Seven in 10 dog owners say pets are their top incentive to leave the house

Almost seven out of 10 say their four-legged friend is their main reason for leaving the house and getting out to do something active. A survey of 1,000 dog owners revealed that four in ten are more inspired to get out of the house by their than they are by their family members. Others said were more motivational than celebrities or even

According to the survey, this motivation means dog owners were more likely to meet guidelines, averaging 240 minutes of activities a week, compared to non-dog owners who average just 180 minutes.

The research was commissioned by Sports brand as they announced, Felix, as their brand new ambassador. Felix the dog will promote the brand's love for walks, runs, and zoomies.

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Gary Raucher from ASICS said: "No one motivates us to move for body and mind more than our canine friends. Every day around the , dogs motivate us to lace up, get out and move."

"Our mission is to encourage as many people as possible to feel the uplifting power of movement," Gary added. "We are delighted to have signed Felix as our official Mind's Best Friend and share dogs' infectious love for movement with the world and motivate us all to get out and move for our minds. "

The survey revealed the crucial role dogs play in motivating their owners to move more, with almost all owners admitting their dog encourages them to be more active. Owners confessed they can't resist venturing out for a walk when their dog stands ready by the door, or fetches the lead.

The research also highlighted the positive mental impact of dog walking, with eight out of 10 people reporting feeling less stressed and happier after a walk. Dog owners scored an average of 20% higher on overall mental wellbeing indicators than those without a pet.

In addition, the social benefits of dog ownership are also evident, with 72% saying they're more likely to strike up conversations with others while out walking, and as a result, 78% believe this helps improve their mood.

Hayley Jarvis, head of physical activity at Mind, added: "We have seen how regular physical activity can help support better mental health. However, finding the motivation to move can sometimes be challenging when you're struggling with your mental health. Who better to help motivate people to move than our canine friends?

"Our belief in the power of physical activity and celebrating our doggy pals aligns perfectly with ASICS' commitment. "We're proud to support this campaign and look forward to inspiring people to stay active and move for their mental wellbeing."