HOW many of us start the new year with a fresh gym membership, new exercise bike or personal training sessions?

These can help keep us fit, but sometimes we lack motivation and this is where your beloved pet could help.

Exercising with dogs is one of the best ways of improving your health and well-being as well as that of your dog.

Dave Cumber, owner of Dorset-based Dave Cumber Vets, said: “It’s not just we humans that are getting fatter, statistics show that up to 60 per cent of dogs and cats in the UK are clinically obese. It’s not rocket science, we all know this stuff – too much food and too little exercise. "

Here are 10 top tips to help you and your furry friend get the New Year off to a happier, healthier start:

1. Get advice: Many vets have free weight clinics. These are often run by nurses who will help set an appropriate goal weight for your pet and give you advice and support on how to achieve it.

2. Be aware: Risk factors for obesity include: age, certain breeds, being female, neutering and having an overweight owner.

3. Portion size: This applies to pets as much as people.

4. Tit-bits and treats: If you give treats as a reward, keep them small and limit the number per day.

5. Walking: Surveys have shown that one in four people admit to never taking their dog for a walk. Start gently and build up to 30-60 minutes a day.

6. Play: You are your dog’s best friend and playmate – so play! Run around, get your pet to chase you, play hide and seek or play catch with a ball.

7. Play dates: Many dogs love playing with other dogs and will run around playing chase for ages. Its great exercise and great for socialisation.

8. Exercise for the brain and body: Many dogs enjoy a mental as well as physical challenge. Why not have a go at agility classes or Flyball?

9. CaniX (pronounced canicross): This is about getting out with your best friend and doing what they love best – running. You run attached to your dog by a harness and most dogs take to it very quickly because dogs love to run, and it taps into their natural instincts.

10. Annual vet check up: When your pet is the correct weight it will be happier and healthier.