A new mobile dog gym, Waggin’ Wheels, is making its way through Nova Scotia, offering dogs a chance to stay fit and healthy. The gym, created by Spencer Fry, lets dogs run on treadmills for 20 minutes a day to improve their fitness and happiness.
Fry launched the concept after researching the success of similar businesses in the southern United States, where hot weather makes outdoor exercise difficult. While Nova Scotia doesn’t face the same heat issues, Fry saw an opportunity to address other concerns.
“I started looking into how beneficial treadmill running is for dogs, especially those who don’t get to exercise as much. Even a small amount of extra weight can affect a dog’s health,” Fry explained. “It just made sense, and I thought it would be fun.”
Fry began offering free trial runs a month ago to gauge community interest. He quickly found that rescue dogs were a significant portion of his clients. Many of these dogs require more controlled environments due to their past experiences.
“Using the treadmill eliminates the risk of altercations that can happen in dog parks. It also reduces the chance of picking up diseases,” Fry said.
For Nicole Basque, the gym has been a game-changer for her dog, Bruce, a golden retriever. At first, Bruce was hesitant, but now he looks forward to his weekly treadmill session.
“He was timid at first, but after a few visits, he was running full speed,” Basque said with a laugh. “Now he gets so excited for his Monday sessions.”
Basque, who works from home, said even long walks couldn’t tire out Bruce enough. The treadmill has become a perfect solution to give him the exercise he needs.
“I take him on walks and let him run at the park, but nothing compares to the kind of workout he gets here,” she said. “It’s good for his joints and his overall health, and it’s nice to have a safe environment, especially with tick season coming.”
Fry said that two 20-minute treadmill sessions a week could help increase a dog’s lifespan and improve their weight.
“Taking your dog on long walks is great, but the treadmill provides a more efficient workout,” he said. “Twenty minutes a couple of times a week, combined with other activities like walks and park visits, is enough for most dogs.”
Looking ahead, Fry plans to expand by adding a second van and potentially opening a static location for weekend sessions. He also hopes to assist foster parents by offering treadmill sessions for their dogs.
“People love their dogs, but with busy lives, not everyone has the time or ability to give their dog the exercise they need,” Fry said. “This service provides a convenient solution.”
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