Pets recognize all the same health benefits of physical activity that humans do: increased performance, decreased risk of injury, lowered stress levels, better sleep habits, and a healthier body and mind. More than 50% of dogs in the US are overweight; 20% of those dogs are considered clinically obese.  Incorporating simple fitness and conditioning exercises into their routine actively stimulates your dog’s brain and body, providing a vital outlet that helps eliminate common problem behaviors while effectively curbing boredom and environmental anxiety.

AKC Fit Dog instruction utilizes premium equipment from both the Blue-9 KLIMB and FitPAWS lines to safely engage your dog’s muscle groups through slow, precise movements that focus on proper form. This targeted conditioning helps dogs slow down mentally, develop intense focus, and strengthen vital core and stabilizer muscle groups.

All necessary specialized equipment is provided for use during our sessions, and pieces are available for purchase if you wish to build a home gym.To get the most out of a fitness program, having a foundational understanding of the following basic companion skills is helpful as we progress into higher levels:

• A reliable sit, down, and stand behavior
• A steady stay or duration on a flat boundary surface

Please note that advanced skills, such as formal heeling position, can be easily integrated and taught simultaneously as your dog progresses through the fitness levels.