Out and About: Grab that Leash and Get Moving

Two happy dogs whiffed the great outdoors and enjoyed a lick of water streaming under the snow as they hightailed it up the Big Tesuque trail one recent morning.

But not all dogs had such a tail-wagging time that day. In fact, most were flopped on the sofa, as inactive as their owners.

While lounging on a loveseat and getting petted may seem like a lavish life for a dog, it's a routine that causes health problems for both dog and owner.

At least three in five Americans and one in four dogs are overweight. This can lead to heart trouble, organ dysfunction, geriatric pain, diminished brain function and joint degeneration in both canines and humans.

Many dog owners, however, have discovered the key to staying healthy and active. They hit the trails with their pups.

"People who have an active lifestyle tend to have pets who have an active lifestyle. Also, for many people having a pet can motivate them to get out when they might otherwise be less motivated without one. It's like the buddy system," said Kathy Dobesh, co-owner of Smith Veterinary Hospital.

Hiking or running with a dog builds cardiac and muscle strength, improves joint flexibility and keeps the metabolism in check for all involved. It also can lead to a happy and well-behaved dog.

"Hiking not only promotes longevity and a healthier dog, it also helps dogs that suffer from boredom, anxiety, destructive behaviors and depressive lethargy. It enhances your bond with your canine, gives you an added sense of security, is noncompetitive, and is very inexpensive," said dog trainer Heidi Kingsbury of Heidi's Canine Services.

Few people stick to fitness programs without a partner. Dogs are the perfect training partners. They are naturally athletic, spirited motivators and always game for activity.

"Being active with my dog keeps us both happy and active and gives me a reason to go out," said Peter Kray, a local dog owner and freelance writer.

Kingsbury used to have more clients who paid her to exercise their dogs. But she has a new approach that helps her clients and their dogs become healthier together.

"Now I work to try to teach people how to handle their dogs on the trails, exercise with their dogs and practice commands on the trails," Kingsbury said.

Doggie gear

Kingsbury's first step on the training route is always a local outdoor shop, where she advises her clients to buy hydration packs for themselves and dog backpacks for pooches who weigh more than 35 pounds. These dogs can carry their own water and food on long hikes.

Other equipment may be necessary based on the terrain and length of the outing; and there is no shortage of gear for enthusiasts looking to equip their pups.

Well-outfitted dogs have collapsible bowls, overcoats, snow boots, high-tech beds for recovery, flotation vests, goggles, raincoats, dog umbrellas, reflective vests, running leashes and collars with adapters for multiple dogs and hands-free leashes that wrap around dog guardians' waists.

Pete Sanders, owner of Pete's Pets, said supplements, nutrients, vitamins and even glucosamine chondrotin and other joint therapeutics can improve dogs' mobility and comfort.

Start slow

Start slow, especially if you and your dog are out of shape. Dogs, like people, need time to build stamina. Veterinarians can suggest workouts based on a dog's breed, sex, age, health and sense of adventure. Other factors include a dog's anatomy, genetics, health, nutrition, training, conditioning and psychological influence, according to Robert Gillette, director of the Sports Medicine Program at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Auburn University in Auburn, Ala.

Activities should be tailored for different breeds. Like people, some dogs are endurance athletes. Others are sprinters and like to stop and start. Small dogs should cover less distance than larger dogs. Short-nosed breeds are susceptible to overheating and older dogs get tired. Hairless breeds are prone to sunburn and cold. For information, visit http://www.dogbreedinfo.com.

Watch for signs of fatigue and heat exhaustion. These include rapid or irregular breathing, heavy panting or staggered walking. Exhausted or overheated dogs stop or seek shade or water. Frequently check the dog's paws for abrasions, especially if they are walking on rough terrain. Avoid hot pavement in the summer.

Where to go

Dogs are permitted in some national parks with restrictions and on almost all New Mexico state parks and local trails throughout Santa Fe and the county. Visit http://www.hikewithyourdog.com for trail information.

Greta Ritchie, vice president of PETroglyphs, said her favorite places to hike with dogs include Chamisa Trail and Black Canyon Trail off of N.M. 475; Hyde Memorial Park Loop near the state-park headquarters; Borrego Trail, Bear Wallow Trail and Winsor Trail, which all form a triangle off N.M. 475 on the north side of the state park.

Laws and etiquette

Laws require dogs to be leashed throughout Santa Fe except at the dog park or when confined on personal property. City dogs must have tags and vaccinations against rabies. For information, call Santa Fe Animal Services at 955-2700.

Consideration on the trail goes a long way. Take responsibility for your dog and be sensitive to other dog walkers and trail users, advised veterinarian Jennifer Steketee from Sangre de Cristo Animal Hospital.

"Many dogs are aggressive to other dogs they meet on the trail. It is the responsibility of the owner to not take these dogs on populated trails, keep them on leashes and warn other dog owners to keep their dogs away. A tremendous number of dog fights occur when people are trying to exercise their dogs in populated areas," Steketee said.

For more information, contact a local vet or dog trainer, read Running With Man's Best Friend by Davia Anne Gallup or buy the Falcon Guide, Best Easy Day Hikes Santa Fe.

Out and About is a column about outdoor activities in and around Santa Fe. Every other Thursday, Santa Fe residents Jill Janov and Ben Delaney provide ideas, tips and commentary about recreational and competitive sports and gear. And they do get outside sometimes. Really. Contact them at jjanov@comcast.net or bdelaney65@msn.com.