Running with Dogs - iPhone Apps

As the winter wears on and the resolution to lose weight and get fit seem to become shiny bits of an idea that are harder and harder to grab, its important to find the motivation to stay with it. K9 Coach, Inc. is committed to ideas and inspiration to keep you out there running or walking with the dog.

Your dog can be motivation in itself. Just the thought of that wagging tail and the positive change in behavior a little run can do for your dog is enough to remind some to go out for 30 minutes and get some exercise.

Sometimes it takes having that cool gadget and a little push from someone else to keep you on track to a healthier and fit lifestyle. That's where iPhone apps and a training program written for you and your dog can make all the difference in the world.

Its true that a training partner can help you stay motivated. Planning to run a dog friendly 5K puts that goal out there giving you something to aim for.  A training program written for you and your dog helps with direction and knowing exactly how to stay on course. Especially if running, walking or signing up for a 5K are new to you.

And then of course cool gadgets can really help. As superficial as that might sound, it is a great way to keep yourself motivated. And these days you can even do that on the cheap.

Take for instance the iPhone app called Runmeter. A way cool fun thing for your walking or running program. You can record your time, location, distance, elevation, and pace. It can help you visualize and keep your goal attainable by seeing your results on maps, graphs, and calendars, organized by routes and activities. Know how much distance you've run by day, week, month, and year.

You can even share your training by sending Google Map links of your runs and routes using email or Twitter. During your run, hear tweets from family, coaches, and friends spoken using text-to-speech technology. Its motivating and keeps you going.

Get your dog and go for it. Find a dog friendly 5K race to sign up for, get your Canine Cross Training Program, and have some fun with an iPhone app all for less than the cost of a month at most gyms!

Your dog will love you. You will love you... and the fitness and health benefits for you both are more than attractive to all of those around you.

Wag more.

©Jt Clough and K9 Coach, Inc. www.SitK9Sit.com  www.GoTrainYourDog.com

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Dog Food Recall - FDA Health Alert

January 14, 2010 - FDA Health Alert for Merrick Beef Filet Squares Dog Treats Packaged and Distributed by Merrick Pet Care
Products may be contaminated with Salmonella

The U. S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers not to use Merrick Beef Filet Squares for dogs distributed by Merrick Pet Care with a package date of “Best By 111911” because the product may be contaminated with Salmonella.

The attention to dog health care is on the rise. As we look at our own health and fitness the trend is towards prevention and staying healthy with exercise and diet rather than seeking treatment after the damage has been done.

You are what you eat is true for dogs too. Not all premium commercial dog food marketed as organic are in fact what the packaging lets us imagine. It up to dog owners to do our due diligence in researching what the food we choose to feed our dogs is made up of.

Do You Really Know What’s In Your Pets Food?

A healthy diet for your dog should include protein and carbohydrates. Its important to know where those components come from type of ingredient to the way it is processed.

Watch this video Do You Really Know What’s In Your Pets Food for more information.

How would you feel physically if you ate the same exact thing every day without access to any whole vegetables, fruits or meat?

A healthy diet for your dog can include these foods: chicken, beef, fish, eggs, broccoli, peas, carrots and squash.  Don’t be afraid to give your dog some “real” food along with a kibble diet. Adding these unprocessed foods to your dog’s healthy dog food diet provides antioxidants and are all great thing for canine immune systems. There are certain whole foods that are not suitable for your dog but adding a little meat or vegetables to your dog’s diet will enhance the nutrition many fold compared to only feeding dry kibble.

Fitness and nutrition bring more wag to you and the dog. Go out and have some fun at a dog friendly event, and eat whole foods. You and your dog. Wag.

©Jt Clough and K9 Coach, Inc. 2010 www.SitK9Sit.com   DogTrainingofSanDiego.com

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Running with Your Dog in Cold Weather

Running is one of the fastest, easiest ways to attain fitness or weight loss.  For most that means going outside.  The excuse, “its too cold”, can be tempting but here are some tips to help you and your dog run in the cold weather.

First, your dog is definitely not going to heed to the excuse “its too cold”.  Doesn’t matter what the temperature most dogs are up for an outing.  So, use that wag of excitement as inspiration to go out out and get a run in anyway.

When is it too cold for your dog to run with you?  The simple answer to that question is if its too cold for you, its too cold for the dog.  Its easy to get confused on that question though so be aware when you are making the choice “its too cold” versus “I don’t feel like it and the temperature is colder than I’d like it to be.”  Thats called an excuse.

Take note that wind is an element to consider.  Wind chill factors can dip fast so if you are looking for a legitimate excuse “its too cold”, the wind will work to hold that statement up.  Look for a day when you don’t have to brave your way through gale wind storm.

