Inaugural Australian fitness training program for dogs and owners launched on Sunshine Coast

An Australian business - Barking Mad Fitness - which enables people of all ages and abilities to work out and exercise with their pet dog has been launched by Vicki Brown - an Alexandra Headland based veterinary nurse and zookeeper who has more than 25 years’ experience in the industry

Barking Mad Fitness is a way for dogs and their people to physically train together and in doing so create stronger bonds.

Brown notes “over the years working in Vet Clinics I have seen a real need for people to learn more about their pets’ needs and encouraging behavioural enrichment. People are also time poor nowadays so I thought if I could combine their personal training regime with their pet dog then they could both get physically and mentally fit together and form a stronger bond.

“There’s no better workout buddy than your dog, they are always excited and ready to go and will encourage you to get out there. Turning up to a new training session can be daunting if you’re on your own but with your dog beside you it’s so much easier.”

Brown advised there are a couple of similar businesses interstate but what separates Barking Mad Fitness from the others is the inclusion of a trained veterinary nurse along with a personal trainer at each session.

“Having a trained veterinary nurse at each workout session ensures that each dog can be checked to ensure it is healthy and can participate in the program. We can also identify dogs who should be on a restricted program because of their age, level of fitness as well as breed specific issues and this provides a real peace of mind for dog owners,” Brown advised.

Brown has teamed up with Sunshine Coast group fitness trainer Joel Sherwell to deliver classes at Nelson Park on Okinja Street Alexandra Headland.

“Not only does Joel love dogs but he also brings years of experience as a fitness trainer and he has come up with some great exercises and activities for dogs and their owners regardless of their age, ability or fitness level.

“It’s a very inclusive program and we are limiting the 45 minute training session to just 15 dogs and their owners which is very manageable for everyone. All people need to do is bring a yoga mat or towel, a water bottle for themselves and their dog and a hands free lead and we look after the rest,” Brown added.

Barking Mad Fitness will also be available to licence nationally and Brown believes it’s a great opportunity for vet nurses to create a new business to supplement their current income or become full time.

“Vet clinics can be stressful environments and this is a fun way for vet nurses to have fun with dogs and clients. Vet nurses are also hard-working people and they absolutely love what they do with a great passion but they are also limited in their earning capacity so this is a great opportunity to buy into a business with all its systems in place and with ongoing support from me and my team.

“I’ve already put the feelers out to my vet nurse network and I was pleasantly surprised by the strong response, I think it’s really struck a chord and nothing would give me more pleasure than seeing my peers succeed,” Brown said.

For more information visit www.barkingmadfitness.com.au