Many owners 'dogging it' when it comes to canine exercise

Are pet owners 'dogging' canine exercise? A new study out of UVic shows that only half of dog owners in the city hit the pavement with their pooch as often as they should.

A new study suggests that our physical health and connection to our pets can be vastly improved by giving man's best friend a new role: workout buddy.

The University of Victoria Behavioural Medicine Lab survey studied 228 dog owners, and found that the majority are "dogging it" when it comes to getting enough exercise.

Although dog owners have been found to walk at least 1.6 times more than non-dog owners, only 27 per cent of people surveyed met the 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise per week recommended by the World Health Organization.

Even worse: The survey suggested that only half of Victoria, B.C., dog owners walk their dogs at all.

Author Clarise Lim, a graduate student and fitness instructor, says the findings reveal consequences that reach far beyond having a sedentary pet.

Fewer than 60 per cent of dog owners are walking their pooches fast enough to enjoy the health benefits of walking, including protection against cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes and hypertension.

Because walking is essentially a free exercise that can be done by all age groups, the researcher feels skipping daily walks with Fido is a lost opportunity for people to stay in shape – and improve their fitness.

Lim, the owner of a rescue pit bull, says many people who walk their dogs are often lolly-gagging behind, or just standing in one spot throwing a ball.

She says dog walking isn't just physically beneficial – it can also create a stronger emotional connection between pets and their owners.

"We find that if you actually walk with your dog, instead of just throwing a Frisbee… it will strengthen the bond, as well as get you both more healthy and fit," she told CTV Vancouver Island.

Short leashes help establish a pooch partnership and keep the dog focused and on track, she adds.

UVic is looking for volunteer dog owners in the Victoria-area who aren't currently meeting recommended physical activity guidelines, to participate in a nine-week study starting this month.