CMI office pack member Duncan Fiona was not always the obedient dog she is today. But with some patience from pack leader Catherine Stribling and the help of Thank Dog! Bootcamp, Duncan has transformed into a beautifully balanced young lady!

Thank Dog! Bootcamp began in 2007 when founder Jill Bowers lost an incredible 40 pounds through her own personal training boot camp. Her remarkable transformation inspired her and her twin sister, Jaime, to create their own exercise boot camp, but this time incorporating their favorite workout partners: dogs!

Bowers, joined by co-founders Heath Walton and Cassie Shannon, established the Thank Dog! Bootcamp across California, spanning Orange County, Los Angeles, and Northern California. Although a bit different in each region, the program combines a physical workout for both dog and dog owner, while simultaneously working to teach basic obedience and strengthen the bond of trust. In the morning hour-long workout session, dogs and owners engage in cardiovascular training, obedience training and strength training.

“Our number one rule to the bootcamp is – no socialization between the dogs (people can!),” Bowers said. “We do allow dog aggressive dogs in the class as long as the person is comfortable in handling. The dogs must be controlled at all times.”

Prior to entering the program, each dog and owner goes through a consultation to assess the dog’s obedience and temperament levels. All trainers involved with the program are certified personal trainers, dog trainers or both. Dogs of all sizes and breeds are welcome, and the trainers also provide one-on-one and in-home training as well.

“I think the cool thing about our program is by adding the dogs, exercise becomes less of a chore,” Bowers said. “I’m proud of the way Thank Dog! brings people together who normally wouldn’t in everyday life. We’ve become a community. No matter who you are, dogs make everyone relate.”

The community couldn’t agree more with Bowers. “There's a core group of us that's been doing this together for close to two years,” said veteran Thank Dog! Member Zorianna Kit. “We get together socially, have movie night and offer each other emotional support during personal times of crises. We are a pack. We are a family. There is nothing I wouldn't do for these people.”

Attempting to achieve balance and bonds between dogs and humans through exercise, Thank Dog! Bootcamp is taking the nation by storm with plans to continue expanding and encourage a healthier America. And as the Thank Dog! Bootcamp website states: “A tired dog is a good dog and a trained dog is an even better dog, so get your shoes on, grab a leash, and come play with us!”