FitSugar

What Do You Wear When Walking Your Dog?

FabSugar — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 00:22:22 -0800

Burn Calories, Walk Your Dog and Your Dogs

FitSugar — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 12:00:00 -0800

Time and time again I get requests for Jessica Biel's workout. I don't blame you for wanting to know what she does, the girl is ripped. I have also noticed, time and time again, that we are always seeing Jessica out walking her dogs.

While I am sure that she does WAY more than just walk her dogs for exercise, it definitely doesn't hurt for maintaining that figure of hers. A 130-pound woman walking her dog at about 2.5mph (average) will burn about 183 calories in one hour. For great tips on safe dog walking and to see even more pics of Jessica walking her dogs read more

Here are some great tips from Weather.com for happy dog walking this spring:

Just like people who aren't used to exercise, dogs should start off slow. Moderately paced walking and swimming are a good way to start--they let canine athletes build their cardiovascular and muscle strength without putting undue stress on their joints.
Keep a close eye on your dog: watch for any unusual signs of fatigue or trouble breathing. If your pup wants to stop, let him. Dogs that overdo it can suffer strained tendons or ligaments or other orthopedic problems.
Don't expect your fuzzy buddy to be a weekend warrior, even if you only get exercise on the weekends yourself. After a long week without exercise, your dog may be ready to get out and burn off energy. But because of their enthusiasm, many of the popular breeds, such as Labrador and golden retrievers, will overdo it.
Safety first--keep Rover on a leash when you run. Even the best-trained dogs can run into the path of a car or a territorial animal. And if you have to run when it's dark out, put reflectors on your dog's collar as well as on your clothes.
Concrete and asphalt are tough on the paws, especially on hot days. Try to run on dirt paths or grass as much as possible. Gravel, cinders, and road salt can also irritate paws.
Take it easy in extreme weather. If it's freezing cold or hot and steamy out, either keep your run short or play a little indoor fetch instead.
The more active your dog is, the more water he'll need. Make sure he has plenty of fresh water before and after your run. If you're going for a long run, take some water along for him.

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Flynet

The Scoop: London's Dog Walk of Fame

PetSugar — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 03:00:36 -0700

As we were discussing our fave animals in film and TV, I discovered that London was way ahead of the game when it comes to honoring our favorite furry actors. London's Dog Walk of Fame, unveiled in November in the heart of Battersea Park, spotlights achievements by beloved animal actors. Founded by the Kennel Club and Sky Movies, the Dog Walk of Fame's goal is to honor the work and contributions of the world's scene-stealing pups of the silver screen.

Each year, the British public votes on a new four-legged star to induct into the walk of fame. Ian Lewis, Director of Sky Movies knows how important animals are to our lives, as well as film:

"Dogs were long-overdue a permanent celebration of their unique contribution to film history. The Dog Walk Of Fame will do just that. The first inductees into the Dog Walk of Fame - from Gromit to Lassie, Toto to Fang, share an indelible place in the hearts of film lovers of all ages.”

To see why this Walk of Fame is different from the one we know in Hollywood, read more.

Instead of the well-known sidewalk stars they use in Hollywood, the Dog Walk will dedicate a bench donned with a commemorative plaque for everyone to enjoy while walking their own four-legged families. So far, honorees include Lassie, Toto from The Wizard of Oz, as well as Chance and Shadow from Homeward Bound (two of our personal faves) among others. The next inductee will be announced in November.

Source

Get Physical: Walk Dogs at a Local Animal Shelter

FitSugar — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 03:30:00 -0800

At the humane society near my home, they're always looking for volunteers. Since I have such a soft spot in my heart for animals, like my pal PetSugar, I was checking out ways to help out and saw the perfect job.

You and your significant other can volunteer as dog walkers. You usually have to have some kind of orientation first, but then after that you can show up and take the dogs that are waiting to be adopted for a walk whenever you want. It gives you both some exercise, and it also helps the dogs feel more at ease when socializing with humans.

Animal shelters appreciate your help, and the dogs appreciate getting out of their tiny stall and into the fresh air where they can run around. It'll have a huge impact on the dogs you walk, and you'll feel good getting outside and running around, too.

Fit's Tips: Some shelters are closed on Sundays so call ahead to find out when they're open.

Source

"ACT"ivism: Volunteer to Walk Dogs at a Pet Shelter

FitSugar — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 12:30:00 -0700

Looking for ways to burn a few extra calories this summer? One way to do that and put a smile on someone's face, or rather a wag in someone's tail, is to volunteer to walk dogs at a local pet shelter or rescue. A 130 pound person can burn about 177 calories just by walking a dog for an hour and imagine how happy you're making the dog who could be otherwise restricted to a confined space the majority of the day. To find a shelter or rescue group near you, just visit PetFinder.com.

