Being a dog owner means you have the joy of sharing your life with your pet. You can eat together, sleep together (if your spouse doesn't mind), and exercise together. In fact, owning a more active dog is one of the best ways for you to get fit. You can get your workout as you take them for a walk.

Looking for fun ways to get fit with your dog? Here are a few ideas to try.

Walking – Walking is the simplest way to get fit with your dog. You can walk for hours without getting tired. You can take your dog hiking in the great outdoors, giving them a chance to run, jump, and play off their leash. Or bring them to your local park or boardwalk, where they can explore a new world. Walking is great exercise for you and your dog both!

Cycling – If you have a larger, more active dog, cycling is an excellent way to get exercise with your pet. You can attach their leash to the frame of your bike to keep them from running off. You may need to train them to stay close and not get distracted chasing cars or animals, but you can have a lot of fun cycling through your city or even discovering new mountain trails.

Running – For those who like to run or jog, a dog makes a great companion. It will require a bit of training to teach your dog to match your pace rather than sprinting off. However, once they're trained, you can bring them to your races and running events.

Skateboarding – Skateboarding is an amazing form of exercise — a beautiful combination of cardiovascular workout and lower body endurance training. Bringing your dog on a skateboard run will actually make it easier for you to get up hills, as your dog can be the "motor" that pulls you along. You can have a lot of fun zipping through your town with your dog by your side.

Pet Boot Camp – Pet Boot Camps are designed to give both pets and their owners an awesome workout. The pet boot camps often involve exercises that help pets to get out their energy while their owners perform cardio or calisthenics exercises. You can also find other people to run, hike, or walk with you and your dog.

Swimming – Swimming is an amazing workout for human and canine alike. Swimming works every muscle in your body and pushes your cardiovascular system to its limits, both for you and your dog. Head to a local river or lake and enjoy spending a few hours swimming with your pet.

Obstacle Courses – What could be more fun than testing your and your pet's agility on an obstacle course? There are courses ideal for well-trained dogs, as well as mud-runs that are better for active dogs and their fitness-loving owners. You'll find this type of event in most cities around the country.

Getting in shape can be a lot easier thanks to the fact that your pet needs to get out of the house and get exercise. Take advantage of the pet-owner relationship to find ways to get fit!

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