Workout Wednesday! Book Review: Fitness Unleashed - A Dog and Owner's Guide to Losing Weight and Gaining Health Together

With obesity now considered epidemic in both U.S. people and pets, it was only a matter of time before someone came up with a weight-loss program for dogs and their owners to do together. In this case, Marty Becker, D.V.M., and Robert Kushner, M.D., teamed up with Hill's Science Diet to create Fitness Unleashed! I was skeptical at first, primarily because the project is funded by a dog food company - which would seem on the surface to be something of a conflict of interest. However, apart from a couple of plugs for Hill's dog food, the book focuses on providing dog guardians with practical advice on how to motivate their dogs - and themselves - to lose weight and gain fitness.

The book is divided into two parts, with the first focusing on an overview of obesity and the canine/human connection while the second provides a detailed "Plan of Action." There are a number of quizzes for both pup and owner (a couple of which I'll post on future Workout Wednesdays) to determine individual strengths and weaknesses and what type of fitness regiment would be most effective. The canine nutrition side of things is a bit neglected, giving the somewhat questionable advice of simply using a commercial food for overweight dogs, with no discussion of homemade or alternative diets. Additionally, there are a few spots in the book where the layout makes it difficult to determine where one section begins and another ends, but all in all it is a pretty easy read.

So... With all of this in mind, would I recommend this book (or this program)? Unequivocally, yes. All of the advice given is practical and geared toward a lifetime of fitness, rather than a quick weight-loss fix. If you're looking to drop fifty pounds next week, this is not the book for you (or your pup!) However, if you're looking for some great ideas on how you and your dog can become more active and energized over time, I think this is a great place to start. You may want to supplement the canine nutrition advice with books like Dr. Pitcairn's New Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats or The Whole Pet Diet, by Andi Brown. Otherwise, though, I say place an order for Fitness Unleashed! through your local independent bookseller or order online through Amazon today. I'm actually following the program myself as of this past Monday, so I'll be checking back periodically to let readers know just how effective Fitness Unleashed is - for both pups and their people.

Workout Wednesday. The Perfect Exercise Partner: Your Pooch!

By now, you've probably heard the statistics: 65-percent of Americans are overweight or obese, and those numbers are growing. And if you're reading this blog, you are probably aware that obesity in American pets is also becoming epidemic - an estimated 25-percent of American dogs are considered obese. Like humans, overweight dogs are more at risk for diabetes, joint problems, heart disease, and some cancers. So, if you find that your favorite jeans and your pup's favorite collar just don't fit the way they used to, there may be a solution close at hand.

Personally, I'm facing this very same issue myself. During my animal rescue internship, life was so crazy that - while I was moving a lot for long hours each day - my sleep patterns were interrupted, I wasn't watching what I ate, and I wasn't getting the kind of cardiovascular and total-body workouts I require to stay fit. So... fifty pounds later, it's time to go back to the drawing board. And my pups? Both Adia and Killian are in reasonably good shape because I make all of their food myself and I'm careful about their portions, however Adia could still stand to lose about five pounds. What do I propose to do to shed those excess pounds?

Exercise, exercise, exercise. And it turns out, walking the dog is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors and get back in shape. In the past two weeks, I've increased my daily half-hour dog-walk to two hour-long walks per day. Not only do I feel a whole lot better, but I've lost eight pounds already. And Killian and Adie are both looking more svelte and their energy levels - for better or worse - are soaring. Because they're getting adequate exercise, however, chewing issues and general rowdiness have both been curbed. So, here are three tips for shedding pooch-and-person pounds sensibly.

(1) Know your pup's limits. If your pooch is a senior, has joint or other health related issues, or is seriously overweight, make sure to check in with your vet before starting any vigorous exercise. Just like humans, dogs need to ease into a fitness regiment. Begin slowly - if you've only been walking once a day, up it to twice; once in the morning, once in the evening. Watch how your dog reacts after the fact... Does he have more trouble than usual getting up the stairs or onto the couch? Your dog should be tired after exercise, but not comatose.

(2) Keep your pup motivated. For couch-potato pooches, hitting the streets may not be a welcome notion. Even for overweight or obese dogs, it is okay to use food as a motivator - just beware of what type of food. Read tomorrow's Nutrition Beat post for tips on healthy, lean, and tasty treats that will get your pup moving. Make the walk fun by giving lots of praise and pets. Reprimands and leash-jerking should be kept to a minimum; just as you would a child, you want to convey to your pup that exercise is FUN!

(3) Use the right equipment. If your dog turns every walk into the Iditarod, pulling you down Main Street with no regard for your pleas to slow down, it's time to invest in a nose collar (Gentle Leaders and Haltis are the most commonly used). Avoid extendible leashes, as they make it difficult for you to control your pup, and can be a disaster if he gets some momentum before reaching the end of the leash. You might consider a group class or a one-on-one session with a trainer to get some hands-on experience with a professional, as well.

Finally, remember to be consistent and to have fun! Getting in shape shouldn't be a burden - with a little resolve and a furry friend by your side, every step of the way can be a pleasure. And the reward? Better health, a longer life, and a happier pup. Really, what more could you ask for?