Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies has backed a new campaign that encourages people to take their pets out on their dog collar and leads to get fitter.
With pet obesity rising, the Kennel Club has launched the Get Fit With Fido Slimmer of the Year Competition to reward the owners and pets who lose the most weight by exercising together.
Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club secretary, said: "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."
Davies added that there are plenty of activities owners can do with their dogs that will make a big difference to their own fitness as well as their dogs' health.
The organisation will offer prizes to those who lose the most weight by July 15th. These prizes include a stay in the dog friendly Milestone Hotel in London, a make-over and photo shoot with Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness Clubs and tickets to Kennel Club events, such as Crufts and Discover Dogs.
