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2019 Fitness Goals for Your Dog

January 12, 2019

This post is dedicated to Jack from Leash Your Fitness. Sadly, Jack left this world for the Rainbow bridge recently. He spent so many years with his mom Dawn bringing joy, better health, and inspiration to people and their dogs all over the nation. Jack, you will be greatly missed, but never forgotten. 

 

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#flashbackfriday Jack and I reached great heights together ⛰ #mtelbert #hikingadventures

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As we have all gone about attempting to achieve our newest fitness and health goals for 2019, I bet some of us have already hit some road blocks and could use some grace and understanding as we continue to forge forward toward our inevitably audacious goal.

While it’s almost like clockwork to set fitness goals for ourselves at the beginning of the year, I wanted to ask everyone this year if they added fitness goals for their dog to the list of things they were hoping to move from occasional activities to daily healthy habits.

To spark the discussion, I thought I would outline a few ways that you can workout with your dog in this next month, to determine the right habits and schedule for you.

Hiking

A few years ago (3?!?!) we outlined 5 activities to try with your dog in the New Year and hiking was at the top of the list. I truly love hiking. I find it to be an activity that’s rigorous, outdoors, and reenergizing. Additionally, when we take Rooney with us he is usually reeeaalll tired afterwards and in my mind a tired dog = a happy dog.

If you are in the Bay Area, I outlined my top 4 favorite Bay Area hikes here.

Running

Running with your dog is an activity that is either natural to both of your or requires a lot of training and discipline. When I first started running with Roo it was really challenging. Rooney basically refuses to start running until he has pooped (which could be a solid half mile, or right away), then he definitely felt like the run was depriving him of smells, and lastly decided that anything above 2 miles was too far. After a few weeks of working with him to increase the distance, he didn’t seem to enjoy the longer runs. I honestly think he prefers walks instead.

Therefore, when I do take Roo for a walk I schedule my run either before or after, to ensure that he gets plenty of opportunity to sniff.

2019 Fitness Goals for Your Dog

Walking

It may seem too simple, but it’s one of those activities that is outdoors (meaning it’s great for your mood), and not too lofty of an exercise goal for many dogs and humans to try, even if just for a half a block every day to start with. I highly recommend starting small and setting yourself up for success by picking a time you can meet every day. As someone who has a flexible and ever-changing work schedule and commitments, the times I can walk Rooney are always changing, but I try to be somewhat consistent from week to week.

Tools for Success

Apps

These days there is an app for literally everything, but dog-walking apps can remind you that it’s time for your daily walk and can even help you raise money for your favorite rescue.

Bullet Journal

I am giving Bullet journaling a try this year. I am truly amazed by what the bullet journal community has created in terms of daily/monthly “spreads”, mixed in with beautiful and elaborate designs. Despite the fact that the activity itself might be a little daunting, they have some amazing habit tracker ideas that help you achieve discipline in your lifestyle, which is something I am working on.

My idea is to add health goals for Rooney, mostly maintaining weight and building muscle mass, in the new year to my habit tracker.

Photo Credit: https://wellella.com/bullet-journal/habit-tracker/

I would love to hear from you. Have any of you Bullet journaled before? Would you be interested in learning more?

Accountability Buddy

One of the most well-known ways to ensure that you reach your fitness goals in 2019 is to use an accountability partner/buddy who will make sure that you aren’t skipping out on your workouts and daily habits. Thankfully, with a dog, accountability is built right in. If you can make walking or running with your dog a consistent part of your daily routine, it’s unlikely your dog will let you forget.

We would love to hear in the comments below about your 2019 fitness goals for you and your dog? What tools are you using to  keep you accountable?

Main Photo: Photo by leonides ruvalcabar on Unsplash

Top 4 Bay Area Dog Hikes

April 8, 2017

Hiking is one of our favorite activities to do with Rooney. Once of the blessings of living in the Bay Area is the number of hiking locations available for pet parents. While we also have access to beaches here in California (another great activity to do with your dog), today I would like to discuss the Top 4 Bay Area Dog Hikes (in our opinion)!

