How many times have you thought that you’d go to the gym more often, if you could bring along your dog? Or wished that there was a place where you and your dog could work out together?
Did you know that there actually are such places? Dog fitness, and dog and pet parent fitness is on the rise and becoming the newest trend. In my new book, The Dieting with my Dog Guide to Weight Loss and Maintenance, there is even a section with step-by-step Woof Workouts for you and your dog, from K9 Fit Club.
Today, Tricia Montgomery, Founder of K9Fit Club, offers these tips in what to look for when seeking a fitness class for you and your dog:
1.Training and Credentials– Trainers should have experience and training in the services they are
offering.
2. First Aid Training– It is also important that the fitness facility have
qualified staff that has some experience in veterinary care. Always ask what their
staff qualifications are, and make sure they have a veterinarian who can attend
to emergencies or situations that might arise. (As with any aspect of your dog’s health, you should consult
with your veterinarian before you and your dog engage in a new fitness routine.)
The program or facility should be able to tailor programs for not only a
person’s needs but a dog’s age, breed, weight range and additional
health-related issues. Make sure the exercises and programs are fundamentally
sound.
evaluation for the newbies? Are there special classes designed for the new
participants to learn the basic fitness moves and obedience commands? Does the
program require a veterinary standard or Healthy to Participate form?
5. Ratio of Instructors
and Dog/Owner per Class- Safety for dog, owner, participants and
instructors is a big concern for any class involving both dogs and people. To
ensure a safe, effective and most of all FUN workout for all participants,
evaluate the number of instructors per class, per the number of dog and owner
teams. Can the staff designate and handle an aggressive or fearful dog? Are
there enough instructors in the class to properly monitor the number of
participants within the class?
Those with Disabilities- Is the program you and your pooch considering for the buff of
the buff or the six-pack crowd? Is there an entrance for the seniors of
disabled? Are their programs tailored for anyone?
Additionally, make sure they have an emergency plan to deal with whatever may
happen. No one wants to think about, or plan for the worst. However, when it
does occur, having plans in place can make the difference in any life or death
situations.
with your both dog and person in mind. Evaluate how each dog and owner enters
and is greeted. The area should be secure to prevent canine escapes, should a
dog become off leash. The facility should maintain liability insurance.
I hope you find a great fitness program for you and your dog and have fun working out together!
* K9 Fit Club is
growing a Nationwide Community of Clubs dedicated to the Health, Fitness and
Wellness of both dog and owner. Changing
Lives One Dog at a Time™. All K9 Fit Club trainers are Certified Personal Trainers and all trainers and dog wranglers are certified in positive dog training. K9 Fit Club offers a
wide range of programs for both novice and advanced. Although K9 Fit Club is
dedicated to health, fitness and wellness, they leave no one behind.
they offer Sit and Be Fit and Waggin’ Wheelchair for those with disabilities. Check out the list of K9 Fit Club locations to see if there is one near you!
blog hosts: SlimDoggy, Peggy’s Pet Place and To Dog With Love. The
selected commenter will receive a sample pack of dog treats courtesy of
Cloud Star, makers of Dynamo Dog Functional Treats. Make sure to share
your FitDog Friday thoughts and you may win a great prize for your fit dog!
news, and special offers? Fetch my free newsletter, Pawsitively Pets. Kelly and Ike
hope to see you there!
