DUBUQUE, Iowa -- The event provides opportunities for local girl scouts to participate in several activities they may not normally have the chance to try through their scouting experience. About 150 girls are expected to participate in “Reach for Your Dream,” and FidoFit will host up to 40 girls between two one-hour sessions. The girls will learn pet training techniques and work with one of FidoFit’s service dogs. They’ll also learn how to exercise and do yoga exercises with their own dogs!
The sessions will be taught by Mary Erschen, owner of FidoFit and a certified canine fitness trainer; and her special guest Tricia Montgomery, founder and President of K9 Fit Club®, the nation’s first program dedicated to helping people and their dogs exercise and stay fit together.
K9 Fit Club® has been featured on the Today Show, Dateline News, FOX News, Women’s Health, Dog Fancy, Washington Post and AAPA News to mention a few. It is a member of and/or recognized by American Veterinary Medical Association, American Animal Hospital Association, Association of Professional Dog Trainers, International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, Human Animal Bond Research Initiative and the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. K9 Fit Club® also serves as a research investigator for Purdue University, Healthy People 2020, and assists with healthy initiatives in the communities in which it serves.
“We are thrilled to have Tricia Montgomery joining us for this great event,” Erschen says. “Tricia’s innovative program is sweeping across the country and has the potential to make a huge impact in the health and relationships of dogs and their owners. We know the girl scouts are going to love her.”
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More about K9 Fit Club® and Tricia Montgomery
K9 Fit Club® was developed from the experiences of Tricia Montgomery, her battle with obesity, and losing weight with her dog. After shedding 130 pounds several years ago by working out with her dog Louie, Ms. Montgomery was inspired to help all people and their dogs stay healthy and fit together, thus K9 Fit Club® was born. Ms. Montgomery’s Pit Bull, Zeus, is the company’s “poster dog” and resident guinea pig.
Ms. Montgomery notes, “Pet obesity has reached an all-time high – I can personally relate to the struggle with weight loss, which is why I decided to design fitness programs that both human and dog could enjoy, together.”
The programs were developed with input from personal trainers, veterinarians, dog trainers, doctors, and certified dog behaviorists. Programs are recommended after an initial assessment of both person and dog, and are available for all fitness levels in all modalities of fitness – as well as specifically designed programs for children, seniors, and people with certain disabilities.
K9 Fit Club® was the nation’s first facility dedicated for both dogs and humans to use together. There was huge public interest to enable people to get certified in areas all over the country- K9 Fit Club® answered the demands and the online certification program was established.
About Mary Erschen, Owner of FidoFit
- Born and raised in Oswego, N.Y., where she attended grade school and high school.
- Graduate of Potomac Horse Center in Gaithersburg, MD.
- Horse Masters Instructor and Stable Management Degree
- Three years of equine work study in Europe including England, France and Germany.
- Employed at Claiborne Farms in Paris, KY, working specifically on breaking yearlings.
- Claiborne Farms is where Secretariat stood at stud and Seabiscuit was trained.
I- nstructed for Central Kentucky Riding for the Handicapped.
- Employed at the University of Kentucky Research Lab as a Level 4 Animal Lab Technician working with various species including canines.
- Attended Carlson College of Massage in Stone City, IA, becoming a Certified Massage Therapist. She has completed more than 800 hours of continuing education since graduating.
- Specializing in Paul St. john Method of Neuromuscular Therapy
- In 2004, with husband, Mark, co-founded Shampoodles, an Iowa-licensed holistic dog grooming service.
- In 2008, founded FidoFit, which in 2009 opened Iowa’s first indoor canine gym and structured doggie daycare.
- Is an American Red Cross Pet CPR/First Aid Instructor
Contact
Dan McCarthy
caninefitclub@gmail.com
