His wife couldn’t persuade him. His cats couldn’t care less.

But enter a mixed-breed dog named Booker T, and Gary Backaus became a regular exerciser and an early bird.

“I can’t think of anything that would make me get up earlier than I have to and actually go outside and take a walk every day before Booker T came into my life,” Backaus said.

While people spend hundreds of dollars each year joining health clubs, hiring personal trainers or buying the latest exercise machine, there are those who find the best motivator to exercise is their canine companion.

Human exercise buddies may talk you into skipping that aerobics class to go have a cup of coffee, but your dog won’t let you off that easily.

That’s because dogs like routine, animal experts say. They don’t recognize weekends or holidays as a time to skip exercise. They don’t understand exercising only three days a week, like some fitness routines recommend.

But choosing the right exercise matters, for both your health and the health of your dog.

Rob Bitler, a dog trainer, said it’s harder to take your dog while riding your bike or inline skating because you tend to cover more miles than you would if jogging or walking.

“Seven or eight miles for you on Rollerblades or on a bike isn’t too difficult because you are using something to help you, but that’s a long way for your dog to go,” Bitler said. “You need to think about them running at that speed and overheating.”

Dr. Gerald Blackburn said many dogs are not used to running three miles at a time to catch prey.

“If they are running three miles, then they are the prey,” Blackburn said. “You need to start out with short distances and let them build endurance.”

It’s also difficult to bike or skate with your dog on a leash unless you have control, Bitler said. One false yank, and you can lose your balance.

Just like human beings, who are advised to check with their doctor before beginning an exercise routine, pet owners should talk to their veterinarians before they begin exercising their dog.

Age, size and lifestyle are factors for what type and how much exercise a dog should have, Blackburn said.

Pet owners should also be aware of seasonal changes in temperature and adjust to accommodate their pet’s health.