For the Dogs

Look at that face!

Last Wednesday we welcomed Finn into our family. He’s a 6-month-old, 40lb lab mix. Lots of energy and incredibly smart. I’m pretty tired since Wednesday because he’s into everything and we need to be vigilant until he learns what not to eat. If he’s not in the room or in eyesight, I’m looking for him.

Currently he’s curled up on the sofa in the den while I work at my desk. Finding short moments I can get work done has been a challenge, but every day he is better. I’m teaching him “no” and “down” and reinforcing “sit”. We’re figuring out how to manage his sudden bitey moods. It’s interesting because he looks like a grown dog, but acts like a puppy.

And what does this have to do with fitness? Well, I’m the one who gets to tire him out. We do at least a mile walk first thing in the morning. Then I’ll take him for a mile or so run a couple hours later. And then at least one more walk of a mile or so in the afternoon or evening. I’m closing my rings without going to the gym and rediscovering that moving that much early in the morning is a great way to energize your day.

I’ve had another dog, Lily, for years. She’s amazing, but now is at least 15 and hasn’t been able to do long walks for a couple of years. If I could get a mile out of her total in a day, that was great. So suddenly I’ve got a built-in exercise reminder that has instantly quadrupled my daily step total. 

But, unlike say an app or exercise class, there’s no skipping with a dog. He has to walk every day, and has to get tired out. Running is the easiest way to tired him, but it also is getting him stronger. I imagine in a month or so we’ll be running two miles a day and walking another four or so. 

Currently I’m wiped out from dealing with essentially a toddler, but that will pass soon enough. He’s settling in, and Lily is slowly adapting to having him around. He’s taking to the training really quickly and should be a very well-behaved dog. That said, we all prefer it when he’s in tired mode, so I have my work cut out for me. And my workouts. 

And not that weight is the ultimate indicator of fitness, but I’ve lost 5 pounds since Finn showed up.

It’s funny, I think intellectually I associated dogs with exercise, but now that I have to practice it it’s really hitting home. And in addition to getting lots of great exercise, I’ve also got a new companion to share it with. How great is that? Everyone should get a dog.