Dog Walk Lunges Lead the Pack in Exercise Innovations?
In Part 2 of our inspiring conversation with Judy Weiss on Animals Unplugged, the discussion takes a fun turn as we explore a fun simple thing when walking your dog to provide him or her with the required mental stimulation all dogs need. Judy recommends doing the “stop and sniff”!
Judy and the team joke about how we can start a new fitness trend for humans by doing Dog Walk Lunges while our dogs stop and sniff.
The idea is to get creative! Not only can you get in your steps, but you can also incorporate fitness into your daily walks while allowing your dog to stop and sniff. Most of all your dog gets more quality ground sniffing time to energize their brains while you stay physically active!
Judy encourages this kind of creative thinking for interacting with your dogs. Above all reminding us that our canine companions love variety. Training exercises, and new funny fitness trends like Dog Walk Lunges, keep things engaging and mentally stimulating for your dog. Of course, this all depends on your fitness level and health! So it’s a matter of coming up with ideas that can improve your fitness and are safe for you while keeping things interesting for your dog to explore the environment on walks.
Judy is a different kind of Hero Rescuer
We dive deeper into the incredible work Judy is doing to reshape how we think about dog ownership (or guardianship as she likes to call it). Judy is more than just an expert in dog behavior—she’s a different kind of hero rescuer. Her project focuses on helping people relate to their dogs by truly fulfilling their canine needs instead of perceiving their needs to be the same as a human child. And to be sure to fulfill their needs before ours.
Judy’s Approach
Judy’s approach is about rescuing them from anxiety and frustration by allowing them to be what their species and breed were born to be. Importantly, you need to match the breed to your lifestyle rather than force an incompatible breed to bend to your lifestyle. This also means learning about dog body language and looking for consent. For example, generally speaking, most dogs do not want to be hugged (restrained) or picked up.
Some dogs do want to be picked up but not all the time. It’s important to give your dog some choices since we make most choices for them all of their lives. If they lean in towards you to be hugged or stand up to be picked up, those are good signs that your dog wants to engage in that interaction. But if in doubt, it’s important to respect their wishes and not hug them or pick them up.
Judy’s work has a ripple effect. She saves dogs in homes across the country by helping their owners/guardians understand their pet’s needs. This approach prevents dogs from being rehomed or ending up in shelters due to behavioral problems. It’s this long-term, transformative impact that makes Judy a hero of a different kind. A Hero who saves dogs by educating the humans they love.
CnGee’s Tribute to Judy’s Heroism
During this episode, CnGee the Superhero Dog is so inspired by Judy’s unique brand of heroism that he rewrites the lyrics to his song “Hero Rescuers”. He makes it a heartfelt tribute to her efforts. The new lyrics celebrate how Judy’s leadership transforms both dogs and their humans. Additionally, it creates unbreakable bonds and gives dogs a sense of purpose and calm.
In the song, CnGee recognizes Judy as a hero who saves dogs by helping people choose the right dog for them. The new version of the song shows how a dog can appreciate Judy’s work, making her a true superhero in the world of animal rescue.
Becoming the type of Guardian Your Dog Needs
Judy delivers a clear message throughout episodes 8 and 9: dogs must be fulfilled to feel happy and loved. Please find creative ways to enrich your dog’s walks or simply spend time training them. Step into your role as a compassionate Dog Guardian to deepen your bond and create a happier, healthier dynamic for both of you.
CnGee’s heartfelt song honoring Judy’s heroism reminds us that rescuing animals isn’t always about grand gestures. Sometimes, it’s about guiding them in the right direction with love, patience, and respect. Just like Judy does every day.
Tune in to this episode of Animals Unplugged for more on Judy’s incredible journey. Learn how you can become the hero your dog is waiting for!
Keep Listening for more exciting animal and rescue conversations!
Stay tuned for more expert advice and animal advocacy in future episodes. And if you haven’t already, try incorporating a new activity on your next walk. After all, creative dog walking might just be the fitness game-changer you and your pup need!
Key Links for Episode 9
Dogwise.com site for vetted animal-themed books
American Association of Pet Parents (AAPP) Donate Link
ARMOR HAND GLOVES for keeping animal handlers safe and animals comfortable
CnG’s SongRoads WEBSITE for all things “Animals Unplugged” related!
KPHRED RADIO link to hear Animals Unplugged on Mondays at 10 AM Central Time
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