Source

One in Five UK Dogs Miss Their Daily Walk, Pack on Pounds

PetSugar — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 00:30:49 -0700

Chubster pets are on the rise in the UK because a fifth of dogs are missing out on their daily walks.

According to a recent survey of 3,000 pet owners, hectic work schedules and the fact that many people fail to appreciate how much exercise pets actually need to stay healthy have created a generation of unfit dogs. The study noted:

More than a quarter of study participants admitted they only exercised their dogs once a day or less.
The amount of exercise dogs are getting varies from breed to breed, but even the more active ones are struggling, with more than a quarter being taken for a walk less than once a day.
One in 10 dogs in the area go on “walkies” less than once a week.
Nearly two million dogs in Britain are suffering from obesity, with lack of exercise and over-feeding thought to be the cause, according to the PDSA.

In an ideal world dogs need daily exercise and stimulation to stay happy and healthy, but it's not always possible. What do you think of the statistics?

Source

Fit Tip: Take Your Dog (and Yourself) For a Walk

FitSugar — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 10:00:49 -0700

You're a busy person with work, family, deadlines, errands, and appointments. Since you have so much going on, when you get home at the end of the day, it's easy just to open your back door and let your dog relieve himself in the yard. Really, though, what you both could use is a long, relaxing walk.

Even if you only have a few minutes, you'll both benefit from the fresh air and time alone. It'll allow you to stretch your legs, increase circulation, and give you a little energy, and just 15 minutes of brisk walking burns 52 calories. It proves that every minute of movement helps keep you in shape. If you can work in three 15-minute walks with your pooch a day, that's 150 calories. Getting in the habit of regular daily walks can help you both stay fit and happy.

Source

Ambassador Sienna Won't Be Reuniting With Jude

PopSugarUK — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:00:00 -0800

Sienna Miller wore her favourite hooded coat as she took her pooch Bess for a walk in New York yesterday. She was without her NY-based buddies and it doesn't sound like she'll be taking romantic walks with her ex Jude Law any time soon, as Sienna's sister Savannah has responded to rumours that Sienna and Jude are getting back together by saying: "I think that would be a completely ridiculous assumption considering the way that man has conducted himself recently. That's all I'm saying." Amidst the rumours about her personal life, Sienna is focusing on her acting and charity work, and has just been appointed Ambassador for the International Medical Corps to help raise awareness of vulnerable populations in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which she visited earlier in the year. Sienna said:

"After seeing International Medical Corps' courageous work up-close I was determined to become more involved, devoting my energies and my name to bring more attention to the challenges they face around the world. These people work in the toughest conditions imaginable, saving lives every single day, and helping bring self-reliance and hope. The question for me was, how could I not take action?"

It's great to see celebrities like Sienna getting involved with such worthwhile causes.

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Open House: What Are Your Thanksgiving Plans?

CasaSugar — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 05:30:39 -0800

This Thursday, friends and family will gather to socialize, give thanks, and stuff themselves silly. Whether you're hosting or putting in a guest appearance, there's always a lot of preparation and work that goes into every Thanksgiving gathering.

This year my husband and I are driving from Berkeley to Whidbey Island, off the coast of Washington, to stay with his family. We're driving because we're also traveling with our two dogs (I know, it's going to be quite the road trip). Once there, we'll help prepare the Thanksgiving meal, take lots of walks in the foggy forest and on the shore, and, I'm sure, play many, many rounds of Scrabble with my mom-in-law.

My favorite part of Thanksgiving is getting to visit with so many loved ones, and to contribute to a meal, and an experience, that would be impossible without many hands. Tell me: what are your Thanksgiving plans, and what are your favorite parts of the holiday?

Source: Flicker User Lane & Anne

Two Bizarre Ways to Put Your Dogs to Work at a Tailgate

PetSugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:00:51 -0800

It's nearly game time - since your dogs' tail waggin' tailgate is already in full effect, now it's your turn . . . to get them a gift that keeps on giving.

The ~~stylish~~ functional Tailgate Companion has six pockets to put your pooch to work - use it to hold grilling essentials, icy beverages, or even mustard and ketchup (if he's not already sporting it).

If that's not quite his style, swap out a normal neckpiece for the new Kurgo Wander Collar. Its leash ring doubles as a bottle opener. Kinda brilliant in theory yet, while there aren't any laws about walking a dog while drunk, I'm guessing this could violate an open-container policy on normal city streets. But at a tailgate - no problemo.

Do you think these items are more cool . . . or more crazy?