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Home › Articles › Family Fitness › Getting Fit With Furry Friends

Getting Fit With Furry Friends

How the Family Pet Can Get Your Kids in Shape

By Teri Brown

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"Most kids should do some form of fun exercise for one hour a day," says Dr. Cederquist. "Most get much less than this. The care of the pet can make up some of this one-hour activity recommendation."

Keeping Active

Dr. Jana Klauer, physician, fitness and nutrition expert and founder of Healthy Interventions in New York City, believes that family pets can offer a variety of ways for children to get quality exercise. "When the animal is purchased, it should be made clear that it is the child's responsibility to give the dog daily walks or the horse daily exercise and grooming," she says.

Dr. Klauer adds that camping or hiking with your animals can make the trip even more activity driven for your child. Another idea is to help your child become involved in training and showing the pet, which requires even more exercising, training and grooming.

For Pearson and her son, the physical activity is only one aspect of having a dog. The relationship between her son and their dog is priceless.

"Not only is Sean kept physically fit by his play with Dickens, I think he's kept emotionally fit as well," says Pearson. "The relationship they have is one that has been cultivated since Sean was born and one I hope will continue through his childhood."

Family-Friendly Pets

The following dogs breeds generally are family friendly and need lots of exercise. Remember, these are guidelines only. Dogs have individual temperaments, and an inconsiderate child can cause even Lassie to bite. Teach your child to behave gently around the dog and to never approach a strange dog.

Golden Retriever: Wonderful family dogs, always ready for a romp with your children. They tend to be very patient and loyal.

Beagle: These little tail waggers love being a part of a family and enjoy a lot of exercise. They don't like being left alone though, especially when young.

Poodle: Highly intelligent, these dogs love being a part of the family – not as a dog, but as a full-fledged member! As such, they enjoy playing games with other family members. There are several sizes to choose from, though the miniature and standard tend to be better with children than the toy.

West Highland White Terrier: These little Scottish dogs are lovable and playful but need quite a bit of exercise to keep them happy.

Labrador Retriever: Perfect dog for families who love water sports, as these dogs generally love water play. They also play a mean game of fetch or chase!

Irish Setter: Beautiful red dogs that need a lot of attention and grooming, but you will get an absolutely loyal pet in return.

Basset Hound: You may think these droopy dogs are lazy – until you add children, and then they will romp with the best of them!

Collie: Because of Lassie, these dogs will always be connected with children and for good reason. They are loyal, gentle and well behaved. Exercising this dog will be a joy for the whole family.

Labradoodle: This is a relatively new breed. A cross between a Labrador and a Poodle, the Labradoodle shows the best character traits from each: lovable, intelligent and energetic.

Pug: Often called "a lot of dog in a little space," these dogs are wonderful family dogs and love romping with children.


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