City of Lubbock Health Department 1902 Texas Avenue Lubbock TX 79408 (806) 775-2937
Walk A Hound, Lose A Pound
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. What is Walk a Hound, Lose a Pound? 2. Surgeon General’s Report on Physical Fitness 3. Walking the Dog 4. Goal Setting Tips 5. Walk a Dog Log 6. Questionnaire 7. Map 8. Review
What is Walk A Hound, Lose A Pound?
Hello, and thank you for you interest in Walk-a-Hound, Lose a Pound! This program will provide you with an opportunity for physical activity by allowing you to walk various shelter dogs. However, Walk a Hound, Lose a Pound will not only benefit YOUR health, the dogs will get some much needed exercise and fresh air and, of course, they’ll love you for it. Introduction Let’s first take a minute to review the basics of the Walk a Hound, Lose a Pound program. Dogs are available to walk every Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 4pm to 6pm at the Animal Shelter. Prior to beginning the program, each participant of the program must first complete a waiver/release form as well as watching this instructional video. After completion of this first step, you will then be given an official Walk a Hound membership card and directed to the Animal Shelter. Fitting the Leash Once you have arrived at the animal shelter, make your way to the kennels where the dogs are located. Look for the Walk a Hound signs (insert footage of sign) located on the kennel of the dogs that have been selected for this program. Typically, there are 5 or 6 dogs that have been designated for this program. It is important to note that every dog chosen for the Walk a Hound program has been screened by Animal Shelter staff for good behavior and temperament. When choosing a dog, make sure to take into consideration the size and weight of the animal. Obviously, if you are a small person, you might not want to choose a large dog that could be too hard to handle. After finding the right dog for you, locate the dog collar and leash. Most likely, this will be hanging on the kennel door. After obtaining the collar, enter the kennel and close the door. Many dog walkers like to walk into the kennel, crouch to the animal’s level, and “introduce” themselves before putting on the collar. Walking Your Dog Now that the dog collar has been put on properly, you are ready to take your dog for a walk. The first lesson to teach a shelter dog is that no one is going anywhere if the leash isn’t slack. If the dog is constantly pulling, stand in place until it slows down or returns to you. Pat the dog on the head and say, “Good Dog!” In time, the dog’s newly learned manners will make for nicer walks and a nicer chance for adoption, too. Also, a designated trail has already been established for you to use when walking the dogs. Look for and follow the orange flags with the paws on it. Once you reach the Walk a Hound turnaround, circle back and make your way back towards the Animal Shelter. This path will take approximately 10 minutes. You are allowed to make more than one trip with your dog if you like. Once you are finished, return the dog to the kennel and hang the collar and leash back on the gate.
Major Conclusions from the Surgeon General’s Report
People of all ages, both male and female, benefit from regular physical activity. Significant health benefits can be obtained by including a moderate amount of physical activity (e.g., 30 minutes of brisk walking or raking leaves, 15 minutes of running, or 45 minutes of playing volleyball) on most, if not all, days of the week. Through a modest increase in daily activity, most Americans can improve their health and quality of life. Additional health benefits can be gained through greater amounts of physical activity. People who can maintain a regular regimen of activity that is of longer duration or of more vigorous intensity are likely to derive greater benefit. Physical activity reduces the risk of premature mortality in general, and of coronary heart disease, hypertension, colon cancer, and diabetes mellitus in particular. Physical activity also improves mental health and is important for the health of muscles, bones, and joints. More than 60 percent of American adults are not regularly physically active. In fact, 25 percent of all adults are not active at all. Nearly half of American youths 12–21 years of age are not vigorously active on a regular basis. Moreover, physical activity declines dramatically during adolescence. Daily enrollment in physical education classes has declined among high school students from 42 percent in 1991 to 25 percent in 1995. Research on understanding and promoting physical activity is at an early stage, but some interventions to promote physical activity through schools, worksites, and health care settings have been evaluated and found to be successful.
