Dog owners take their pet for an average of two walks per day, for 24 minutes each adding up to five hours and 38 minutes per week, the UK's Daily Mail reported. They additionally take their dogs for three long walks each week adding two hours and 33 minutes to the total.

The study a by pet healthcare product company in the UK, Bob Martin, found that non-pet owners only did an average of 80 minutes of exercise each week, which sometimes included going to the gym or going for a jog or a walk. However 47 percent of those without a pet said they did no exercise at all.

"Owning a dog makes us more healthy," a spokesman for Bob Martin told the Daily Mail. "The [UK] Government recommends 30 minutes of moderate cardiovascular exercise three to five times per week and it's encouraging to see that dog walkers are exceeding this target and enjoying it at the same time."

The survey found that only 16 percent of respondents enjoyed exercising at the gym and almost 70 percent saw it as a chore while 86 percent of dog owners described walking their pet as an enjoyable exercise and 22 percent saw it as a chore.

The study of 5000 people in the UK, 3000 of which were dog owners, revealed that even when time is scarce, 60 percent of dog owners will make the effort to take their four-legged friend for a walk. Whereas 46 percent of gym-goers reported they were likely to make an excuse and find a way to get out of exercise.

Your say: How regularly do you exercise? Do you find it easier to be motivated because you have a pet to walk? Do you see going to they gym as a chore? Would you rather walk your dog or go to they gym? Share your thoughts with us below.