move-better-together

Featured Interview: Healthy Living With Your Dog (and Why “Wellness Is Social”)

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 17:27:36 GMT

A little while back, I had the chance to sit down with Sociology Group to talk about Healthy Living With Your Dog, my background in physical therapy + military service, and why I’m so passionate about helping people stay active without getting hurt in the process.

If you’d like the full Q&A, you can read the original feature on Sociology Group here . . But below, I wanted to share a recap of the biggest takeaways.

Why this whole “Move Better Together” thing exists

In clinic, I kept seeing the same pattern: people getting injured doing very normal dog-owner things—slipping on walks, getting yanked by the leash, tweaking a knee playing fetch, shoulder pain from throwing, back pain from bending and lifting, and the classic “I suddenly got a high-energy dog and tried to become an athlete overnight.”

That’s where the book idea came from. I wanted something practical and friendly that helps people start before the injury , not after.

“Wellness is social” (and your dog proves it every day)

One of the core ideas I shared in the interview is simple: we do better when we do life with others —and yes, your dog absolutely counts.

Here’s the line I keep coming back to:

“Wellness is social means we thrive when we do life with others.”

Dogs make movement easier because they create built-in routine (they don’t forget “walk time”), and they also pull us into tiny moments of connection—neighbors, trails, parks, quick smiles and hellos.

Small “micro-moments” beat big heroic plans

Most people don’t fail because they aren’t motivated. They fail because their plan requires too much time, too much energy, and too much perfect scheduling.

That’s why I’m a huge fan of small rituals—the kind you can do even on your busiest day. The momentum adds up fast.

A simple starting point I recommend:

10-minute sunrise or sunset walk
quick joint warmup + short leash walk
a few toss-and-retrieve reps (with good mechanics)

If you do that consistently, you’re building a real foundation.

Joy works better than guilt

A lot of wellness content sounds like discipline-first, joy-later.

I think it’s the opposite.

“Joy is a better motivator than discipline.”

If your movement plan is miserable, it won’t last. But if it feels like connection, play, stress relief, and fresh air with your best buddy? That’s sustainable.

Movement isn’t just fitness. It’s freedom.

This is the part that hits home for me across PT, sports, and military service:

“Movement is freedom.”

When you can move well, you can do more of what you love—walks, hikes, playing on the floor with your kids, traveling, working, living. And doing it with your dog just makes the whole thing more meaningful.

The biggest message I hope you take away

If you’re trying to get healthier, here’s the truth:

“You don’t need perfection, you just need partnership.”

Start small. Keep it simple. Protect your body. Let your dog be the consistency engine. And build from there.

Want the full guide?

If you’re a dog owner who wants to stay active without getting sidelined by common aches and injuries , my book Healthy Living With Your Dog goes deeper with simple, realistic guidance you can actually use—walking, play, strength basics, and “how to do this safely” so you can keep moving for the long haul.

Grab the book here

Want the original feature?

This post is a recap of my interview originally published by Sociology Group (December 5, 2025).

Fall Fitness for You and Your Dog: 5 Tips to Move Better Together

Sat, 01 Nov 2025 02:20:23 GMT

Don't let the couch win this fall! Supercharge your walks with our guide to autumn fitness for you and your dog. Get practical safety, gear, and wellness tips for an active and memorable season.

Can you hear it? That satisfying crunch of leaves under your feet. Can you feel it? That first truly crisp, cool breeze that signals the end of summer’s haze. Autumn is here, and it’s spectacular. However, with the changing leaves and cozier evenings comes a familiar challenge: the siren song of the warm couch. As the temperature drops, our motivation to get outside can dip right along with it, and the same often goes for our four-legged friends.

But what if we reframed it? What if this season of transition was actually the perfect time to supercharge our fitness routine with our favorite canine partner? The oppressive heat is gone, the trails are less crowded, and the scenery is breathtaking.

It’s a golden opportunity to strengthen your bond and your health. Let's explore some great fall fitness ideas for you and your dog, including essential walking tips that keep you both safe and happy all season long.

The Magic of the "Leaf-Crunching" Walk

Let’s be honest, a walk in the fall is more than exercise; it's therapy. The simple act of stepping on a crunchy leaf can be as satisfying as popping bubble wrap. This is a time to ditch the headphones, put your phone on silent, and just be present with your dog. Focusing on the sounds, smells, and sights of the season is a powerful form of mindfulness that can melt away stress. You’re not just walking; you’re absorbing the calm of the natural world.

Your dog feels it, too. The ground is covered in a whole new world of exciting smells left by squirrels, deer, and other critters. This mental stimulation is just as important as physical exertion for a well-rounded, happy pup.

