AKC FIT Dog - keeping you and your dog healthy!

The American Kennel Club has created a program to encourage people to get outside and take walks with their dogs.  The program, called AKC FIT Dog, even offers titles, in the hope more people with join in the program!  From the AKC website:

“Now more than ever, fitness is important for both dogs and people. The most commonly recommended exercise to improve fitness is walking. Walking is considered a safe activity that improves muscular strength, circulation, memory, weight loss, increases energy, helps with sleep, and reduces stress. The American Heart Association recommends walking a minimum of 150 minutes per week. Participation in the AKC FIT DOG program will bring health benefits to both you and your dog.”  And for those who want to earn titles, just by keeping your dog fit and healthy, click here!  

There are three titles, or levels, in the FIT Dog program - Bronze, Silver and Gold.  You earn the titles by completing different activities.  

1) Complete an AKC FIT DOG Course

2) Runs (community runs, such as a Turkey Trot)

3) Walks and hikes (can be independent or group walks)

4) Unique to you and your dog (such as swimming)

5) Earn an AKC title that is fitness related (FastCAT, Agility)

6) Earn an AKC Parent Club Performance title (sledding, herding, pack dog)

Addi and I decided to try for the FIT Dog bronze title, FITB, since we are already trying to earn the first FastCAT title, BCAT, and that meets one of the requirements for FIT Dog.  We have been walking multiple times a week, enjoying nature and the end of the Summer, while keeping track of our miles.  This video was from our walk yesterday evening, we are both really enjoying the time together.  She loves being outside, and I appreciate that it’s pushing me to get more exercise!