_{Image: ThankDogBootcamp.com}

It’s always right around the new year that people start to really freak out about their weight. New years’ resolutions and as I can attest, overeating during the holidays are the biggest reasons for this get-fit-mania. Luckily, your dog (and other pets) will love you even if you can’t ever get rid of that spare tire around your waist. But what if Sparky is also packing on the pounds with you? It may be time for both of you to get in shape. While 67 percent of Americans over 20 are obese, American pooches aren’t far behind, with a startling 44 percent obesity rate! SFGate’s Tails of the City writer Amelia Glynn has one solution for these troubling stats: Thank Dog! Bootcamp, an exercise and obedience class for humans and their dogs.

In the article, Glynn actually tries out Thank Dog! at Wag Hotel in San Francisco. One week before the program, she and her dog had to
attend a one-hour consultation and obedience lesson with a
certified personal fitness trainer and certified dog trainer. At the consultation, dogs are
evaluated for temperament and obedience levels, and people are evaluated for
fitness experience. Her class consisted of about 12 people and their dogs, and from what it sounds like in her article, the one-hour routine was pretty standard stuff (running,  jumping jacks, weight training, and push-ups for humans; running, sitting, staying, etc. for dogs). It might not be the most challenging routine for someone who’s already in shape, but perhaps good motivation for those humans and their dogs who tend to need motivation. Whatever the case, I think it’s a good idea to encourage more exercise for both people and their pets, so if it works for you and you can afford it, why not?

The next Thank Dog! morning bootcamp classes begin on January 4. Locations include the Wag Hotels in San
Francisco, West Sacramento, and Roseville. Call (888) DOG-HALO or go to www.thankdogbootcamp.com for details. Enroll before January 1 and receive a 10 percent discount.

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