Are you looking to make a new friend or two? Help the resident dogs at Humane Society of the North Bay (HSNB) get some much-needed exercise and fresh air while walking for your own better health.
Humane Society of the North Bay and the Global Center for Success are teaming with Touro University for Human-Animal Interaction (HAI) to present the nationally acclaimed health program called “Walk a Hound, Lose a Pound” (WAH).
Susan DeFord, Touro University student and Director for the Global Center for Success, approached me eight months ago to introduce the idea. She explained that the program would accomplish three positive goals at one time: help our community, encourage healthy behavior, and help the dogs waiting for their forever homes at HSNB. Upon closer review of the program, Susan and I agreed it was a perfect fit and began working together.
The WAH program is a great enhancement to HSNB’s existing dog walking program. It will help keep the animals mentally healthy during their stay with us, and meeting new walkers will provide more training and socialization opportunities while reducing the stress of shelter life.
After getting inspired at an American Public Health Association conference, more research led DeFord to focus on HAI, and specifically this dog-walking program, as her thesis/capstone for Tuoros’s Master of Public Health Program.
R.A. Johnson is one of the pioneers in the field and co-author of the book Walk A Hound Lose A Pound: How You and Your Dog Can Lose Weight, Stay Fit, and Have Fun Together. His case control study shows consistent positive health results (according to vital statistics and self-reporting on happiness, self-esteem, and stress levels) for groups of people paired with dogs in comparison to groups paired with other people.
“A dog is an ideal workout partner – always supportive, happy to go for a walk, never judgmental. When people and dogs exercise together, fitness and health spreads – 70% of Americans and 50% of dogs are overweight or obese, resulting in staggering health care costs and suffering. The causes, consequences and treatment for the overweight and obese are strikingly similar in people and dogs.”
Walk A Hound Lose A Pound: How You and Your Dog Can Lose Weight, Stay Fit, and Have Fun Together
By Dr. Zeltzman, DVM, DACVS and R. A. Johnson, PhD, RN, FAAN.
Participants with dogs more consistently look forward to walks and therefore walk longer and more regularly. Participants walking with people were less dedicated. Reasons varied, however, “busy schedule” was the predominant explanation. Those who chose to walk less experienced higher blood pressure and weight, more loneliness, higher stress, and lower self-esteem.
We love to see our dogs interact with walkers. They are given an opportunity to reestablish their natural bond with people and the training aspect creates good habits, which makes these dogs more desirable to adopters and visitors of HSNB. Higher levels of socialization and training continue to pay off once the dogs are adopted, so they are less likely to be returned to the shelter.
Three morning time slots are available for people who would like to take part in the three-week program. Participants will receive a goodie bag from Walgreen’s including a pedometer so they will have the option to log their mileage for savings. There is also an opportunity to participate in a study on the benefits of dog walking.
Leashes, harnesses, and dog treats are provided… just bring your walking shoes! Participants 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult. You are welcome to walk with your own well-behaved dog, too. A modest donation of $10 per participant and $5 per guest is suggested (donation waiver available).
Prior to the beginning of the program on October 12, participants will attend an Open Paw Dog Walking Training on October 5. Full details about all aspects of the program are available at bvhumane.org, where you can also register to participate. Training and walking will take place at HSNB headquarters, 1121 Sonoma Blvd. in Vallejo.
Susan DeFord and I are available to register dog walkers or answer questions about the program. Feel free to contact Peter Wilson, houndwalk@hsnb.org, 707-645-7905 ext. 113. Susan DeFord, Susan.deford@tu.edu, 502-299-377.
Peter Wilson is the Director of Development with Humane Society of the North Bay and is guardian to three wonderful boxers, King, Daisy and Prince, he enjoys walking.
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Main article photo by: Alanna Jones
