Keeping an Exercise Resolution on Track for You and Your Dog

It's that time of the year when you are trying to keep your exercise resolution, and your dog is no exception to this yearly ritual. More and more pet owners are including their furry friends with the hope that both will reap the benefits of exercise. I know we like to include our dogs in our exercise programs. Now, here is the tough part—how do you stick with it? Usually, people tend to lose their momentum by March, while some may stick it out ever longer. But sadly, eventually most just quit. Here are some tips that helped my doggies and me stay with it over the years.

• The one thing that always helped me to keep on track was remembering the overall benefit of the resolution itself. It's not punishment, even though it feels that way sometimes. In the long run, it's making you and your dog's life healthier. Plus, it's adding to the strength of the bond of your relationship with your dog. That itself is priceless!
• The importance of setting goals for you and your pet is right next to remembering why you are doing this. I always try to set some goals with my resolution(s) and make my goals realistic enough so I don't get discouraged and end up quitting. So, your resolution is to exercise more this year. So what? What long term goals do you hope to attain with this resolution? In the past, I would set a goal, like adding a half of mile every month to my walks. I did this to work towards my goal throughout the entire year. It's all about baby steps and achieving your overall goal... exercise. Remember to set goals which work best for you and your pet.
• Another way which helped me stick to the program was getting a group of my family and friends together to join us in our efforts. It didn't matter if it was weekly or monthly, as long as it was something to help keep me and my dogs motivated and accountable. The time we spent with our family and friends was something we all looked forward to. Another perk was that afterward, all of our dogs would have a little play date with each other.
• I mentioned before about being accountable, and, for me, this is what helped me the most. The more family and friends who knew about my resolution and the goals I had set, the more encouragement I got through them, which in turn encouraged me in the long run. Plus, when I really didn't feel like going for that walk or made excuses not to go, knowing that people would be asking how it's going with my resolution  got my dogs and me off the couch!
• Now, accountability helped me the most, but what motivated me a lot was once I reached one of my goals. At the end of each month, my dogs and I would get something for our effects. I would get some special dog supplies for them, like a new dog toy or dog treat. For myself, I would tend to go towards shoes!

Hopefully, this helps you in some way. No matter how you hold yourself accountable or what motivates you, exercising with your dog is a benefit that keeps on giving to you and your dog for a lifetime!