How will we choose which ones are the best? Using the following criteria:

1. Personal Experience
2. Reviews from Publications; Including The Dog Lovers Companion to California, DogTrekker and other Bay Area review sites.
3. Distance and overall dog-friendliness

Land’s End, San Francisco, CA – Bucket List Hike

“This is probably the most spectacular park in San Francisco. You won’t believe your eyes and your leashed dog won’t believe his nose” – The Dog Lovers Companion to California

We have yet to try this trail, but it sounds magical. This trail is about 2.9 miles long and is designed as an out and back hike (however, DogTrekker published that this is a 4-mile trail if you hike round-trip to Eagle Point). According to BAHiker.com, there is a mixture of sun and shade, which should always be an important consideration for pet parents. Shady spots are great places to take a break and get some water. The Coastal Trail is recommended to pet parents since one of the other trails requires that you cross a street with museum and golf parking.

The Dog Lover’s Companion to California recommends that you park at the Camino del Mar parking lot and start your hike from there. They also recommend exploring some of the side trails that may lead you down to the beach, or provide you with excellent views of the Golden Gate bridge.

Other Recommendations:

  • Keep your eyes out for poison oak on these trails
  • Dogs must be on-leash or under voice control

“If you’re visiting with your dog, put a Lands End hike high on your list of priorities.” – DogTrekker

Garin Regional Park & Dry Creek Regional Park, Hayward, CA – Great Winter & Spring Hike

Top 4 Bay Area Dog Hikes

We hiked this trail back in January and it was amazing! If your dog likes to swim and you go on a sunny day after the rain (which we did), your dog will be able to cool off in nice flowing creeks along the base of the trail.

There are over 6 miles of trails here. When we hiked, we did somewhere around 5 miles, some of which was pretty steep. Additionally, there are some excellent fields available where you can let your dog run off leash, so Rooney was able to get an excellent workout.

Other Recommendations:

  • This hills on this trail don’t offer a lot of shade, so try to take your dog either really early in the morning, or on a sunny day in the winter.
  • Bring lots of water!
  • These trails can get very muddy and uneven due to the cows on the trails, so schedule time for a dog bath after this hike.
  • During the season, there are fees: $5 per car, and $2 per dog.

Redwood Regional Park, Oakland, CA – Great Summer Hike

This park is an excellent summer hike and one of the trails we frequent the most! The base of the trail is completely covered with redwood trees and a variety of other foliage. There are some steep trails that allow you to get a good workout in, while also covered in shade.

There are lots of distractions in this park (other dogs, people, bikes, picnics, wildlife, etc.), so be sure to keep your dog on a leash. Last year, my cousin and I actually found a lost dog on the trail and after tracking down an open shelter, we were able to get her microchip information and reunite her with her owner. She had apparently taken off after a cyclist at the top of the trail and she made it too far too fast.

Other Recommendations:

  • According to The Dog Lovers Companion to California, dogs should remain out of the streams due to the delicate environmental balance established in Redwood Creek.
  • There is a lot of wildlife, so be sure to keep your dog on a leash.
  • During the season, there are fees: $5 per car, and $2 per dog.

McNee Ranch State Park, Montara, CA – Great Workout!

This hike we did earlier this year, but we didn’t bring Rooney because usually California State Parks don’t allow dogs. I was delighted to find out that at McNee Ranch State Park this isn’t the case. Now, it also happens that the length and challenge of this trail is not in Rooney’s wheelhouse. However, if you have a very athletic dog, this is the trail for you. This hike is uphill from the beginning. It will take you a few hours to climb the 1,898 feet, but at the top you will experience amazing views!

We were lucky enough to hike this trail on a clear day so at the top we could see Mount Diablo, the Golden Gate Bridge, Downtown SF, the Bay Bridge, Downtown Oakland, the San Mateo Bridge, and basically the whole Bay! The hike took us about 4.5 hours, and like I said, Rooney wouldn’t have made it that far uphill, but that doesn’t mean we can’t train for it in the future!

Other Recommendations:

  • There is no official parking lot, so you can park at the gate (but not in front of it), or at the Montana State Beach parking lot across the road.
  • There isn’t a lot of shade here, but you will experience an ocean breeze. Be sure to bring layers as there are hot and cold parts along this trail and lots of water for you and your dog.

