Why your dog can be your best ally for physical activity
Who needs a personal trainer when you have a dog? According to new global research from sports brand Asics, "dogs don't just take their owners for walks," they also help them feel happier, less stressed, and meet recommended levels of physical activity.
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The study, titled Mind's Best Friend, surveyed more than 28,000 people in 14 countries and found that 65% of dog owners consider their pet their top motivator for moving , ahead of family members, personal trainers, and even celebrities. In contrast, 76% of people without dogs say they would exercise more if they had one.
What's more, the benefits aren't just physical: dog owners have an 18% higher Mental State score than those who don't live with a canine, and 84% say that moving with their dog improves their mood. On average, owners get 210 minutes of physical activity per week, well above the 150 minutes recommended by organizations like Sport England .
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These figures become especially relevant when compared with information from the 2024 DANE Multipurpose Survey, according to which 67% of households in Colombia live with a pet. In Bogotá alone, 40% of households have pets, 65% of which are dogs. Furthermore, a recent study by Provokers in the country found that 87% of men and 91% of women consider their pets to be members of the family. And for 7 out of 10 people, their pets are a constant companion and a source of emotional connection.
“The science is clear: those who own dogs not only move more, they also feel better,” said Professor Brendon Stubbs, lead researcher of the study and an expert in mental health and exercise at King's College London. “Going for a walk or run with a dog isn't just a routine; it's a powerful tool for improving emotional well-being.”
Ninety-two percent of respondents agreed that having a dog motivates them to move more. And when it comes to motivation, the data speaks for itself: 44% of owners say it's actually their dog who takes them for walks. Cues like standing in front of the door, bringing a leash, or wagging their tail are impossible to ignore, making exercise an inevitable—and desirable—activity.
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Research also shows how dog walks encourage social interaction: 73% of owners feel more likely to talk to other people during their walks, and 76% say this has a positive effect on their mood.
Pet.
65% of dog owners say their dog is their main motivator for moving, above friends or family (47%), celebrities (7%) or personal trainers (9%) .
Asicis research shows that dog owners are 31% more likely to meet physical activity recommendations compared to non-dog owners.
92% of owners agree that having a dog gets them moving more, and more than two-thirds (67%) say their dog is the main reason they go walking, jogging or running.
79% of owners say they feel less stressed and 82% happier after walking their dog.
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