Owners and dogs get fit together
Image: Rosemary Conley CBE
Weight loss competition encourages longer walks The Kennel Club (KC) has teamed up with Rosemary Conley, a health and fitness expert, to launch its "Get Fit With Fido" challenge that asks owners to get fit with their dogs.
Get Fit With Fido runs from now to July 15, and will reward the dog and owner that jointly lose the most weight, as well as the dog and dog owner that individually lose the most weight.
Helping to inspire owners, a free information pack has been uploaded to the KC website, which provides exciting activities, exercises and walks that owners can enjoy with their dogs.
Prizes include a makeover and a photoshoot with Rosemary Conley Diet & Fitness Clubs, tickets for the KC's Crufts and Discover Dogs events and a £100 Lintbells online discount voucher.
Last year's winner, Lara Robbins, said she had tried every type of diet with no result. However, she lost six stone by walking her dogs and taking part in agility training with the help of the challenge.
"I entered the Kennel Club's Get Fit With Fido competition as an incentive to help me lose weight and push me towards my goal," she said. "Since losing the weight I haven't had any of the back or ankle problems I had previously been suffering with, and my health has improved dramatically.
"Having the dogs has changed my life."
Previous research by the KC has proved that one in four dogs are overweight as a result of their owners' inactive lifestyle, and further studies have found that a fifth of dogs don't get their required daily walk, according to the KC.
Rosemary Conley commented: "Statistics from the NHS show that over 60 per cent of adults in the UK are overweight or obese, highlighting the need for action. People are not getting the exercise that they need but a small change can make a huge difference.
"Dogs can be great fitness partners for those trying to lose weight and by simply increasing the length of walks, owners and dogs can impure their health and fitness together."
Click here for more information and to join in with the Get Fit With Fido challenge.
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
