We always knew our furry friends were good boys and girls. But, when it comes to supporting mental, it turns out that dogs are actually barking brilliant. In fact, a paws-itively uplifting new global study by ASICS has revealed that dog owners aren’t just fitter – they’re happier too. So, if you’ve ever suspected that walkies were doing more than just stretching your pup’s legs, you were barking up the right tree.
According to the research, 65% of dog owners say their furry companion is their main motivator to get up and move – beating out family members, personal trainers, and even celebrity influencers.
The findings go further: dog owners are 31% more likely to meet recommended physical activity guidelines than non-dog owners, clocking in at an average of 210 minutes of exercise a week. That’s over three hours of leash-led movement – be it brisk walks, park runs, or enthusiastic backyard zoomies. And, the benefits aren’t just physical.
Yes, dogs don’t just walk the walk … they boost your mood, too. The study, led by Professor Brendon Stubbs of King’s College London (surveying 28,000 people across 14 markets including Australia, the UK, the US, The Netherlands, France, Germany, Italy, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, China, Japan and Brazil) found that dog owners had mental wellbeing scores that were, on average, 18% higher than those without a four-legged friend. In fact, a whopping 84% of dog owners said they felt happier and more relaxed after moving with their pooch. Call it endorphins with extra ears.
And, Aussies in particular are going mutts for their dogs. The study showed that we’re especially susceptible to puppy dog eyes 0 with 50% of Australian dog owners admitting they always give in when their dog waits by the door, leash in mouth, eyes pleading for an adventure. Resistance? Fur-get it.
All of this has inspired ASICS – which stands for Anima Sana in Corpore Sano (Latin for a sound mind in a sound body) – to cheekily appoint its first-ever non-human ambassador: Felix the Samoyed, a fluffy fitness enthusiast known for his joyful jogs and spirited sprints. He’s not just a pretty snout – Felix is now the face of a campaign encouraging us to celebrate the tail-waggers who keep us mentally strong and physically active. And, if your pooch is the real MVP (Most Valuable Pup), there’s more good news. ASICS is also inviting owners to nominate their own dogs to become official Mind’s Best Friend ambassadors. Think of it as the dog influencer version of the Olympics. With more belly rubs.
The best bit is that for every public post using the hashtag #MindsBestFriend, ASICS is donating $5 to the Black Dog Institute to support mental health research and services. It’s a win-win: you get to show off your photogenic pup, and you help support a very human cause.
At the end of the day, this research confirms what dog lovers have long suspected: a wagging tail can help lift a heavy heart. So, next time your pup nudges you with a wet nose or drops a ball at your feet, it might be time to thank them for being the ulti-mutt companion!