K9 Mobile Fitness: Now, even your pup can get in the best shape of its life
By Laura Briedis
Dogs were born to run. Often, however, our pooches don’t get the opportunity to get out and expend all of their energy.
Enter K9 Mobile Fitness. This new mobile dog gym pulls up to your home in a climate-controlled van equipped with self-propelled treadmills specifically designed for canines.
Just opened in October, this business is the brainchild of dog lovers Ron and Kristi Holzman, who also own Bubbles-N-Biscuits Mobile Pet Grooming.
“Whether it is cold and snowy outside, your dogs are home alone while you are working, or you live in an apartment where there is no backyard and no way for your dogs to truly exercise, they can go for a run on a treadmill,” says Ron. “We saw a need for a place for dogs to release all their energy, so we started mobile fitness this fall and will add massage therapy in the spring.”
“Dog walkers are valuable, but it is even better if your dogs can actually run and use up more energy,” adds Kristi. “Dogs are so active and often have nowhere to release that pent-up energy, which can cause behavioral issues, so we are here to help.”
Based in Medina, the mobile fitness vans travel around town to bring canine fitness to your front door. The van is equipped with three treadmills to accommodate various size dogs.
“The treadmills are not motorized, but instead are self-propelled so they move when the dog moves and stop when the dog stops moving,” says Ron. “This way, the dog sets its own pace.”
The company offers three phases of canine fitness in 30-minute sessions. The first is a training session, where they train the dogs to get on the treadmill and start walking. In the second stage, they work on balance awareness and fitness. And the third stage is more challenging fitness training, which incorporates inclines, resistance and weighted vests.
“At first the dogs are cautious on the treadmill, but after a couple of sessions they will be running full trot,” says Kristi, who is a certified canine fitness trainer and Pet Tech first aid instructor. “Endurance activities like running on the treadmill improve aerobic capacity of muscles, prevent age-related decline of brain function, help maintain good postural stabilization and help release energy.”
“Just like for humans, regular exercise for dogs helps reduce heart disease and digestive issues,” adds Ron.
While there are so many benefits to canine fitness, the company recommends that you check with your veterinarian before starting an exercise program.
After initially meeting with the dog owners, the trainers at K9 Mobile Fitness can come to your home at a time that is most convenient, including times when you are not home and your dog would benefit from some activity.
“We are excited to offer modern fitness for modern dogs,” says Kristi. “As someone who has grown up with dogs and currently has a boykin spaniel and miniature schnauzer at home, our goal is to help all dogs live a happier, healthier life.”
Run, Lucky, Run
Just like their human counterparts, dogs also need to exercise. Getting plenty of exercise reduces behavioral problems such as excessive chewing, scratching, digging and overall hyperactivity.
Among other benefits are:
• Keeping dogs agile and limber, and their joints healthy
• Building confidence and trust for timid dogs
• Keeping their mind sharp and warding off some age-related diseases
• Helping dogs maintain a healthy weight.
To make an appointment, call 855-RUN-DOGS (855-786-3647). For more information, visit K9MobileFitness.com and check out its Facebook and Instagram pages @K9MobileFitness.