Dogs are amazing companions. They will stick by your side through thick and thin; their loyalty is unmatched. A lot of people believe that getting a dog will make them more active.
Dogs love nature, playing around and chasing anything that moves. But their playfulness doesn’t necessarily mean that you will become active.
A dog’s athleticism depends on various factors, including the type of dog you choose. There are breeds like Dalmations, Pembroke Welsh Corgis, Shetland Sheepdogs, or Siberian Huskies that love the outdoors, exercise, and activity.
But their athleticism will not transfer to you; whether they exercise with you is ultimately up to you. The amount of effort you put into exercise will determine whether they add to your health or not.
The Right Reasons To Get a Dog
Dogs are social creatures with emotions. Understandably, people need protection, exercise, or a plaything, but dogs are more than that. If you aren’t prepared for the emotional investment of owning a dog, you should reconsider.
Dogs aren’t just there to provide companionship; they need your attention too. They will protect you, but you need to care for them as well. Yes, they can get you some exercise, but there are better ways to exercise without using a dog.
You can take up a sport like basketball, jogging, hiking or yoga. When you take up a physical activity, you can do it by yourself or gather with like-minded individuals for that specific purpose. It’s better than having to deal with a being that needs your attention.
You can also buy exercise gear like a treadmill, weights, sportswear, or a proper pair of glasses (with durable glasses frames) that won’t break when working out. You can create a gym at home that will give you the exercise you need, and it will be available at your leisure and schedule.
How Dogs Help
Dogs have many benefits to them. Suppose you are ready for the responsibility of owning one. In that case, you will get more exercise out of it, among other benefits. But make sure you get a dog that suits your lifestyle.
A farmer will appreciate a dog that loves wide spaces and can help around the farm, like sheepdogs or German Shorthaired Pointers. On the other hand, an urbanite will probably like something small, and peppy, and is happy being in parks, like French Bulldogs or Dachshunds.
Exercise with your dog can be a walk or a jog; they enjoy those, especially in a natural park, farm, or woodland setting. You can also play fetch; it’s another favourite. Swimming and frisbee games are also popular with most dogs.
Dogs need to go for regular walks. For most people, that will be more walking than they usually get, which can have health benefits, but that’s only if the owner does the walking; some opt not to do it at all to the chagrin of their pets or hire a dog walker. If you care for your dog, you will go on walks with them; it’s not only an exercise but a bonding experience.
There are several ways you can enjoy the company of a dog. You can cuddle and snuggle with it; it’s good for both you and the dog. It’s a way to connect with the dog to ease both your mental and spiritual states. Petting and playing with puppies can increase your levels of the “feel-good” hormones serotonin and dopamine. The hormones help reduce stress levels along with improving your memory and concentration.
From the time you meet or at a later date, you may find that your dog may not be able to exercise. That can be due to an illness or disability. You will need to care for the dog and find other ways to get them the exercise they need during those times. An illness can be treated, and you can take them outside for fresh air during treatment. A disability may need a prosthetic.
Dog’s age as well. In fact, they age even faster than humans, so ten years to you can be a lifetime to a dog. As they age, their energy and physical abilities will wane. At the tail end of its lifespan, a dog will not be able to jump as high or run as long as it used to, or at all. You will need to adjust to those circumstances.
Return the Loyalty
A dog is a companion that will add richness to your life. For all those benefits, including exercise, you will need to care for it. So only get a dog if you plan to do more than exercise with it. A dog becomes part of the family.
