Purina Pro Plan Revolutionizes Dog Training With Introduction Of Free Mobile App To Complement New SPORT Product Line

ST LOUIS, Jan. 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Expert dog training is now available in the palm of your hand.  

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130128/CG49062LOGO)

Purina Pro Plan P5, an innovative mobile app launched by Purina® Pro Plan® brand dog food, is revolutionizing the way active dog owners train and play with their pets.  The P5 app is the next generation of dog training technology that offers dog owners of all breeds and sizes specialized mobile lessons in agility, dock diving, flying disc, obedience, running and strength training and is available for free via the Apple App Store.

"We believe that inside every good dog is a great dog," said Heather Gettys, brand director at Purina Pro Plan. "Every dog has an incredible natural talent just waiting to be discovered, and if you invest the time and effort using the app, you will experience the satisfaction and pride that comes with helping your dog unleash that talent."

Using a proprietary algorithm developed by an internal team of experts that included PhD nutrition physiologists and a world-renowned canine exercise physiologist, Purina Pro Plan P5 allows dog owners to set, track and share personalized fitness goals for their dogs, based on breed, weight  and body condition. Once users set a goal, they can develop a weekly training plan comprised of a combination of high / low impact activity, agility and obedience training sessions.   The Purina Pro Plan P5 app contains step-by-step video demonstrations and easy-to-use instructions from top Purina Pro Plan trainers to help guide users through each lesson.  Owners and their dogs can also earn Greatness Points and individual badges for achieving weekly goals and completing specialized lessons.

The Purina Pro Plan P5 app is part of the Purina Pro Plan SPORT product portfolio launch which offers three formulas to fuel athletic dogs based on activity level – from everyday exercise to competitive performance.

As part of the Purina Pro Plan's P5 launch, football legend Daryl 'Moose' Johnston has teamed up with Purina Pro Plan to give his dog Gunner, a 3-year-old yellow Labrador, a chance to shine on the field.

"If it wasn't for my trainers and teammates, I never would have had the opportunity to win three Super Bowls," said Johnston, three-time Super Bowl Champion with the Dallas Cowboys and current pro football analyst. "Now I can be Gunner's trainer and teammate using my Purina Pro Plan P5 app.  He gets the same joy out of training that I had during my playing days and it's motivated me to get out and be more active with him."

Johnston, who began training Gunner with the P5 app in early January, has been amazed with Gunner's increased activity and progress in sport and agility training.

"I always knew Gunner was a great dog; I never knew he was this great.  His progress is incredible," added Johnston.

Johnston and Gunner will showcase the power of the Purina Pro Plan P5 app at the "Canine Combine," a football inspired performance and training exhibition, with renowned Purina Pro Plan dog trainer John Casey, in New Orleans on Wednesday, Jan. 30, at the Westin Hotel parking lot located at 100 Rue Iberville adjacent to Waldenberg Park.  The event is free to the public and will kick-off at 11 AM CT.

Purina Pro Plan SPORT was created by pet nutritionists and performance experts who truly understand an active dog's nutritional needs.  The range comprises three different formulas: Purina Pro Plan SPORT ACTIVE, for dogs that exercise regularly; Purina Pro Plan SPORT ADVANCE, for more athletic dogs; and Purina Pro Plan SPORT PERFORMANCE, for those dogs taking part in competition and/or training to compete.

"More and more people are taking part in activities such as 5Ks and half marathons and more of them want to exercise with their dogs," said Robert Tochterman, brand manager, Purina Pro Plan. "There are already many performance nutrition products to help people excel in sport.  By giving dogs the right kind of nutrition, we can help promote their athletic abilities in the same way."

"This combination of nutrition and the P5 app gives dog owners the support they need to lead their dogs on their personal journey to greatness," added Tochterman.

The Purina Pro Plan SPORT product line is available nationwide at pet specialty retailers beginning January 2013.  For additional information on Purina Pro Plan SPORT and the Purina Pro Plan P5 app, please visit www.ProPlan.com.

About Purina Pro Plan
Purina® Pro Plan® supports pets and their owners on their personal journey toward greatness. The brand offers a complete line of dog and cat food made with high-quality ingredients for outstanding nutrition and taste, in a variety of formulas to help meet a pet's unique needs based on life stage, lifestyle and breed size. By providing this top-tier nutrition for dogs and cats, plus key resources and tools, Purina Pro Plan believes it can help pets reach their full potential – so they can live healthy, happy lives.

About Nestle Purina PetCare
Nestle Purina PetCare promotes responsible pet care, humane education, community involvement and the positive bond between people and their pets. The North American headquarters for Nestle Purina PetCare is located at Checkerboard Square in St. Louis, Missouri. Nestle Purina PetCare is part of Swiss-based Nestle S.A. -- the world's largest food company. For more, visit www.purina.com.

SOURCE Purina Pro Plan