Got a dog, lost weight

Figuring out a healthy balance between sedentary work and a four-legged fitness trainer

You know you picked the right toy when your dog speeds inside after I walk to grab it. (Photo credit: Shamontiel L. Vaughn)

Jogging. It was the least fun way to exercise, right along with aerobics. I hadn’t jogged anywhere since my high school days, tagging along with my mother (a track runner in her teenage days) at my high school’s track field. And that was about 20 years ago. I didn’t realize just how much fun jogging is until I was flying down the street, frantically pressing on a squeaker, with colorful lights shining bright enough to let passersby know I’m coming their way.

Alongside me was my dog, running with purpose. While this wasn’t the quietest way to jog around the block, I didn’t realize I was making a scene until I started hearing other dogs barking and poking their heads out of windows. I just kept on running. I stopped long enough for my dog to urinate, and then I slapped the end of the Woof Rubber Teething Stick to the ground so it would glow again. The minute it did, we were racing down the street again.

Apparently, I do like jogging—but only as long as there are dogs and fun pet toys involved. Here are four other ways I’ve learned to enjoy exercise with my dog.