(Actually written by Dr Flores and posted by Dr Castañeda)

Loft living can be a tight squeeze for dogs - get them out and stretch their legs.  Making time for exercise with your dog can be an adventure even in the city - and it will enhance both of your fitness levels.  Dogs make the ultimate exercise parters.  Wagging tails will never flake on you and they are always ready to go.  Get out there together.

Take a walk.  Simple but effective, taking time for a long walk every day is on e of the best methods of exercise out there.  Don't forget to take a different route to keep things fresh.  If you have a high energy dog, consider hiking in the local trails for a greater challenge.

Look for urban agility challenges.  Take the stairs not the elevator, leap over parking curbs or up on benches, wind through cones or fencing, and try doggie push ups ("sit down, sit down") at traffic signals while you wai.  make the urban landscape a challenge!

Teach an old dog a new trick.  Even the simple act of a dog a basic trick, can be great exercise for the mind and body.

Play fetch.  As simple as a walk, but still invaluable exercise.  This is good for your arms and will enhance your dog's focus skills and agility.  Consider a "Chuckit" for extra distances but I like to encourage the use of your own good old fashioned "guns".

Run.  Jogging is a great form of exercise but, for dogs, is something we all need to start cautiously.  Dogs need to be both mature and fit enough to run distances.  Also run early or late in the day during hot weather and always bring water for your dog.  Lastly sighthound breeds, such as greyhounds, are sprinters not long-distance runners.

Downward facing dog for your dog?  Discover a new sport.  Whether you can imagine it or not, it's real.  Doga is out there and it could be just right for you and your pooch.  There are many new sports and clubs to join.  Consider looking into those and trying one out: agility, fly call, nose work, earthdog, tracking, herding, lure coursing and musical freestyle.  Zoom Room, a fitness room for urban herding, can offer a great space to practice agility and blow off some steam.  And finally for all you scooter-riding mushing enthusiasts, there is even a new dog-powered scooter on the market.

We know many of you are away from home for much of the day so here are a few tips for encouraging your pooch to stay active when you are not home.  Play hide and seek.  Hiding a treat or a toy in a closet, under a bowl or in a different room will keep your dog's brain engaged.  Give them toys that will encourage movement while you are at work.  Try Boomer Ball, which is a soccer-style, colorful ball that many dogs enjoy rolling around.  Premier's Busy Buddy line has a Tug-a-Jug toy and the Kong Wobbler can keep the food-motivated pooch tossing and tugging.  Get a dog walk, or better yet a dog hiker.  It's strange to imagine that your dog could have so much fun without you.  Parenthood is chock-full of doing what's right for them.

Lastly some important health considerations.  Before starting any new exercise program, make sure to have your dog checked for any health issues that may be aggravated by exercise.

Never dine 'n dash.  Deep chested, narrow bodied breeds such as German Shepherds, Dobies and Great Danes are prone to bloat and should not be exercised right after meals.  Short lets go twice as far.  Small or short-legged dogs usually don't need as much walking as larger dogs - their legs go twice as far.  Shape dictates function.  Breeds with sort or flat noses (brachycephalic breeds) can have trouble breathing when exercised vigorously or in our hot mid-day Los Angeles temperatures.  Youthful energy does not equal endurance.  Sustained jogging or running is not recommended for young dogs whose bones haven't finished growing.  Because large dogs are more prone to rapid growth, cruciate ligament injuries, osteoarthritis, sustained jogging can be hard on their joints and bones.

And don't forget the dog beach - a perfect release from the urban, loft-living life-style!