via HealthDay News

Forget about joining a gym. If you want to get into shape, all you need is a four-legged pal. Dr. Robert Kushner, a human obesity expert and professor of medicine at Northwestern University said that dogs make great workout partners in winning the battle of the bulge."They are natural exercise machines on a leash," he said.

Research has shown that it's easier to be physically active and stick with an exercise program when you team up with a workout buddy, Kushner said. But unlike human partners, who might make excuses for not wanting to go for a walk or run, a dog never will. They will generally be the first ones at the door, ready to go, rain or shine.

Deborah Wood, an animal shelter manager in Portland, Ore., lost 140 pounds in two years after enrolling in a national weight loss program and going for three-mile daily walks with her three papillons -- pushing the two oldest in a doggie stroller.

But enthusiasm for exercise is just one of the healthy behaviors humans can learn from dogs, said Marcus, who last year wrote Fit as Fido: Follow Your Dog to Better Health. Dogs instinctively get enough sleep and maintain good hydration -- traits that have, for instance, been linked with weight loss in people.
 
Kushner said that pets really do motivate people to stick with a diet and exercise plan until the pounds come off and stay off. People in the study reported that their dogs not only gave them incentive to work out but made the experience more enjoyable -- two predictors of sustaining an exercise program long term, he said. For Wood, taking long treks with her dogs has paid off. She's now half the woman she used to be, dropping in dress size from a 3X to an 8.

"Walking a dog is absolutely fun," Wood said. "It's good for the dog; it's good for the human."


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by Rene Knapp

Many people believe crating a dog for any length of time is cruel and they refuse to consider it. Thousands of dollars are spent by families every year because of the damage done by a new puppy who is given the run of the house while their owners are at work or out for an evening. The crate is a proven way to train dogs who act like ... well, dogs.

Not punishment

The first and hardest thing to get into your mindset is that a crate is not for punishment. Crates need to be a positive place where your dog can find security and pleasure. An attractive crate makes for a welcoming den — a nice blanket, yummy treats, a favorite toy and a chew stick help to make the pup comfortable. The crate needs to be in a place where your dog will not feel isolated (our dog’s crate is in our bedroom), so the pup feels like part of the family.

Using a crate properly establishes limits for your dog when you are away from the house and unable to monitor your dog’s behavior. A crate is also a safe area for your dog to be if you’re having a party and have a less-than-social canine. Dogs who are afraid of thunderstorms and fireworks often find refuge in their familiar crate.

The best way to get your dog to live happily with his crate is to introduce it when he is a puppy. Rather than have to punish him when he messes or chews your favorite pair of shoes, you can crate him before the trouble actually happens. While crates certainly don’t train your pup for you, they are a useful tool in housebreaking. You need to make sure the crate is the proper size for the animal. If the crate is too big, the puppy will use part of it as the bathroom, and that won’t help in the long run. You also have to be around to hear him. If the puppy is whining, chances are he needs to go to the bathroom and should be taken out. After meals and naps and before going into the crate, there should first be a trip outside.

The crate should be big enough to allow the dog to stand up and lie down comfortably. If you know your dog is going to grow into a big dog, then consider getting a divider so you will have the proper size crate in the beginning and the crate can grow with the dog. It should be put in a room where there is activity. Starting the puppy or dog in the crate for a few minutes at a time and working your way up in time is the best way for the dog to learn he is not being abandoned or “caged.”

Your dog will get accustomed to his crate and will enjoy the security of having his own space, but do not leave a puppy crated for longer than three or four hours at a time, or an adult dog for longer than eight hours. If left too long, your dog will start feeling trapped and frustrated. There are also many types of crates available: Aluminum, plastic, foldable tents, mesh or fabric, fiberglass, plastic, wicker and wire. All have pros and cons, including cost, ventilation, cleaning, etc. You will need to see which crate will work best for you.


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by Shannon Harleigh

Does your workplace allow your dog to join you at work? This is a terrific benefit because I live in an apartment, and would need to pay for a dog sitter or doggie day care.

Pet Sitters International states that there are substantial benefits to having dogs in the office, including creating a more relaxed work environment and increasing communication between co-workers (hopefully, the dialogue isn't "Your dog just soiled my office!"). The best way to encourage a positive experience for all employees in a dog-friendly work place are the following:

1) Establish a doggy business plan, laying out the do's and don't which are acceptable for dogs in the office. Have clear guidelines establishing when you may no longer bring your dog into the office and what behaviors are unacceptable.

2) Provide a clean environment, so that those employees who are allergic to dogs do not have to deal with pet hair or dander in their office or common area like the kitchen.

3) Make sure all employees buy into the idea of a dog friendly workplace. Provide opportunities for open dialogue so that everyone has a chance to share their thoughts and feeling about this. No one wants to come to work and feel disenfranchised.

Does your workplace allow dogs? Do you think it's a good idea to bring your dog to work? Share your thoughts!

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No matter his size or breed, any dog will bite under the right circumstances, so it's up to owners to take steps to keep their dog under control. American Kennel Association offers some tips:

1. Research dog breeds before you bring one into your home. Some need considerable training and exercise if you're going to keep them under control. Do you have the time and commitment they'll require?

2. Don't let your dog run free. Keep your dog on a leash when in public. Keep him behind a secure fence at home. Sure, an electronic fence might keep your dog in your yard, but how will you keep people and their pets away?  

3. Socialize your dog. Start socializing him from Day One so he's not uneasy with strangers. Even loving dogs may bite when they feel threatened.

4. Train your dog. He needs to respond to basic commands like  "sit," "down," "stay," "heel," and "come." He needs to drop toys on command so you don't have to reach into his mouth to get a toy. Play non-aggressive games like fetch rather than with games that will teach him bad habits like tug-of-war.

5. Do not set your dog up for failure. Be cautious when introducing your dog to new situations, avoid situations where he might be teased, and remove him if there are signs he's uncomfortable.


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