Want to adopt a healthy lifestyle? Consider adopting a dog.
Anyone who loves dogs probably knows how much they make us feel better, healthier and happier - and now it turns out that even more sporty.
New survey proves: If you have a dog - chances are you are in better shape than other people.
The walks with the dog outside cause humans to move, move the blood and improve their cardio-pulmonary endurance, assuming they are walking and not sitting on the bench in the street.
Spending time with the dogs in Hayarkon Park, Photo: Yehoshua Yosef
Bioft has conducted a survey, which examines whether we do more sports thanks to our friend on all fours - and thus actually maintain our health.
The survey was conducted in a representative national sample of 500 men and women aged 18 and over - among the Hebrew-speaking Jewish population, of whom 174 were dog breeders in their homes.
The survey reveals that dogs make us more active and sporty.
The survey shows that 70% of respondents indicate that they do more sports and walks thanks to their dog, and 76% indicate that their daily activity time is increased thanks to them.
The dog takes care of taking us for walks, Photo: Jonathan Shaul
The survey also examined how many hours a day Israelis spend with the dog, and it turns out that this is a significant number of hours - with 54% spending more than two hours, of which 17% spend between 7-4 hours.
This figure explains the extent of the impact of the amount of sport we do thanks to our dogs.
57% indicate that their daily activity increased by half an hour to an hour per day, and 16% even increased by two to four hours.
In general, regular physical activity on a daily basis is important for the well-being of dogs - not only on the physical and health level, but also as helping to reduce unwanted behaviors.
Among the variety of these behaviors, one can mention chewing accessories at home, excessive testing, digging in the garden, etc.
Meirav Gamliel Bushan, a trainer and behavioral therapist for dogs, in collaboration with Bioft - provides recommendations for physical activity:
Hikers also in the rain, Photo: Oren Ben Hakon
A fun trip on a daily basis:
not just for defecation.
It is recommended, if possible, to release the dog in an open area - where he can run, sniff as he pleases, and play.
The duration of the trip depends on the dog's physical abilities, health, weather, etc.
Throw / Next Games:
A fun game that can be combined while hiking, suitable for a dog who enjoys returning objects and also for a dog who just likes to grab and gallop forward happily, with the object in his mouth.
You can use a ball, stick or frisbee.
Rope pulling game:
A rewarding game that is also a great way to learn desirable behaviors like restraint, calmness, leaving objects and more.
It is recommended to allow dogs to play with each other safely, Photo: Yehoshua Yosef
Hide and Seek Game / "Find Me":
An upgrade of "me" practice that can also lead to an optimal discharge of energy in the dog.
When the dog knows the word "to me", and responds to it in a great way - you can hide, call him, and let him search and find us.
It is recommended to start practicing this in the home environment - to hide in rooms or behind large objects - and only then practice outside.
At the same time you can chaperone the dog with a delicious reward when he comes to us.
Home and fun obstacle course:
You can use chairs, a low stool, hoops, cardboard, a broom lying on two piles of books, balls and more.
Encourage the dog along the route and at the end of each challenge, using tasty and praiseworthy snacks.
Playing with other dogs:
Dogs are social animals, and as such they need play and a social encounter not only with us, but with other dogs as well.
Give your dog regular time to have fun and happy interaction with other dogs, of course depending on each dog's personal desires and boundaries.
