Veterinarians often recommend walking as a key element of most canine weight loss and fitness regimens. This sounds simple enough, but is it? The following questions are commonly asked by dog owners who are about to embark on a walking program to promote weight loss.
What sort of equipment do I need?
Forget the leash and collar if you want to burn some serious calories with your dog. Collars must be used cautiously, as they can compress the trachea (windpipe) when pulled, causing difficulty breathing or even a neck injury. Choke chains or any other collars that work by applying constrictive pressure around the neck are especially dangerous.
Your safest choice is a head halter (i.e., Gentle Leader®) or a walking harness (Ultra Paws® Harness, Gentle Leader® Easy Walk, etc.). Look for wide, soft, padded straps and breathable materials. See the handout “Collar and Harness Options for Dogs” for more information on the pros and cons of collars, harnesses, and head halters.
A relatively short leash is preferable. Retractable leashes are not ideal as they pose a danger to the dog walker and the dog. You need to keep your canine companion close to keep up a steady pace. Save the long leash for casual strolls around the neighborhood or explorations at the park.
"You need to keep your canine companion close to keep up a steady pace."
Protective booties and dog coats may be required for long winter walks in cold climates. If you will be walking in hot weather (above 80-85°F or 26-29°C for most dogs), or if you will be walking longer than 30 minutes, do not forget to carry water for both you and your dog. If you want your dog to be fashionably equipped, many different portable water bottle styles are available for dogs on the move.
What pace should I set?
Few dogs will naturally walk at a pace that generates the elevated heart rates needed for sustained aerobic activity and weight loss. Based on observations, the average pace of people walking with their dogs is 25 minutes per mile (15 minutes per kilometer), which is a slow stroll. They make frequent pauses (on average every one to two minutes) for the dog to smell an interesting object or mark territory.
Walking for weight loss is very different from walking for pleasure. Make your objective to walk briskly from the beginning of the walk. If you start slowly, allowing your dog to sniff and smell everything, you may have difficulty getting him to speed up. It is not necessary to "warm up" before a walk or a slow jog; as hunters, dogs have adapted to accelerate rapidly with minimal risk of injury.
"Make your objective to walk briskly from the beginning of the walk."
Draw your leash close, generally within two to four feet (about 0.5-1 meter) of your body - and start at a pace you feel comfortable sustaining. This should be about a 12-15 minute per mile pace (7-9 minutes per kilometer). It should feel like a brisk walk, and you should break into a light sweat. The key is to keep it up!
Do not look down at your dog when they inevitably want to stop and smell something or mark a fire hydrant. Continue moving straight ahead, tighten the leash (but do not jerk it) and give a command such as "leave it", "come", or "here". Head halters are great for training dogs to heel during a brisk walk. If your dog sits or refuses to walk, you may have to return home. If this happens, you should crate him or put him in a quiet space without your attention and try again another time. However, this is rare, since most dogs readily accept this new form of exercise.
How long should we walk?
For most overweight or obese dogs, providing they have normal heart and lung function and no other pre-existing medical conditions, we recommend starting with 30-minute walks at least five times a week. Ideally, you should walk for exercise seven days a week. A sample schedule follows:
How often should I weigh my dog?
We recommend you have your dog weighed at the veterinary clinic at least once a month. The dog should always be weighed on the same scale. At the time of weighing, have a veterinary staff member inspect the foot pads for any injuries or problems. Once your pet reaches the desired weight, they should be re-weighed every three months to ensure that weight loss is maintained.
Remember, physical activity should be considered fun - with a purpose. When you combine exercise with a proper diet and lifestyle, you contribute to your dog's health and well-being and improve the quality of life for both of you.