One way to making cold weather running fun for you is to get some gear that not only makes you look really cool but these days the fabrics are made to keep heat in, shed perspiration and are lightweight.  This is true for the dog as well and depending on your dog’s natural fur coat there are options for winter time gear for your dog as well. Upscale Dog Supplies has great dog cold weather running apparel.

Dogs with undercoats like collies, labs, huskies and shepherds tend to stay warmer and aren’t as affected by the elements.  Dogs with single coats like Weimarners, Vizslas, Papillons and Pit Bulls could certainly use a dog coat to help keep the heat in during cold weather conditions.

If you are running with your dog in temperatures below freezing as we have been here in Taos, NM where we are spending a couple months training this winter, its best to keep moving.  That’s good advice for you and the dog.  Movement creates heat and running while its 20 degrees out with the right clothes on for you and the dog makes all the difference.  In fact you could find yourself actually feeling warm in these conditions.

Its when you stop that you’ll find the chill factor setting in.  Keep moving and plan your run so that you can go inside when you and the dog complete the route or you are able to get in a car you can heat up quickly right after the run.

Even though it’s cold you will still lose hydration during a winter time run so make sure to hydrate, and of course this is true for your dog too.

Finding motivation to run in the winter may take a bit more inspiration.  A 5k or 10K race, even one that is dog friendly, may be the answer to keep you motivated.  A training program written for you and your dog to follow has proven to be a factor of successfully staying fit during the winter.

Most dogs are in need of an active lifestyle.  Amazingly enough that is true for humans as well.  Go outside.  Have some fun.  Take the dog.  Drink water.  Wag more.

Canine Cross Training Programs 

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©Jt Clough and K9 Coach, Inc. 2010   www.SitK9Sit.com  www.GoTrainYourDog.com

Dog Fat? You Might Be Too.

Yikes. A statement most people just don’t want to hear. Never the less, our dogs tend to be a very serious reflection of ourselves and it may be time to wake up and start moving the paws.

As a professional dog trainer the tendency for behavior to to be reflected back and forth between dog and owner is high. A fear aggressive dog many times has an owner who underneath it all has the same behavior. Humans are able to hide it and act appropriate in front of others while dogs don’t have the filter and can’t understand why everyone is looking at them with that “unacceptable behavior” look on their face.

A dog just doesn’t get that its not OK to act that way in public. They wear who they are right out their on their paws for everyone to see.

Same goes with the fitness truth or consequences. Is it the outfit or is it fat? Again, no hiding the truth, its right out there for everyone to see when it comes to the dog. Still as humans we tend to ignore the reflection in the mirror and it takes your very cool dog trainer, dog walker or holistic veterinarian to come out with a statement like, “your dog has a few extra pounds and really should lose a little weight.” i.e. a nice way to say “your dog is fat!”

Again, with humans we tend to try our best to try and hide this and we make it easy on ourselves because your don’t have someone like a dog walker that walks with you everyday saying flat out to you, “I think you look a little fat!”

So its up to us to take a look at the reflection of ourselves objectively and decide it is in fact time to commit to getting fit by finding a fun way to induce weight loss. Don’t wait for the husband, wife, boyfriend or girlfriend to buck up and admit they’d like wear their emotions on their sleeve like the dog does and say it straight out to your face. Probably won’t happen until its time for serious behavior modification.

The good news is getting fit is getting easier when a loyal training partner joins your quest for improved health. Fitness programs that include your dog as your motivation to get out and do a routine regularly are on the rise. The even better news. It’s working for people.

A Canine Cross Training program created by K9 Coach, Inc in San Diego, CA already has participants making comments about how in a short period of time while training with the dog, “the designer jeans that were really expensive and had become really uncomfortable, suddenly have become that comfortable pair they want to put on.”

Good stuff. Dogs motivate many to get active and stay active. While this is a huge benefit for us humans, dogs also benefit from the routine with a built in dog training regime at the same time.

Follow more tips on fitness, health and training tips... all with the dog by clicking the the graphic below...

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Jt Clough is a professional dog trainer who has studied and applied how to create a balanced life through calm dog training techniques with her long time commitment to health and fitness. Clough, a finisher of 9 Ironmans among many other fitness accomplishments, along with her life partner Gary Guller who has reached the summit of Mt. Everest, bring inspiration to others for developing a lifestyle that include health, fitness and a balanced way of being.

Training Companions: Running with Dogs

Studies show that training with a companion, training partner, buddy... whatever you want to call it increases your chances of sticking with an exercise program more than two fold.  So why not pick a training companion you know you can count on?  Your dog is always ready to go, on your schedule and happy to be your best supporter every single day.

That being said there are a few considerations to take into account when choosing your dog as your running partner.

