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Spring is here and hopefully warm weather. It's time to dust off your workout clothes and head outside. If you need an exercise buddy, you should consider the four-legged variety, according to research presented at the Conference of the International Society for Anthrozoology. Volunteers walked five days a week with either a dog or a friend or spouse. At the end of 12 weeks, the dog walkers were more fit and could hoof it faster than those who'd walked with people. Attitude is contagious, say researchers. Dogs are always eager to go outside, and that enthusiasm spreads to their human companions. On the other hand, the two-legged workout partners discouraged each other with excuses like "I'm too tired today." Another canine bonus: You won't get away with slacking off. "Dogs need to be walked frequently," says researcher Rebecca Johnson, Ph.D., at the University of Missouri.