Walking the Dog
One of the most important muscles of the body that is strengthened by exercise is the heart. Although dogs are not as prone to heart attacks as people, their hearts still need to pump for their entire life. A 'flabby' heart can lead to other secondary problems, such as kidney disease, respiratory distress or a poorly functioning liver. Proper exercise and nutrition also strengthens the immune system, which protects against the many infectious diseases that can afflict your dog. As the dog becomes fit from exercise and good nutrition, his energy level will increase. Active dogs can eat more without the concerns of putting on extra weight. When your dog first starts his fitness program, his paws are likely to be tender. It takes time and many miles of walking and running to build up firm calluses. Even then, the hard, hot pavement of a city street may be more than his feet can take. Long walks or runs are best kept to the grassy areas of parks. You may have noticed dogs don't perspire like people do. Dogs lose excess body heat through the pads of their feet and from panting. This process can be greatly aided by giving plenty of water both before and after heavy exercise. It's recommended, however, that you let your dog cool down after a long run before letting him slake his thirst. Wait for about 15 minutes, and then give one-half-toone cup every 15 minutes until your dog is thoroughly cooled down. Otherwise, he may regurgitate the water, resulting in a hot dog that not only needs water but now also has an upset stomach. One of the best benefits of exercising your dog goes to the dog's owner. Walking briskly with your dog everyday is great for your own physical well-being. Additionally, dog walkers seem more approachable to neighbors who want to get to know you with your dog at your side. http://www.westierescue.com/article.asp?ArticleID=23
Questionnaire
1. How many days per week do you currently exercise? a.) None b.) 1-2 days c.) 3-4 days d.) 5 or more
2. What do you hope to gain from the Walk a Hound, Lose a Pound program?
3. How often do you plan to participate in the Walk a Hound, Lose a Pound program?
4. Would you recommend the Walk a Hound, Lose a Pound program to others? 5. Where did you hear about the program?
Walk A Dog Log
Date Dog Walked? Duration Distance
Goal Setting Tips
“Be a S. M. A. R. T Goal Setter”
Your goals should be SPECIFIC
With a specific goal one can clearly see what he/she hopes to accomplish. A specific goal is one that should be written down. If goals are specific, then they
Your goals should be MEASUARBLE
A measurable goal is important because it allows you to keep track of the progress that has been made in achieving one’s goal. It is very important to keep up with progress made toward goal achievement.
Your Goals should be ATTAINAIBLE
An attainable goal is one that has a realistic path of achievement. One shouldn’t lower their aims to achieve a goal, but is important to have goals that have a challenge in them.
Your goals should be REWARDING
A goal is rewarding if there is a clear reason as to why you would like to achieve them. Have your specific reasons and expected reward in writing.
Your Goals should be TIMELY.
Time is also important in goal setting. Time is the price one pays in achieving a goal. Setting a deadline will protect you from paying a higher price than the goal is worth. A goal with clear time limits is much easier to fit with the rest of your goals, minimizing risk of conflicts, crises, and imbalance.
http://www.manage-your-time.com/goal-setting-guidelines.html
Walk a Hound, Lose a Pound Map
START HERE
Animal Shelter
Fit City
Walk a Hound Turnaround
Walk a Hound, Lose a Pound Review
Let’s review some key points to remember.
1. Walk a Hound is offered every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 4-7pm. 2. After completing the registration process, don’t forget to bring your Walk A Hound membership card every time you visit. 3. Look for the Walk a Hound signs on the kennels that designate which dogs are available to walk. 4. Make sure that the collar is properly fitted on the dog. 5. Don’t let the dog lead you. If your dog starts to pull away from you, stand in place until it returns. Pat the dog on the head and say, “Good Dog!” 6. Follow the orange flags and stay on the designated Walk a Hound trail. 7. Return the dog to the kennel that you found it. 8. Have fun and show your dog some attention by petting it and talking to it. 9. Keep coming back! That’s all there is to Walk a Hound, Lose a Pound. Again, thank you for you participation in the program and we hope that your experience is a positive one. Please let us know if you have any questions, comments or suggestions for improvement of the program.