As with you, make sure that your dog is healthy and physically able to run with you.  A check at the vet is recommended.  Holistic veterinarians are always on the side of health versus medication and exercise is an area they know well.

Puppies and dogs less than a year old are still forming bones and ligaments so make sure to refrain from a full training regime.  Don’t confuse that statement with get no exercise for your young dog.  This can also turn out to be bad for development and behavioral problems.  Just don’t plan on making the puppy a running partner until after reaching a year old.

There are dogs better built for running than others.  The list is long and many times the combined traits of a mixed breed dog are ideal for running.  A few breeds that are most excellent as running partners are:

Labrador Retriever
Australian Shepherd
Portuguese Water Dog
Weimaraner
Vizsla
German Short Haired Pointer
Golden Retriever
Standard Poodle
Labradoodles
German Shepherd Dog
Belgian Malinois
Rhodesian Ridgeback

You can find many more breeds and information about dogs that make great running partners at www.DogBreedInfo.com

Acclimation is key to gaining fitness and avoiding injury.  Make sure to start your dog off like you would start yourself in a new program.  Start with shorter runs and gradually increase your distance.

More is not always better, especially in the beginning.  Long time runners coming back to the game sometimes go with the 1 mile, 2 mile, 10 mile program.  If your dog is new to running “muscle memory” is simply not there.  Do the gradual build up and you’ll have a running partner in time that will always be willing to go the distance and be completely healthy doing it.

Trails are a better option to run long term for you and the dog.  Pavement can be very jarring and the joints and ligaments do much better with the give of trials and soft surfaces.  Check your dog’s paws frequently especially early on in a new training program for cuts, scrapes, or cracks and make sure to keep the nails trimmed.  Dog boots are a great option if you are acclimating your dog to new terrain.

Use common sense regarding time of day you take your dog running.  During warm weather the morning or late evening is best.  Cold weather on the other hand may require that you let the day warm up a bit before hitting the daily running route.  For those dogs that don’t have a lot of extra fur or aren’t acclimated to the cold, providing a dog coat has become a very stylish option to keep your dog warm.
Upscale Dog Supplies

Hydration is a huge factor for you and your dog.  To feel good hydration is a must.  Dogs sweat differently than we do, with moisture leaving their bodies through their nose, tongue and paw pads. Ignoring the signs of dehydration early on is easy since the physical signs of sweating are absent.  Make sure to bring water for you and the dog.

No matter how much you train or exercise if your nutrition is bad you still are dealing with health issues.  Make sure to feed your dog a holistic balanced dog food.  The type of food and the amount are as important as a consistent exercise program.

For more dog running tips and canine cross training programs subscribe to Dog Blog Web Fitness Training below.

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©Jt Clough and K9 Coach, Inc. 2010   www.SitK9Sit.com   www.GoTrainYourDog.com

Idita-Walk - Fitness for You Fitness for Your Dog

Go Train Your Dog and Yourself.  Get fit.  Get balanced.  Get wagged.

The Idita-Walk is an event to promote physical fitness in the spirit of the Iditarod Sled Dog Race.

Most dog owners know about the Iditarod and have an appreciation for it simply in the spirit of the amazing physical accomplishments as well as emotional ties we have to our dogs and their abilities.

The thought of being able to join in or even go watch usually exists in our heads as one of those “it would be fun” statements but the possibility really isn’t there.  Both from a logistical standpoint and a dog breed technicality, participating leaves us out of this event.  A Weimaraner gets a bit cold with no coat and the Labrador raised in San Diego might not be acclimated for the Alaska event!

The Idita-Walk allows anyone to join in from anywhere 

with any dog breed, big or or small!  Cool.  Wag.

The Idita-Walk is an event to promote physical fitness in the spirit of the Iditarod Sled Dog Race.  The Iditarod Sled Dog Race is 1049 miles long from Anchorage to Nome, Alaska.  To complete the Idita-Walk, simply walk 30 minutes a day for 35 days between February 1, 2010 to March 31, 2010 for a total of 1049 minutes Any combination of minutes will work - just reach 1049 during the 59 day event!

You can even count running or jogging!  For those of you who have signed up for Canine Cross Training and are getting your personal walking, jogging or running workouts sent to you weekly its even easier.  If you aren’t in this program seriously take a look at it.

A fitness program that doesn’t require a gym or to go out and meet someone at another location is much easier to succeed with our busy lives and lack of time.  Your dog as your most loyal training partner means you can stay on this fitness program AND you get a personal coach inspiring you with what to do each day on a weekly basis.

In the new decade of 2010 the trend is to Escape Modern Day Stresses and "Return to Sacred Places".  What a great way to jump on the trend.

Register for the Idita-Walk here.

