Most parents are used to hearing a constant, whining plea for a dog from their children -- and most stick to the old standby answer of No, insisting it's too much responsibility. But parents, maybe it's time to change your tune.

New studies out of Australia show that kids raised with a canine companion are 50% less likely to be overweight or obese. Well, duh -- I probably could've told you that. The surprising part is this: According to the findings, it didn't matter if the kids walked the dog or not -- just playing with it was enough to keep the reading on the scale at a healthy number. That's not to say you shouldn't make your kids walk the dog -- it's great exercise and it's a good lesson in responsibility.

Worried about your little one walking alone? Make it a family affair and walk with them. Getting a dog out of the question? Go for a daily walk anyway. The bottom line is this: Just get your kid moving.