Dog exercise can hold a number of benefits, including giving them an opportunity to interact with other animals and humans, it has been claimed.

Some shelters offer programmes that can help humans and animals get in shape by engaging in schemes such as Get Fit with Fido.

Meanwhile, according to WSOCTV.com, others go further by using runners to exercise the animals in schemes called Run with Fido, that can involve jogs of around four miles several times a week.

A series of benefits was outlined by the website, which pointed out that such initiatives enable people who would not be able to own a dog take one out and help care for them.

Going for runs could potentially call for a dog running harness to ensure the safety of canines.

"For the dogs, the run helps the animals burn off energy and socialise with humans and other dogs," the news provider asserted.

Exercise can help animals become more enamoured with their owners too, according to the Dog Lady, who offers advice to reader of the Eagle Tribune.

She claimed spending time throwing a ball or going on a walk to a wildlife trail will help pets and their owners bond.