I love hearing about other dog owners and how they keep their dogs fit and healthy. You can always learn something from other people’s stories and experiences. So today’s dog fitness post features Terri and her 2 year old Rottweiler Lola.

Terri adopted Lola from the Humane Society. To exercise Lola, Terri takes a 2 mile jog with her at 6:00am four days per week and also walks 1 mile every evening with her 6 year old Beagle Buddy.

In Lola’s first year of life, she was kept in someone’s backyard, she did not know how to walk on a leash when we adopted her. She pulled and fought us every step of the way. This was a way for me to teach her how to walk on a leash, how to heel and at the same time, keep her busy and in shape. She is a working dog and when she is not exercised regularly, she gets into trouble! She needs daily stimulation just like we do, this keeps us both healthy in our body and mind. – Terri

Because Lola didn’t know how to walk on a leash when Terri adopted her, they had to start gradually:

I would start walking with her short periods, teaching her she had to stay on my right then increase to a mile then 2 miles. I had to use the pinch collar for about 5-6 months as a training tool, she is very aware of her surroundings and gets distracted easily. She had zero impulse control and would literally drag me to see people or other dogs in our path. – Terri

Terri and Lola

Once Lola learned how to walk politely on a leash, Terri started jogging. She taught Lola to move off of the sidewalk and onto the grass when other people and dogs pass by them and Lola now does this naturally without Terri having to give her the “over” command.

I asked Terri if she had any advice for people with larger dogs who pull like Lola used to when they’re starting out trying to jog.

I guess my advise would be to start slow and be consistent. Your dog will learn the routine, make it fun for them praise them as you go, scratch them on the head, talk to them. – Terri

Jogging with your dog is a great activity to take up for both your dog’s and your own fitness. Big thanks to Terri for sharing her dog exercise experiences and tips with us!

If you’d like to submit your own story about exercising with your dog or dog fitness in general, please e-mail 1 Fit Mutt at info@1fitmutt.com