Dance stars jazzing up your dog's dinner

Strictly stars Janette Manrara and Aljaž Škorjanec have perfectly captured the dance wooves of the nation's dogs who get into a spin of excitement at feeding time. Over half (56%) of Britain's pet parents say their pooches dance for their dinner, research has found, with thousands submitting videos of their dogs performing their tippy taps and tail swooshes. Now in a UK first, celebrity dancers - husband and wife duo Janette and Aljaž - have choregraphed the most endearing canine mealtime antics into a jive dance routine. The top three moves dogs performed most before dinner time were darting to and fro (64%), spinning on the spot (53%) and jumping side to side (45%). Combining these energetic doggy dinner time dance steps with the twirls, quick feet and hops typical to jive dancing, the dog-mad couple are encouraging the nation to enjoy - and add some jazz to - everyday pet mealtimes. The research for Tails.com has kicked off the Dinner Dance project, which reveals that 88% of British dog owners say their pet has a way of telling them it's dinner time, whether by tail-wagging, tapping on their food bowls or spinning around to get attention. And 56% are convinced their dog has their unique 'feed me' or 'I'm a hungry Hound Dog' dance routine. Some 12% of the 2,000 dog owners surveyed across the UK are so impressed with their pet's yap dancing they believe they would be famous if they were spotted by a talent scout. The study also found 61% said feeding their dog was the perfect pet bonding moment of the day, with 72% admitting they occasionally joined in and had a little Dinner Dance-off with them. Tails.com's research also highlights the lengths to which owners go to make every dinner time special. Almost all (90%) have bespoke dining setups such as a designated meal spot (61%), tailored meals (34%) or serving up in a personalised bowl (33%). Janette and Aljaž, avid dog lovers themselves, were thrilled to choreograph the perfect pet routine. They said: "Having both grown up with family dogs all our lives, we know all too well how unique that bond with your dog can be." "We're eager to bring to life the adorable mealtime dances of dogs, which are as much a celebration of their unique personalities as they are of the special bond they share with their owners. There is no such thing as an average dog and that is what we have tried to convey in our dance." Tails.com behaviourist Carolyn Menteith says: "Building a relationship with our dogs and understanding their own natural canine characters and personalities are a key part of what makes our lives with them so special. "While we can take enjoyment from watching our dogs' own natural dance around meal time - whether that's shimmying with anticipation, spinning on the spot in excitement, or doing happy play bows- we can take more pleasure in the knowledge that it is ultimately a reflection of your relationship, as it shows they are comfortable showing their natural behaviours, happy, and of course excited because they know it is dinner time." For food and a customised meal plan 100% tailored to your dogs age, breed, lifestyle and more, visit Tails.com. To see the full dance video visit Tails.com instagram @tails.com_uk.