To keep things fresh, try breaking your routine. Therefore, instead of taking the same loop around the block, consider exploring a new local park or hiking trail. For those of us enjoying a Minnesota fall walking season, the scenery is unbeatable. A new path offers a feast for your dog’s nose and a visual treat for your eyes, thus making the walk an adventure rather than a chore.

Weighted Vests: Cooler Temps, Safer Workouts

Ever thought about adding a little extra challenge to your walks? And a weighted vest (for you, not the dog, unless you've got a specific, vet-approved canine pack) is a fantastic tool. Fall is the ideal time to start using one. Trying to wear one in the July humidity can feel suffocating. But in the cool, dry air of fall, it provides a comfortable way to increase resistance.

This isn’t about bulking up like a bodybuilder. It’s about low-impact strength training. Adding just a few pounds can elevate your heart rate, improve your posture, and engage your core and leg muscles more effectively, turning a simple walk into a full-body workout.

Remember that fall exercise safety is paramount. Always start with a light weight and do a proper warm-up—such as leg swings and torso twists—before heading out. This ensures your muscles are ready for the added load. Getting the right fit and form is crucial. For a complete breakdown, check out the Instagram channel move.better.together for some expert tips on weight vest progressions. A comprehensive guide to the weighted vest is coming soon...stay tuned.

Hydration Isn't Just for Summer

When you think about needing to hydrate, you probably picture a sweltering summer day. It's easy to forget your water bottle when you're not actively sweating buckets, but that’s a common mistake. In cool, dry autumn air, you and your dog lose a surprising amount of moisture just by breathing. That "smoke" you see when you exhale? That's water vapor being released from your body.

Dehydration can sneak up on you in cooler weather, leading to fatigue and muscle cramps. Your dog is just as susceptible. They can’t tell you when they’re thirsty, so it’s up to you to be prepared. A good rule of thumb is to carry water for both of you on any outing longer than 30 minutes. A simple collapsible water bowl is lightweight. It clips right onto a leash or backpack. It is one of the most important pieces of gear you can own for an active dog.

Visibility is Key as Days Get Shorter

The one downside to this beautiful season? The days are getting noticeably shorter. That golden hour we all love also means that dusk arrives earlier, often coinciding with after-work walks. This makes visibility a critical safety issue. You need to be seen, but more importantly, you need to be visible to cyclists, runners, and drivers.

This is the time to embrace your brightest gear. For you, this could mean a reflective vest, glowing armbands, or even a headlamp if you’re walking on trails with uneven footing. For your dog, there are fantastic options, such as reflective collars and leashes, clip-on LED lights, or full-reflective coats. These simple additions can be life-saving, ensuring you both stand out as the light fades.

Post-Walk Cooldown & Care

You’ve finished your walk, your lungs are full of fresh air, and you both have that pleasant, satisfied fatigue-in-a-good-way feeling. Don’t just head inside and collapse on the couch! Taking five minutes for post-walk care makes a huge difference.

You can avoid stiffness the following day by doing a few light stretches that target your calves, quadriceps, and hamstrings. Now is the ideal time to give your dog a quick "paw-dicure." Their paw pads may pick up burrs, twigs, or clumps of mud after hiking through potentially muddy trails and heaps of damp leaves.

Take a moment to gently wipe their paws and look for any debris between their toes. It's an easy act of kindness that helps prevent irritation and improves your relationship.

Staying active with your dog this fall is about so much more than just burning calories. It's about taking advantage of a perfect season, reducing stress, and building unforgettable memories together. From mindful walks and safer workouts to staying hydrated and visible, these minor adjustments ensure every autumn adventure is a great one.

Ready to build a stronger, healthier bond with your pup this season? Dive deeper with the book, Healthy Living With Your Dog, 21 Tips for a Healthy, Injury-Free Life .

What Dog Size Means for Exercise and Activity, let's Dog'ercise 🐾

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 05:21:05 GMT

When we talk about “dog size,” most people think only about weight: small, medium, large, or giant breeds. But size is more than a number on the scale. It also includes bone structure, stride length, metabolism, and even temperament. Understanding your dog’s size and how it affects exercise is key to keeping both of you healthy, active, and injury-free. Dog + Exercise = Dog'ercise!

In this post, we’ll explore why size matters when it comes to exercising with your dog, what activities are best for each size group, and how moving together benefits both ends of the leash.

Why Dog Size Matters in Exercise

Dogs are athletes in their own ways, but not all are built for the same workouts. A Chihuahua doesn’t move like a Golden Retriever, and a Great Dane has very different needs than a Border Collie. Here’s why size influences exercise:

Stride length and pace: Smaller dogs take more steps to keep up, while larger dogs can cover ground quickly but may tire faster.
Joint and bone health: Larger dogs carry more weight, so their joints need protection from overuse.
Energy and endurance: Many small and medium breeds have high energy, while giant breeds often prefer shorter bursts of activity.
Heat regulation: Bigger bodies (and shorter snouts, like in bulldogs) may overheat more easily.

