Streamline with your canine at Walk ‘n Wag Challenge 2009!

What is the Walk ‘n Wag Challenge?

The RIVMA Walk n’ Wag Challenge was started in 2008 as a fun way for dogs and their owners to get more fit.  Over 8 weeks, participants track distance walked and, if they choose, amount of weight loss, to qualify for prizes. Participants can do the challenge right from their home, but there will be weekly opportunities to meet and walk with other dog owners.

This years prizes include:

• $100 cash prizes
• iPod
• Doggie Spa day

What Are The Benefits For You and Your Dog?

• Strengthening the human-animal bond
• Becoming more physically fit
• Reducing stress
• Decreasing canine behavior problems
• Increasing social interactions

People and pets of all fitness levels can participate in the Challenge.

Remember, for those people and pets who have not been walking regularly,
please start off slowly and gradually work up to longer walking periods. You should contact your doctor and veterinarian before starting an exercise program.

Why are dogs such good fitness partners?

• The family dog is always there and can’t cancel out on you. The walks with you are the highlight to their day and they will frequently beg you to take them on a walk.
• Walking the dog is enjoyable and often doesn’t feel like work.
• Dogs help take the focus off you.  People feel less self-conscious when walking a dog then walking alone.

See what people had to say about last year’s challenge

" my dog and I have gotten into a much healthier routine in part because your program helped me to look at exactly how much walking we were doing. I am very grateful and my dog is much lighter! Be assured that I will try to keep up the miles even over the winter months.”

“ Thanks for doing this. I thoroughly enjoyed my longer walks with Emma ……. my vet noted that she has lost 4 pounds since her last visit in May”

“I just wanted to thank all of you for having this challenge. It kept me so motivated on my diet that I lost 35 pounds. J.R. my dog didn’t need to lose any weight but he enjoyed all the walking we did every day/night.”

Calender of Events

Frequently asked questions

Who can participate?
To participate in the weight loss category owners must be over 18 years and dogs over 1 year of age.  For the distance category, participants can be 14 year or older and dogs 9 months or older.  All dogs should be current on Rabies vaccination as required by law.  You should contact your doctor prior to starting any exercise program.  Likewise, if your pet has any medical conditions you should discuss your pet’s health with your veterinarian before starting the challenge.

How many people can be on a team?
Teams are limited to 14 members. Dogs and people don’t have to be evenly matched. For example if a household has two people and one dog all three can participate as a separate team member.

What is the cost?
$10 per owner-dog pair, $5 per dog and human member.

How do I register?
You can register by mail or fax.  There will be walk-in registration at the Providence Animal Rescue League Annual Pet Walk Sunday September 13th. 

What does my registration fee include?
Your fee includes a digital pedometer, leash, log sheets, handbook, biweekly newsletters, access to program events, and eligibility to win prizes.

Does my dog’s weight have to be checked at my veterinarian?
It is encouraged but not required.  Research has shown that when owners of overweight dogs are asked if they think their pet is overweight, up to 60% of them respond that their pet’s body condition is ideal. Therefore having an objective trained professional assess your pets body condition and set weight loss goals will be the most accurate. 

Will my weight be seen by other people?
No. Your weight does not need to be seen by anyone except yourself.  By reporting the percentage of weight loss over the eight weeks you will not have to share your actual weight. The log sheets contain a work sheet to help you calculate the percentage of weight loss over the eight weeks.  We will not be posting personal information of any participants, but only team names.

Do I have to compete in the weight loss category?
No. You may compete only in the distance category.  You also have the choice to enroll only yourself or only your dog in this category.

Do other types of exercise count?
Because the goal of the Walk ’N Wag Challenge is for owners and dogs to exercise together the competition only includes distance walked together.  However, we encourage other forms of exercise for both dogs and their owners. 

How will categories be judged?
Because the wide range of sizes in dogs and people, weight loss will be judged based on percentage of body weight rather than actual pounds lost for the individual.  Teams will be judged on average percentage of weight loss and distance walked per participant to account for differences in size of teams. 

How do you prevent cheating?
Since the goal of the program and its participants should be to improve themselves and their dogs, we are depending on the honor system for people to report their progress accurately. 

Ways to weigh your dog

The following resources are available to weigh your dog during the challenge.

1.) Weigh-in scales will be available at the kick-off event, as well as at other Walk N Wag events.
2.) Go to a participating veterinarian to weigh your dog.
3.) If you are able to lift your dog, you can use a home scale. Weigh yourself holding your dog and then subtract your weight to get your dog’s weight.

Related Links and Resources

www.StopCanineObesity.com Take the Body Assessment Rating for Canines Quiz and learn more about canine obesity as well as helpful tips.

www.PetFit.com  Resources include WeightCheck Tool, Treat Translator, Calorie Burn Chart, videos on ways to get more of a work out with your dog, and information about Hill’s diets. You can also sign up for Hills Pet Fit Challenge and the America’s Fittest Pets Contest.
Association for Pet Obesity Prevention www.petobesityprevention.com A great resource for calorie charts and weight loss information for your dog.

View NBC 10 interview with Dr. Christina Lorenson

Shape Up Rhode Island