Dogs win hearts and minds of Aussie athletes

We’ve long known dogs are a man’s best friend. But new research shows the cuddly canines are also a mind’s best mate, giving their owners a significant mental health boost.

ASICS Ambassadors and athletes, elite long distance runner Leanne Pompeani and dog Kobe, Cronulla Sharks player Ronaldo Mulitalo and dog Kobe, and Western Sydney Wanderers player Amy Chessari and dog Benson. Picture: Tim Hunter.

We’ve long known dogs are a man’s best friend.

But new research shows the cuddly canines are also a mind’s best mate, giving their owners a significant mental health boost.

Researcher Brendon Stubbs said the study commissioned by ASICS revealed “just how significantly dogs influence our physical activity levels and overall state of mind”.

“The research shows dog owners are far more likely to meet recommended physical activity guidelines and have a much higher mood,” Prof Stubbs said.

“In fact, 84 per cent of dog owners feel a boost in their mood after moving with their dog.”

ASICS ambassadors Leanne Pompeani, elite long distance runner, and dog Kobe, Cronulla Sharks player Ronaldo Mulitalo and dog Kobe, and Western Sydney Wanderers player Amy Chessari and dog Benson. Picture: Tim Hunter

The majority of surveyed Australian dog owners told researchers their fluffy companion was their main source of motivation to get out and be active, with the average respondent exercising for three-and-a-half hours per week and 79 per cent reporting a drop in stress levels as a result.

Western Sydney Wanderers midfielder Amy Chessari is no stranger to the joys of dog ownership, which she says is “our number one motivator for movement”.

ASICS ambassadors and Western Sydney Wanderers midfielder Amy Chessari with her dog Benson. Picture: Tim Hunter

“Dogs are such a good avenue to explore that link between our physical health and our mental health,” Ms Chessari said.

“Having a dog separates you from the stress of high performance … just having that companion next to you, they don’t need to say anything - there’s unspoken support” she said.

“When I was driving today, I looked out the window and there were so many people in the city walking their dogs early in the morning … I think it’s important for that trend to come back. A half-hour walk can do so much for your mental health.”

Originally published as Dogs win hearts and minds of Aussie athletes