Kokova Magazine

As Crufts 2012 draws to a close, Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies MBE and Rosemary Conley CBE have backed a new competition that encourages dog owners to enlist 'Fido', who is suffering as a result of dog owners' sedentary lifestyles, to help them in the battle against the bulge.

The Kennel Club's 'Get Fit With Fido' - Slimmer of the Year Competition runs to the 15th July 2012 and will reward the dog and dog owner who jointly lose the most weight, as well as the dog owner and dog who individually lose the most weight, with the help of exercising together.

Sadly too many dogs are not getting the exercise that they need because of their owners' inactive lifestyles. We have launched this competition to inspire dog owners to find fun ways to get fit with their dog, that are more motivating than going to the gym and that cost little or nothing at all, with prizes for the dog and owner that lose the most weight.

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary

Also backed by BBC Radio London 'Barking at the Moon' presenters, Joanne Good and Anna Webb, the competition aims to curb the rising obesity epidemic in our dogs.

One in four dogs are overweight as a result of their owners' inactive lifestyles and dog owners need to be encouraged to get the exercise that both they and their dogs need, after research revealed that one in five dogs don't get their daily required walk.

If you are looking for different ways to exercise with your dog then dog sports, such as agility, are a fantastic way to keep fit and healthy.

Find out more at www.thekennelclub.org.uk. You can also like and follow The Kennel Club on Facebook and Twitter.

Olympic swimmer, Sharron Davies is backing the competition in a bid to help get the nation and the nation's pets more healthy.

People are thinking about health and fitness more than ever with the Olympics coming up, but it doesn't just have to be athletes that can take the opportunity to get fit and healthy.

People who own a dog can find plenty of activities, whether a thirty minute dog walk or more high intensity activities like dog agility or canine cross country, that they can enjoy and that will make a real difference to their own fitness levels and to their dogs' health too.

The most important thing when exercising is to do something fun that you will stick to, so working out with your dog is ideal.

Sharron Davies

Prizes on offer include a stay in the exclusive dog friendly Milestone Hotel in London, a make over and photo shoot with Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness Clubs and tickets for the Kennel Club's Crufts and Discover Dogs events.

As part of its Get Fit With Fido campaign the Kennel Club has uploaded a free information pack, with ideas and information about exciting activities, exercises and walks that dog and owner can enjoy together.

Take a look at their information guide on how to get involved in fun activities and competitions with your dog.

People are not getting the exercise that they need but a small change can make a huge difference.

Dog owners are in the wonderful position of having a fitness partner on hand who is always eager to exercise and who will spur you on if your own motivation is lacking.

Rosemary Conley