Ever seen a dog on a wobble board?
In recent years, a new trend has been steadily gaining momentum in the pet world: gyms for dogs!
Specialized gym facilities offer structured conditioning exercises for dogs, providing a unique way to integrate body awareness, strength training and flexibility into their regular exercise routine.
Benefits of structured exercise
Just as structured exercise routines benefit humans, gym workouts for dogs bring a host of advantages. Anna Lee Sanders is the founder of Canine Conditioning Coach, an online coaching platform based in the US. She says dogs can benefit from targeted workouts to increase mobility and prevent injuries.
“Just as humans benefit more from targeted workouts than playing in the backyard or walking in the neighborhood, exercises for dogs that focus on form and proper alignment can promote muscle balance in a way general exercise simply cannot,” she says.
Dog gyms catching on in the US
Zoom Room is an indoor dog training gym franchise that focuses on building confidence through the use of agility equipment. It allows dogs to exercise in a climate-controlled setting that has rubber flooring to reduce impact on joints and muscles.
Halley Hopkins, General Manager of Zoom Room Bellevue in Washington State, credits the surge in dog gym popularity to the increased amount of time people spent at home with their pets during COVID-19 lockdowns. Zoom Room has grown significantly, from operating in just 8 states in 2020 to now spanning 30 states across the US. The company has also quadrupled the size of its units within a 2-year period.
“Dog owners discovered the benefits of structured exercise and are now continuing to prioritize their pet’s physical and mental well-being post-lockdown,” says Hopkins.
Equipment for different needs
Understanding the various sizes, shapes and positions of boards can be invaluable for retailers and canine fitness professionals looking to design their own pet gyms. Different shapes and sizes offer unique challenges and benefits to dogs during their workouts. For instance, platforms come in various widths, enabling dogs to practice balance exercises while adjusting to different positions. This variety helps improve proprioception – the sense of position in space – and overall body awareness.
Wobble and rocker boards
Elevated platforms like wobble boards or rocker boards introduce dynamic instability. This engages a dog’s core muscles, enhancing strength and stability – key to injury prevention. But Anna Lee Sanders emphasizes the importance of using stable surfaces when first introducing dogs to fitness exercises. “This gives us the best chance of teaching correct alignment and ensures the dog is safe during the learning process,” she says.
While fancy inflatable equipment is available online, Sanders urges caution. Many of these pieces are unsafe and more about marketing than functionality. She goes on to say that canine professionals can easily build their own equipment if they’re handy. Or they can purchase from reputable brands, such as Blue-9, who make versatile inflatable platforms that can be safely used for dogs of all sizes.
Physical and mental stimulation
Zoom Room’s strategic approach resonates with those looking to grow their own pet fitness and training businesses. The company places a strong emphasis on socialization, positive reinforcement, human education and interactive learning to foster stronger connections between dogs and their owners. Working alongside their handlers to navigate challenging obstacles can also increase the bond.
“Clients who attend agility classes build a relationship through confidence and communication of body language,” says Halley Hopkins. She also notes that dogs that attend gym workouts often show reduced problematic behaviors, thanks to the mental and physical enrichment they receive.
“Dog owners already know that physical exercise is critical to meeting a dog’s physical needs. Attending a gym gives the dog a different experience in an unfamiliar environment, exercising their mental stimulation by applying skills and enjoyment in a new place,” she explains.
Future business opportunity
Gyms for pets are not just a passing trend, but a movement toward improved health and well-being for pets. Structured workouts, the right equipment and professional guidance are key to keeping dogs in optimal health.
As more pet owners recognize the benefits of these specialized fitness routines, the future looks promising for those looking to add canine gym equipment to their facilities.