I'm knee-deep in learning about current training methods. I just finished Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan's book, Cesar's Way.

Cesar makes a great point that I've never thought about:
Most dog owners give too much affection, and too little discipline and exercise. This approach is harmful to the dog because dogs are pack animals and expect leadership, boundaries, and alot of exercise. Affection should be given only when the other two needs are met. Otherwise, dogs become confused, try to become dominant pack leaders, and become nightmares for the owner: biting, aggression, chewing and soiling, neurotic obsessions, jumping on people, barking incessantly, and basically running the family's life.

For real....you know at least one person that has a dog like this, and with whom you prefer not to visit, right?

What does this have to do with health and fitness? I think people are the same. Cesar argues that the order of priority for dogs should be Exercise, Discipline, and Affection. But for themselves, most people put Discipline (or work) first, Affection (or play/relax time) next, and Exercise at the very last.

We live in an area where career and money are very important. I have so many clients that cannot fit in a normal exercise routine because they work 10-14 hour days, and then come home so tired that all they can do is crash on the couch with a glass of wine and some kind of snack food. Exercise is an afterthought for the weekend, if that.

I don't think I need to tell you all of the benefits of exercise, but I'll list just a few:

• Stress reduction
• Increase in energy
• Better sleep
• Weight loss
• Increased muscle tone and functional strength
• Increased cardiovascular health
• Preventative for diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and alzheimer's
• Bonding time with dog, spouse, kid, friend (whomever you might exercise with)

How to get more exercise? Getting a dog helps! I've been briskly walking Gracie 3 times a day for 30 minutes each. I just get up early and do it. She's waiting at the door--loves her walks--so there's no excuse. I'm also seriously considering Cesar's idea to rollerblade while walking her.

Otherwise, I know people are busy and have precious little time to add in an hour of exercise (surrounded by almost an hour of travel time, shower time, etc.). So just do 10-20 minutes at a time. Walk everywhere. Do an upper body workout with light weights while you wait for your pasta to boil. Cut your own grass. Go up and down your stairs 20 times. Or make it fun and turn on your favorite music and dance (with the blinds closed if you prefer).

Anyway, there are hundreds of ways to increase your physical activity. All animals need exercise to be well-adjusted and healthy, and we're no exception.