
Q: I love walking and jogging with my Pointer, Rosco – when he's ready to run, he totally keeps me in shape! But, unfortunately he wants to stop all the time, like a couple times each block, to pee. Eventually if I start jogging, he'll run as well, but if I'm just walking him on a potty break or slow the pace even a little, he takes it as his cue to go.

Not only do they
lift us up when we're feeling down, but our pets pretty much eliminate any excuse not to get at least some
exercise. Rats. In addition to jogs around the park or rousing catch'n'chase games, many gyms (
mine included) offer activities like this Ruff Yoga or Doga – what's your favorite workout to do with your pooches?

Chubster pets are on the rise in the UK because a fifth of dogs are missing out on their daily walks.
According to
a recent survey of 3,000 pet owners, hectic work schedules and the fact that many people fail to appreciate how much exercise pets actually need to stay healthy have created a generation of unfit dogs. The study noted:
- More than a quarter of study participants admitted they only exercised their dogs once a day or less.
- The amount of exercise dogs are getting varies from breed to breed, but even the more active ones are struggling, with more than a quarter being taken for a walk less than once a day.
- One in 10 dogs in the area go on “walkies” less than once a week.
- Nearly two million dogs in Britain are suffering from obesity, with lack of exercise and over-feeding thought to be the cause, according to the PDSA.
In an ideal world dogs need
daily exercise and stimulation to stay happy and healthy, but it's not always possible.

My friend passed along this frustrating tale of walking her dog in Brooklyn over the weekend, and I wanted to share her story with you and get your take on the right and wrong . . .