5 reasons to walk your dog more often

4. See the world through puppy-dog eyes
The outdoors is the perfect classroom to learn from our dogs. Why not take their lead? They can teach us how to:
• Greet the morning with exuberance and cheer.
• Experience the benefits of marching away stress at the end of the day.
• Be curious about surroundings.
• Get to know neighbourhood personalities -- both two- and four-legged.

5. Get out of the gym and on to the street
I'm not so keen on exercising at the gym, but I never begrudge a walk, not even when I'm sick or tired or grumpy.
• Add spurts of jogging to your walk to burn up to twice as many calories per minute.
• Head to a conservation park on the weekend to challenge different muscle groups, which raises your heart rate and burns more calories.

Like most dog owners, I would do anything to please my dog. Maintaining her health -- and mine -- is the least I can do to repay her perpetual loyalty and limitless affection. Walking my dog is as good for her as it is for me.

Read these 10 tips for being a responsible pet owner.

Photo: Writer Laurie Mackenzie and her dog, Perri
Photography by Deborah Samuel

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