A recent Rover study, the world’s leading world network of Pet-Sitters, reveals that 68% of “Dog Parents” have become more active since the “adoption of their four-legged companion. Carried out in April 2025 with 590 French dog owners, this survey reveals a surprising phenomenon. This motivation is translated concretely into daily habits since almost 30% of French people are now doing their dogs, While 41% indulge in it several times a week.
Dogs seem to have found their vocation as personal coaches. More than half of the owners (56%) confide that their animal is a much more effective source of motivation than a traditional coach. Unlike fitness professionals, they never take a break and remain available 24 hours a day.
A sports practice in full change
This canine motivation radically transforms the sporting habits of the French. Walking, running, jumping, swimming … These moments of activity become a shared pleasure rather than a constraint. Walking and hiking largely dominate preferences with 89% of respondents who favor these active outings. Next come running and canicross (43%), then water sports (17%).
The craze now exceeds simple walks. Sports activities are available today in canine version with overflowing creativity. “A lot of sports are available in canine version: Cani-Course, Cani-Trottinette, Cani-Vélo, Yoga with his dog, Ski Joëring, Agility, Dog Dancing … There is something for everyone and all the conditions,” said Dr. Bedossa, veterinarian and Rover Ambassador in France. This trend also materializes in purchases of specialized equipment. The study reveals that 43% of owners plan to acquire accessories such as racing harnesses, canicross leashes or hiking bags for dogs. Already 21% have taken the plunge, proving the boom in this specialized market.
Shared profits
Beyond the purely physical aspect, this sporting complicity generates notable psychological benefits. According to the survey, 57% of masters feel happier after exercising with their dog and 46% bear witness to a significant decrease in their stress. Better still, 43% claim to have strengthened their connection with their animal, creating a more fulfilled relationship. Dogs are not outdone in this positive dynamic. No less than 63% of owners find a significant improvement in the mood or behavior of their animal after a sporting activity. No more stressed or upset dog, make way for a more relaxed and happy doggie.
This sporting revolution also highlights the energy superiority of our four -legged companions. When asked the owners who are most fit of the duo, 52% admit that their dog surpasses them in motivation and energy. This finding perhaps explains why only 22% of masters had initially planned to play sports with their animal, against 38% who did not expect their dog to become a real training partner.
However, this new practice requires vigilance and adaptation. Although 66% of the owners claim to adapt their activity according to the breed and the energy level of their dog, Dr. Bedossa warns against certain excesses. “”You have to be careful about your dog’s condition: we are not going to make a marathon in the heat wave with a dish with flat muzzle like bulldogs, because they breathe badly and their morphology is not adapted to the race“, He explains. The specialist recommends favoring shared pleasure, taking into account the physical skills of the animal and never pushing it beyond its capacities. Hydration and the choice of fresh hours in summer also constitute imperatives for a secure practice.