A Personal Trainer Who Keeps You on a Short Leash

We are one month into 2025 and, already, many people are having trouble sticking to their resolutions for the new year. A Forbes Health/One Poll found, on average, people stick to their New Year’s resolutions for 3.74 months. Twenty-two percent will bag their good intention by the end of this month.
If you resolved to improve your level of fitness in 2025, having a personal trainer could provide you with daily motivation to get up and get moving. And, if you’re a dog owner, that personal trainer may be laying at your feet.
Dogs love routine, so if you get on a regular walking schedule, they’ll likely encourage you on wintery days when you need an extra push to bundle up and head outside. Keep in mind that if you’re a bit out of shape, it’s likely your dog is too, so you’ll want to ease into a new walking regimen.
A 2022 U.S. survey by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention found an estimated 59% of dogs are overweight or have obesity, while the prevalence of obesity among U.S. adults is 40.3%, and severe obesity is 9.4%, according to the most recent data available from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Obese pets face many of the same health problems as their overweight human counterparts, including diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, urinary disease, skin problems, and breathing problems, so it’ll be good for both you and your dog to adopt a healthy routine in the new year.
If you’re just getting started, begin with shorter walks at a casual pace, and then increase the distance as you feel comfortable. If a neighbor has a dog, consider walking your pets together each night for additional motivation (and good conversation). Always consult your doctor and veterinarian before beginning any exercise regimen for you and your dog.
The ASPCA offers tips for walking your dog in winter, including the following:
- If it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your pet.
- Use pet-friendly ice melts whenever possible.
- If your dog is short-haired, consider getting them a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly.
After each walk, make sure to wash and dry your pet’s feet and stomach to remove ice, salt, and chemicals. Don’t forget to check for cracks in paw pads or redness between the toes. You may also want to bring a towel on long walks to clean paws and prevent irritation.