Online series launched to keep dogs fit

The premium raw pet food brand, Natural Instinct to hoping to keep the nation's furry friends fit.

Led by the founder of Flexipaw Fitness, canine fitness expert, Alison Pearce will be leading the UK’s pet owners and their dogs in easy-to-follow, effective and free workouts which can be streamed directly into the home.

Alison said: “It’s important to try to manage our dogs’ physical and mental health during this time. Their routine has changed too.

Not getting the same level of exercise may result in hyperactivity, muscle loss, weight gain and with some dogs, compulsive or destructive behaviour.

“Exercises at home will help to give your dog a routine, maintain your dog’s weight and build muscle strength ready for when we can go back out on those long walks. Our dogs love to be in our company and spending quality time with your beloved pet in this way will build on your already strong bond, and you’ll find they will thrive from the 1-2-1 interaction.”

With dog walks limited to once a day, it has never been more important to ensure dogs are exercising and utilising their muscles throughout this tricky time.

The series of four videos will be published by Natural Instinct via its Facebook page and will include a variety of fitness routines and exercises for dogs. Catering for all breeds, no matter the size or fitness level, the workouts will include circuit training, gym sessions and calming stretches.

With increased time indoors, the importance of looking after our dogs’ mental health cannot be underestimated. Usual mentally stimulating behaviours such as running, digging, sniffing, playing and foraging will be in short supply, so it is essential pet owners address this and provide enrichment in the home. To support with this, Alison will be sharing a tutorial on mind games owners can play with their furry companions.

The Canine Fitness at Home series will follow the successful launch of Natural Instinct’s ‘Release the Pounds’ campaign at Crufts 2020, which saw dogs from across the UK take part in dog yoga, gym classes, running sessions and more. The first video went live on Thursday, April 9 and subsequent videos were be shared weekly.

To take part, dog owners simply need to visit the Natural Instinct YouTube channel or Facebook page.

Rachel Kirby at Natural Instinct said: “We’re delighted to team up with Flexipaw Fitness to keep the nation’s dog’s fitness levels up, one paw at a time. Alison will be providing simple effective and free of charge exercises that can be easily completed at home. Launching on Thursday, we can’t wait to see the UK’s canine friends get involved."

A message from the Editor, Gary Shipton:

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news, I am asking you to please purchase a copy of our newspapers.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspapers.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

Stay safe, and best wishes.