Getting exercise with a pet could be a great way of improving fitness, a lifestyle topic which an expert has underlined the importance of.

Dr Sarah Dauncey stated people who do not take part in regular physical activity are dicing with their health, adding it is important to constantly reassess wellbeing.

She suggested the key to sticking to good habits is to pick an enjoyable activity – which for dog owners could be a leisurely trip to the park with their animal.

“It is important that you don’t do anything that you won’t be able to maintain and doesn’t motivate you, otherwise you won’t keep it up. It has got to be suited to you,” Dr Dauncey remarked.

A study published in Volume 30, Issue 2 of the American Journal of Preventative Medicine found dog owners walk for an average of 300 minutes per week – some 132 minutes longer than those who do not have a canine companion.

The authors of the study suggested people should be encouraged to bring a dog into their home in order to encourage them to get more physical exercise.