The holiday feasting is over and now countless Americans are resolving to lose weight. Usually by February, perhaps March, the best-laid plans start to crumble and old habits take over. This year, it could be different – if you make your dog part of the plan.

A recently published book, Fitness Unleashed, is written by a veterinarian and a doctor who have come up with a brilliant fitness plan for dogs and their owners. It's based on the premise that if you start an exercise program involving your dog, your dog will not let you slack off, and both of you will greatly benefit.

You see, unlike most people, dogs actually love to run themselves crazy. To most dogs, a good day is one in which they've chased squirrels, fetched balls, walked alongside their owners to wherever they're going, romped with other dogs, then collapsed, dog-tired at the end of the day. A dog never has something better or more pressing to do than to go outside and run around.

We, on the other hand, have great intentions to get out and take a walk or jog, but it's so easy for things to get in our way – it's too cold, there's a show on TV, there's email to check. In fact, sometimes we look for excuses not to exercise. That's where our faithful dog comes in.

If you resolve to take a regular walk once or twice a day, and bring your dog with you, you have unwittingly made your dog "The Enforcer" of your exercise program. That first time you think you'll just pass on exercising today, you'll have your dog to answer to. He'll remind you that it's time to go for "The Walk". Those deep eyes and frantically wagging tail will be hard to resist. If you remain reluctant, he'll run from you to the door, turn circles, whine, bring you his leash...whatever it takes. It's pretty difficult to disappoint your dog who is so eager to keep doing what you set out to do.

Fortunately, walking with your dog for exercise is not drudgery, so you are less likely to avoid it. It may be even more enjoyable than you imagined. Your dog is so eager and excited, her enthusiasm will rub off on you. You'll get to know your dog better and enjoy the time together. Your focus on your dog will keep your mind off your own fatigue or discomfort. You may meet other people, other dog owners and have new social interactions. And before you know it, you may just find yourself having more energy and wearing a smaller pant size.

Of course, one or two walks per day may be plenty of exercise for you, but may not be enough for your dog, especially if she doesn't have a yard to run around in at home. If you can find a safe off-leash area on your walking route, let your dog have a good, hearty run. Bring a tennis ball or flying disc for a vigorous game of chase and fetch. This can be pure heaven for your dog. Bonus - it will help make your walk back home calmer, since your dog will have burnt off that high-octane doggie energy and won't be so compelled to pull on the leash.

To get pumped up for your six-legged exercise plan, and to learn about all the health benefits, we highly recommend Fitness Unleashed. Remember: always have your pet's health evaluated by his veterinarian before beginning an exercise program.

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