Register for Canine Cross Training here. 

Register for other Dog Friendly Events here.


San Diego Dog Training Camps Camp Private Coaching
 
Go out and have some fun with your dog.  Get fit, get balance in your life, your dog’s life, and wag more!
©Jt Clough and K9 Coach, Inc. 2010   www.SitK9Sit.com  www.GoTrainYourDog.com

The Fast & Furriest K9 3K Fun Run Walk

San Diego Dog Friendly Event

Who: DowntownDogLover.com


What: The Fast & The Furriest K9 3K Fun/ Run/ Walk


When: Saturday March 27, 2010 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM


Where: Downtown Harbor Front

Details: San Diegans take pride in staying fit and many local Dog-lovers choose to exercise with their pooches when they can. With that in mind, DowntownDogLover.com is hosting a unique dog-friendly 3k (1.8 miles) Fun/ Run/ Walk to benefit local animal charities.


• All breeds ages and sizes can participate
• Each registration will benefit a local animal charity of your choice- $5 of every $30 entry will go to designated charity
• Human participants will receive a limited edition t-shirt (red with logo) & "doggie bag"
• Limited edition shirts available for canine paw-ticipants as well
• Course will end at our special "Canine Carnival" which will include booths for most major breed clubs and meetups

Now's the time to start getting your "Team in Training" together. So why not organize a team with your neighbors, Meetup and/ or Yappy Hour group?

Registration: $30.00 to participate. *Must be registered 3/18/10 to receive your Pup Crawl t-shirt. Day-of registrations will cost $35 and shirts are not guaranteed.

It is that time again.  Time to focus on getting some fitness back in your life.

This is a great dog friendly event in San Diego to put on your calendar an in inspiration to go out and have some fun with your dog while your both get fit.

The chances of your fitness program working go way up when you have a workout partner you can rely on.  Your dog is that perfect partner.

A training plan written out for you also increases your chances of enjoying it and knowing what to do.

Canine Cross Training:  5K Training Plan

San Diego Dog Training Camps & Private Coaching 

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Dog Owners More Likely To Maintain Exercise Program

The food eating frenzy is over.  With the passing of New Year’s Day, the food-fests go with it.  From Thanksgiving to New Year’s everything seems to be planned around parties with food that’s very tasty but is now being worn around our bellies.

The time has come.  Good news for dog owners when it comes to this subject.  Studies show that people who own dogs are much more likely to get started on an exercise program.

The even better news and the big surprise to researchers.... studies also show that people who started an exercise program with their dog show big improvement while those who started similar programs without dogs began making excuses, showing little improvement. 

Another interesting fact was the speed of walking, jogging, or running increased by 28% for those training with dogs versus those without a dog with only a 4% increase.  Not that it is the most important thing on the agenda but it does make one feel like they are really doing something when the pace picks up on a natural basis.

Even so, we all tend to need a little added motivation when it comes to starting a program.  Walking or running is the easiest to get into, and for the most part the most effective.  Joining a gym which many do right after the first of the year feels like motivation but more often than not becomes overwhelming.

A gym can be intimidating and feeling like you “belong” doesn’t come easy.  The failure rate is high due to feeling like you don’t know what you are doing.  Again, a walking or running program you can do without the scrutiny of long time gym members eyes.

Having something other than weight loss or getting fit to focus on helps immensely with motivation.  Your dog as your training partner can be a big inspiration as well.  After all, you can rely on your dog to show up every single time.  A training partner increases your chances of success greatly.

A training plan written out for you increases your chances of enjoying the exercise,  knowing what to do and how to do it safely.  Give yourself something to focus on while you are establishing your exercise, diet and nutrition routine.  Stick with your new plan plan by signing up for our Canine Cross Training: Running your 1st 5K! 

Even if signing up for the 5K or 10K isn’t in your list of things you really want to do, having a training plan clearly written out for you and the assistance of your reliable dog training partner will get you to the ultimate goal:  fitness, weight loss, and a healthy you.

So get your dog and get started.  There is no more time to waste in the game of life.  Health and fitness are the foundation to everything else.  Get your dog, get your training plan and get started today.

*Note about the author:  Jt Clough is a professional dog trainer who has studied and applied how to create a balanced life through calm dog training techniques with her long time commitment to health and fitness.  A finisher of 9 Ironmans among many other fitness accomplishments along with her life partner Gary Guller who has reached the summit of Mt. Everest, bringing inspiration to others for a lifestyle that includes health and fitness is giving back to the world all the joys it has given.

San Diego Dog Training Camps & Private Coaching

Canine Cross Training Health & Fitness Programs

©Jt Clough and K9 Coach, Inc. 2010     www.SitK9Sit.com      www.GoTrainYourDog.com