Dog Exercise Programs

Dogs are capable of twice the cardiac output of an Olympic athlete, so how a dog exercises is a crucial component to giving them the physical and mental stimulation needed for a healthy, balanced lifestyle.

Just like our behavior services, our exercising is designed to offer the absolute best in canine professionalism.  Sessions take place at your home under the guidance of a certified trainer.  Because of the complexity of canine behavior, we don't let anyone handle your dog unless they have a complete knowlege and understanding of animal learning theory, canine behavior, and positive training methods.  In addition, your dog's exercise program is designed and modified by our exercise and sport specialist.  We carefully monitor every dog's exercise program so that it is not only fun, but most importantly it is safe.

All sessions start and end with quick stretch session.

Drive Buster (30min)

Drive Busters are 30-minute sessions designed to satiate your dog's need for heart pumping exercise and drive outlet in one fell swoop.  By using drive focused games like fetch and tug, your dog will receive the physical stimulation they crave, experience a major reduction in residual anxiety, and will be less likely to chew, dig, and scavenge with illegal objects (like the garbage can!).

Dog Jog (30min)

Does your dog really like to run?  I mean really like to run??  Our Dog Jog program focuses on stretching your dogs legs that extra mile to satisfy their need for speed with a 30-minute bike ride.  Many dogs have a naturally large increase from their three beat trot to their two beat run, and so we offer dogs an opportunity to run at an optimal speed that their body is most comfortable with.

Contact us for more information and prices.

Click here to download our Pre-consultation Questionnaire.

All trainers at The Pawsitive Packleader are Pet First Aid & CPR certified by the American Safety & Health Institute.

Weight Loss

A 2010 study conducted for the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention found that 55% of dogs in the United States suffer from obesity: that’s a whopping 43 million canines!  Balancing a proper diet and exercise program for our dogs is not as simple as heading down to the gym and dropping some carbs.  Fast, effective fitness programs take knowledge and experience that is beyond the fingertips of your average dog owner.  Our weight loss programs ensure that your dog will have fun, lose weight, and become a healthier, happier version of the Fido you know and love.  Dogs are capable of incredible activity and it is crucial to meet those activity needs for both physical and mental health.

Meet Bean, a 6 year-old Pit-mix rescue!  When Bean came to us she weighed 65lbs, had an energy level that would swing frequently between comatose and hyperactive, and desperately needed a positive outlet for her anxiety. 

Bean lost 12lbs and 25% body fat!!

To begin with, we set Bean up with our exercise specialist who designed her own exercise program based on her age, joint-health, range of motion, muscle tone, and cardiovascular health.  In addition to her exercise program, Bean was paired with a specialized nutrition plan designed by our very own Certified Canine Nutritionist, Patti Howard. 

With the combination of her new exercise and nutrition program, Bean lost 12 pounds, reduced her body fat by 25%, and developed a calmer, more consistent energy level.

Here is what Bean's owner, Michelle, has to say about her experience:

"I started working with The Pawsitive Packleader after Beanie's brother Bud passed away, hoping to shift the routine a bit and focus her on something other than the gap left by Bud's absence.  My goal was primarily to get her into better shape and give her something new to look forward to.  Beanie absolutely loved exercising with Richard; she is a very high energy dog, a 6 year old puppy. It became very obvious during the program that Beanie hadn't been getting enough exercise, and she was so much happier with both the right amount of exercise and a nutritionally balanced diet.  I didn't have any idea how much and what type of exercise she needed, and how much better my life would be with her getting it!  We have kept the workouts up with Richard, and Patti has been tremendous helping me maintain her new diet.  I love the fantastic shape she is now in physically, but the biggest difference is how much calmer she is.  It is so wonderful to come home now and see the dog that was always waiting to emerge.  I am so glad to have Richard working with her, he sends pictures of her training and we talk regularly about what she is working on, any behavioral issues and what to do about them.  He has a wealth of knowledge about dogs, and a genuine love and affinity for them - and them for him.  I had no idea how great a dog Beanie was until The Pawsitive Packleader started working with her, and me!  Beanie's life has gotten better because of Richard and The Pawsitive Packleader, and so has mine!  I cannot recommend them highly enough." - Michelle, Bean's Owner

What makes our exercise programs so effective?

Just like people, dogs have three different types of muscle fibers: Type I, Type II-A, and Type II-B.  In order to create fast, effective weight loss, a dog's exercise program must target each type of muscle fiber.  We use a variety of activities to create a balanced exercise program that targets all three types of muscle fibers and taps into their natural genetic athleticism.  The results are so stunning you will hardly believe your eyes!

Contact us for pricing information.

Click here to download our Pre-consultation Questionnaire.

Benefits of Exercise and Nutrition

Over the last century, science has made incredible advances in the field of health and fitness that have taught us that exercise and nutrition is the key to a long and healthy life.  From psychological anxiety disorders to physical coronary artery disease, the importance of physical exercise is pivotal.  Studies show marked improvement in both psychological and physical disorders when regular physical exercise and cognitive behavioral therapy are paired.  Here is a just a brief list of some of the other benefits that proper exercising yields.

·       Longer lifespan

·       Lower resting heart rate

·       Stronger bones

·       Improved mood

·       Improved immune function

·       Improved sleep

·       Improved weight management

·       Improved brain function

·       Improved joint stability and function

·       Reduced anxiety

·       And much more…

People spend thousands of dollars on supplements and highly processed foods that advertise similar results, but what you will soon discover is that the majority of the building blocks to the healthiest pooch on the block may already be in your kitchen cupboard!  Our dogs are some of the most special creatures on the planet and they deserve the best from us.