Atlanta Dog Runner Timothy Crimmins.
According to statistics, over 40% of dogs in the U.S. are overweight or obese, and judging by the number of pudgy pooches in Atlanta, our four-legged friends are no exception. But Atlanta's dogs have an ally in the Battle of the Bulge -- the Atlanta Dog Runner, Timothy Crimmins. Crimmins has been exercising dogs professionally for the past year.
"I started running with my three Siberian Huskies and noticed they were so much calmer and less destructive when I ran with them," Crimmins says. After doing some research, he found that just like people, pets benefit from regular exercise and lead much healthier, longer and happier lives when they get in regular workouts.
With some more online digging, Crimmins found a company in New York that offered pet fitness services, but none in Atlanta. And so he launched Atlanta's first dog running service, Atlanta Dog Runner.
And since then, many a happy pooch has enjoyed Crimmins' services. A typical dog run lasts 40 to 50 minutes, Crimmins says. And with two or three runs a day plus 7 or 8 walks, Crimmins is logging in 13 to 20 miles a day, five or six days a week.
"I really like it," he says. "I just got into running in the last few years. It's peaceful." And what do his furry clients think of all this exercise? They love it, Crimmins says.
"A lot of the dogs I run with are not allowed back into dog day care for health reasons or behavioral issues," he says. "Dog day care isn't for every dog -- some of them are scared or don't like all the other dogs, so their owners come to me."
And Crimmins has never met a dog he couldn't run with. "People tell me I have a really good quality with dogs," he says. "A calm, assertiveness that leads to dogs following me."
Indeed, many dogs have followed him in runs througout Atlanta, and now Crimmins has hired a helping hand to meet a growing demand for his services.
And Atlanta's pooches everywhere are wagging their tails, waiting for a turn.
Comments
Yeah, but how do you run with a chubby dachshund. Maybe my little buddy better stick to the walking portion, at least until he gets his wind built-up.
Eric~ Yeah you could start with the walking and make sure he gets a clean bill of health from the vet before beginning. Good luck!
Tim, I love what you're doing. Keep up the good work!
Eric, I have a Dachsund that is over weight too (my fault). When we walk him regularly he keeps the weight off. When dogs aren't around we let the lease go so he can run when wants to. Good Luck.
Bonnie, its my fault also, his name is Max and he is spoiled rotten. Dachshunds have a tendency to overeat, and because of their long backs letting them get overweight can be dangerous. I try to control my dog from jumping up and down because of this. I've been successful in the past by putting Max on a green bean diet much to his dismay. I also have a 60lb lab/mix who is in perfect shape. She is actually intimidated around Max when it is chow time. Dachshunds are known to be very greedy and obsessive over food. Thanks, and Good Luck also.
Hooray! Great article, and nice work Tim!
I got my inspiration from a Runner's World article, and have a business running pups her in Portland OR now, Portland Dog Runner. I'm excited about how much it is benefiting the canine community. (And their humans!)
Thanks for the positive feedback everyone! I thought this was such an interesting story too and wish Tim all the best!
Nice article.. Tim's website is atlantadogrunner.com
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