Unfenced Dogs Create Hazards for All

One of the greatest dangers to dogs in a human-run world is being hit by cars. An equally great danger to humans in a world that includes dogs is bite injury from loose dogs. The solution for both of these problems is simple: fence the dog safely and securely.

Too many dog owners assume that inadequate conditions will suffice for dog housing. A front yard, a front porch, or a little back stoop should be fine, right? Besides, a fence is too expensive, too much work to maintain, and it takes too much time to open and close when driving through the gate. To simply keep the dog in the house, then "hope it hangs around" when outside is not only irresponsible, it is a liability. Passing cars, always tempting to chase, can severely injure or kill a dog in a matter of seconds. If the driver tries to avoid the dog, he or she may swerve into a dangerous situation that causes injury or death. Passing children who simply want to pet the dog can be bitten -- and face the risk of infection, disease, or serious injury. Up the ante by having another dog owner pass by with his dog on a leash ... another disastrous equation. Prevent all of these issues. Provide a fence to protect both dog and neighborhood.

In rural areas, allowing dogs to roam freely is even more prevalent. "They won't bother anyone, we live in the country" is a common excuse. However, country settings also come with country environments: coyotes, mountain lions, and even raccoons can be dog predators. Leaving the dog out to "fend for itself" is simply unfair to the dog, and prompts the posting of "lost dog" signs on local telephone poles. If a dog scents or sees a deer, for instance, the chase is on. In most cases, the dog gets lost. If it is fortunate, it finds its way home. If it is not, one more poster finds its way to that telephone pole.

Simply put, a responsible dog owner will provide all of the dog's needs: food, water, exercise, play, shelter, and a good, safe fence.

A "Two-species" Duathlon

Maximizing walking or riding sessions

Whether you're running, trotting, jogging, or ambling along at an easy lope, why not add a companion to the activity? Though more of us have dogs than horses, the exercise potential from owning one or both animals can be far-reaching. The benefits are almost endless: stronger cardiovascular systems and endurance (human, equine, canine), tighter core muscles (human, equine), mental stimulation, and good, old-fashioned fresh air activity are all just waiting to be enjoyed.

Both dogs and horses are wired to live in group settings. Interaction within the group (especially with the leader of the group) is not only beneficial, it is vital. Time spent at least a few days per week doing activities such as walking, riding, obstacles, or obedience can work wonders on the animal's state of mind. Barking, cribbing, digging, pawing, weaving, pacing, or other undesirable behaviors usually stem from the lack of time spent on more constructive activities. It can also be an antidote for the human's daily stress level. It's been proven that the simple act of petting or grooming an animal can lower blood pressure. Add some cardiovascular exercise, and you have a winning fitness combination for both mind and body!

If one walks a dog, then rides a horse on the same day, the whole body gets both cardiovascular and strength-training benefits. Walking or running with a dog obviously fits in the aerobic category -- this is heightened by the fact that a reasonably fit dog won't tire at the same rate as a human, so the dog can encourage the human to work at a slightly higher level than if that human were to walk or run alone. Add a ride on a horse, and you have the best core-strengthening exercise available. To balance the entire upper body on a moving animal takes every back, abdominal, seat, and leg muscle available. Keep the horse moving, and the legs get even more work when directing the way of travel. Anyone who has never ridden, or has not ridden a horse recently will tell you where every muscle is -- the day after the ride. Ride more, the soreness improves. Ride even more, strength builds.

Make your human, canine, and equine world a better place -- each day, if you can. Do yourself, and your dog and/or horse a favor -- walk or ride! It's a win-win-win situation for all species involved!