The Biggest Loser’s Dolvett Quince Creates Pet Workout Plan

As pet parents our pup’s poundage can weigh heavy on our minds. According to Banfield Pet Hospital, extra lbs. and obesity have increased by 37 percent in dogs in just the past five years, and if your Fido’s physique needs to be tweaked a celebrity trainer is now helping to tip the scale in Spot’s favor.

Dolvett Quince, a trainer on the NBC series The Biggest Loser, has partnered with Banfield to develop an exercise program that is beneficial to both pet parents and their four-pawed pals.

A workout plan that stretches beyond the usual walking and running with pets, this program includes moves such as the “Plank Fetch,” where petguardians assume a plank position, resting forearms on the ground, keeping their bodies in a straight line with their weight on their toes and forearms. While in this position, the guardian can hold out a dog toy or ball to the side, and play a game of fetch. When the dog brings the toy back, the pet parent can release from the plank position.

Another exercise developed for the workout plan is “Shuttle Runs.” After picking three line markers that dogs and owners will run toward, Quince recommends that the pet’s two-legged pal stand to one side and run these with the dog and create a fun “chase game.” Participants can start by running to the first point, and run back to start; next run to the halfway mark and back to start; and last, run to the farthest point and back. This can be repeated for a total of three to five sets. As both the pup and person build stamina, additional sets may be added.

Doggie Dads and Moms can check out this woof worthy workout when Banfield Pet Hospital and Dolvett Quince host public fitness classes for canines and their human companions in Atlanta at Centennial Olympic Park on July 20th at 9 a.m. and in Minneapolis at Staring Lake Park on July 27th at 10 a.m. Led by The Biggest Loser trainer, pet parents can work up a sweat with their Spot and meet with Banfield Pet Hospital veterinarians who will perform body condition testing, answer nutrition questions and provide wellness checks. Attendees will also receive a coupon for a free office visit, nutrition consultation and body condition assessment at any Banfield Pet Hospital.

Photo Credit: Rene Macura