Of course the Bay Area offers so many more excellent hikes. However, if you are new to the Bay Area, or you are visiting with your dog, these are the ones I would recommend.

What Bay Area hiking trails would you recommend? Leave your recommendations in the comments below!

Additional Hiking Resources:

Instagram Inspiration: Follow @Dogsthathike

Best Resource Guides: 

Hiking Essentials for a Day on the Hill With Your Dog #MKHPJanuaryChallenge

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5 Activities to Try With Your Dog This Year #MKHPJanuaryChallenge

January 21, 2016

I have always been good about getting exercise and staying in shape. However, I have had my moments where a week or two go by, and I can’t say I have done much in the way of burning calories. When these lulls occur, it’s usually because I am bored. Bored with whatever exercise I have been doing lately (the only thing I never get bored of is volleyball, which I need other people to play). I bet that you too have encountered this type of boredom.

5 Activities to Try With Your Dog This Year #MKHPJanuaryChallenge

Since this month’s challenge is to exercise with your pet, I thought I would share a few additional activities to keep you and your dog from getting bored!

Many of these activities require some warmer weather. However, this list can be added to the mix throughout all of 2016! #MKHPJanuaryChallenge

5 Activities to Try With Your Dog This Year

  1. Hiking: If you haven’t taken your dog on a hike yet, you are missing out! Rooney loves hiking and so do I. The great thing about hiking is that you get all the fresh air and challenge you need, but without the hustle and bustle of running. This is an activity that you can do with the whole family! (see above for our recent hiking encounter with some local cattle)
  2. Paddleboarding: If your dog likes swimming than Stand Up Paddleboarding or SUP may be the activity for you. The best part is, all you need is a body of water! SUP is an activity that is on my wish list! I have gone paddleboarding on my own before, but I really want to see if Rooney would be willing to balance with me on the paddle board. If you are going to try this activity with your dog, I strongly urge you to make sure they have a life vest. Even dogs who can swim for long distances can get tired too far from shore.
  3. Surfing: Another activity I want to try with Rooney! Of course, I live near the ocean, so I technically have an unfair advantage. However, keep this activity in mind if you are thinking about taking any vacations with the family this summer. Perhaps you are headed to the beaches of California; what a perfect time to take your dog with you to share in the oceanic experience! If you are going to try this activity with your dog, I strongly urge you to make sure they have a life vest. Even dogs who can swim for long distances can get tired too far from shore.
  4. Running: If you dog doesn’t like water, then running might be a great endurance activity for you to try together. Rooney and I usually mix running in with our longer walks. I am trying to work him up to a maximum endurance (for me about 3-4 miles), but I think the smells are too good for Rooney to pass up in a hurry, which I understand. Keep in mind that if you are a runner, you need to work your dog up to a distance. Start with very small and intermediate distances and work your way up over time. My good friend Dawn from Leash Your Fitness was kind enough to put together a running schedule for Rooney and I when I first started to train Rooney to run with me. She customized it for us based on our baseline exercise levels, Rooney’s current shape, and his ability to tolerate heat. You too should consider these factors before creating a training schedule.
  5. Bicycling: I completed my undergrad is a little town called Davis, California. When I say that Davis is a bicycle town, I am not making an understatement of any kind. Most people in Davis have a bike, and there are thousands of cyclists on the streets and campus every day. Since the town is so bike and dog-friendly, many people ride their bikes with their dogs by their side. When it comes to bicycling alongside your dog, it is imperative that your dog is in good shape and that you have the proper equipment to keep you and your dog safe. For more information, please read What You Need to Know About Biking With Your Dog.

UC_Davis_3

Photo Courtesy of bikeleague.org

If any of the above activities sound like fun, then you definitely need to follow the following blogs for more information about hiking and exercising with your dog:

You Did What With Your Weiner

Leash Your Fitness

Slim Doggy

I read posts regularly from these sites, and I am continually inspired to get out and exercise with Rooney! So tell me, how are your exercise challenges going so far?

Helpful Guest Posts:

10 Beautiful and Pet-Friendly Fall Hiking Trails in the U.S.

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