Recognizing these differences helps you select the most suitable activities for your dog’s unique build.

Exercise by Dog Size

Small Dogs (under ~25 lbs)

These little dynamos are often underestimated. While their legs are short, their energy can be boundless. A two-mile walk for a person might feel like a marathon for a small pup.

Best activities: Agility training, short walks, fetch with small toys, indoor play sessions.
Watch for: Overexertion on long walks; protect them from extreme cold or heat.

Medium Dogs (25–60 lbs)

Think of medium dogs as the “all-around athletes.” They often adapt well to many activities, from jogging to hiking.

Best activities: 30–60 minutes of walking or running daily, hiking trails, frisbee, swimming.
Watch for: Balancing high energy levels—boredom can lead to destructive behavior if not exercised.

Large Dogs (60–100 lbs)

Large breeds have stamina but are more prone to joint issues, especially in hips and knees. Movement should be steady and lower impact.

Best activities: Brisk walks, swimming, controlled fetch on grass, endurance hikes (with breaks).
Watch for: Signs of limping, stiffness, or fatigue—especially in younger dogs still growing.

Giant Breeds (100+ lbs)

Gentle giants often want to please but may lack endurance. Their large frames can stress bones and joints if overworked.

Best activities: Short, regular walks, leisurely hikes, dog yoga stretches, light swimming.

Watch for: Fatigue—break activities into multiple short sessions instead of one long outing.

Benefits of Exercising With Your Dog

Exercising together isn’t just about keeping your dog fit—it also improves your own health! Research shows that dog owners are more likely to meet their daily activity goals due to their furry companions. Benefits include:

For you both: Improved cardiovascular fitness, stronger muscles, and better joint health.
Mental health: Reduces stress and anxiety; provides routine and purpose.
Bonding: Time spent together strengthens trust, communication, and connection.

Tips for Exercising Safely

No matter your dog’s size, follow these principles for safe, fun activity:

Match the pace to their stride. What feels like a brisk jog for you could be a sprint for your small dog.
Adjust duration. Break longer workouts into smaller segments if needed.
Use the right gear. Harnesses, leashes, and water bottles designed for dogs make activity safer.
Factor in age. Puppies and seniors need shorter, gentler movement.

Check surfaces. Pavement can be too hot in summer—grass or trails are joint-friendly options.

Moving Better Together

Whether your dog is pint-sized or a giant breed, the key is finding activities that fit their size and energy level. When you match your dog’s needs to the right exercise, you’ll prevent injuries, improve health, and make dog'ercise movement more enjoyable for both of you.

That’s exactly what I dive into in my book Healthy Living with Your Dog: 21 Tips for a Healthy, Injury-Free Life. It’s a guide to creating routines that keep both ends of the leash moving, thriving, and staying connected.

�� Ready to learn more? Check out the book here and discover how you and your dog can truly move better together.

Email contact@movebettertogether.com as we want to hear how you dog'ercise together!

Move Better, Live Better. Together.

Puppy Parents, take note, Eight Common Puppy Injuries to Avoid!

Sat, 16 Aug 2025 04:16:09 GMT

Healthy Living with your Dog

Puppies are playful, curious, and FULL of energy, but that also means they’re prone to a few common injuries. Here are eight things to watch out for!

1️⃣ Sprains & Strains – from too much zoomie energy

2️⃣ Paw & Nail Injuries – cracks, cuts, or torn nails

3️⃣ Broken Bones – falls off furniture or accidents

4️⃣ Bites & Scratches – from rough play

5️⃣ Mouth & Tooth Injuries – chewing things they shouldn’t

6️⃣ Head & Eye Injuries – bumps or scratches

7️⃣ Heat/Cold Issues – overheated paws or frostbite

8️⃣ Swallowing Hazards – toys, sticks, or socks

Book "Healthy Living With Your Dog" available at Amazon .

Click here to check out the video and review all eight common puppy injuries to avoid!

Welcome to Move Better Together!

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 14:27:51 GMT

If your dog is your adventure buddy, your accountability partner, or simply the reason you step outside each day, you’re in the right place. Move Better Together is built on one simple belief: life feels better when we move—with our dogs by our side.

This blog is for anyone, at any age or stage of life, who wants to feel better through movement—but doesn’t always know where to start. Whether it’s a walk around the block, a hike in the woods, stretching in the backyard, or just playing together on the living room rug, movement doesn’t have to be complicated. It just has to be consistent—and a little more fun when a wagging tail is involved.

Here, we’ll share stories, tips, and inspiration to help you and your dog stay active, healthy, and connected. You don’t need to be a marathon runner or have the latest gear. You just need a willingness to move—together.

Because better health, deeper bonds, and a happier life all start with one simple step.

Let’s take it—together.