Tuesday, November 13, 2012

doggy bootcamp

Here  is  a story about exercising with your dog.

People think that if you have a dog and you walk the dog, you are getting exercise, yes? However, while it's true that some walking is better than no walking, if you allow your dog to be a dog and enjoy her walk in a doggy way, then you are often agreeing to take many sniff breaks on your walk. Bella can find  the tip of 1 fallen leaf to be the most interesting thing in the universe - until she gets to the most interesting blade of grass just a mere 10 feet from the leaf. Often our walks are simply short bursts of movement in between reading very long pee-mails. But, this is how she explores her world. So, so be it.

But, the truth of the matter is, while i can rock the yoga and walk at a moderate pace for miles and miles, i need cardio. Not that i want it. But i do need it. & i am not the type to go to a gym or "out for a run." & i really do enjoy spending my limited free time with my 4-footed friend (honestly, Target would get so much more of my money if i were allowed to bring my dog shopping.). So, what's a lazy girl to do?

Hubby and i first learned about doggy boot camp on an episode of Cesar Millan (Yes, i watch Cesar. & i would watch all the other dog training shows too if they were available on Hulu). We looked at each other and said - "how cool. but it will never come to Cleveland."

But - Ta daaaa - it did. Right around the time that i promised myself to shape up and not become a old flabby fat woman, I met the boot camp ladies, Heidi and Lisa.

Really, i am a cardio wimp. Just don't like it. Never really have. When i run i kind of feel (& probably look) like a flopping fish desperately trying to get back to water. But, i must say the class is doable and participants are encouraged to go at their own pace. So, that's nice.

The class consists of cardio and resistance. About 10-15 minute intervals. So, my dog gets to rest while i "pump it up" with Heidi's instruction.

I say that my dog is resting. The fact of the matter is that she is working in a different way. She has to exercise self control and stay in one spot while i work the resistance. If the dog has a problem with this, then Lisa steps in to help give the dog and owner obedience training tips.

All in all, i am very happy that this type of class is available in my area.

Now, if someone wants to offer doga?