Wanted: A perfect exercise partner. One who improves physical capabilities and mental outlook, lowers blood pressure and raises morale, has no qualms going out at any hour of any day, is always happy to be with you, and who will never call to cancel your workout. Plus (added bonus) licks your face when you're finished.
"They always want to go," says Leslie Blake, 57, of her dogs, Jake and Charley (Cha Cha). "It doesn't matter what time it is or what the weather is like, and that gets me out when normally I might skip my run."
Studies abound touting the benefits of dog walking.
People who walk their dogs are more likely to engage in additional forms of exercise, according to Michigan State University research.
A University of Western Australia study found that seven of 10 adult dog owners get 150 minutes of exercise weekly, compared with four out of 10 nonowners.
A study published in Preventative Medicine reported that dog-walking dog owners are 25 percent less likely to be obese than people who don't own dogs.
Read more from the Dallas Morning News.
