Welcome to Kzoo Canisports!
We offer canine fitness classes, Trek & Train sessions, Canihiking clinics, backpacking workshops, and other fun outdoor activities for you and your dog in Kalamazoo, Michigan and beyond.
Why work with us?
We welcome people and dogs of all abilities. Our supportive environment helps handler-dog teams build skills, confidence, and strong partnerships. Kzoo Canisports is proud to participate in the AKC Fit Dog program.
Canine Fitness Programs
Programs involve exercises to build strength, coordination, and balance, often involving paw targeting, weight shifts, and other controlled movements aimed at improving canine fitness. Classes may require a Blue-9 KLIMB, CATO Board, FitPaws Balance Ramp, aerobic bench, yoga mat or similar fitness equipment. Equipment for in-person classes can be rented for a small fee. Equipment rental is coming soon.
Trek & Train Opportunities
Trek & Train combines outdoor adventures with basic obedience. Dogs enjoy exploring, burning energy, and building endurance, while practicing skills in real-world settings with distractions.
Canihiking Clinics
Clinics teach dogs and their humans the necessary skills to safely participate in beginner, intermediate and advanced hiking activities. Participants will learn proper gear selection, trail etiquette, and tips for conditioning and injury prevention. Instructors emphasize communication, teamwork and building a stronger bond between handler and dog.
Backpacking Workshops
Do you dream on going on a backpacking trip with your dog? Would you like to hike the North Country Trail or part of the Appalachian Trail? Start learning the skills you need to make your dream a reality at one of our workshops.
AKC Fit Dog Runs/Walks
AKC Fit Dog runs/walks encourage healthy habits for you and your dog through fun, inclusive events offered in-person and virtually. Participate at your own pace and earn AKC Fit Dog titles.
Virtual Challenges
Information is coming soon.
Physical activity is essential for good canine health.
Lack of physical activity can shorten a dog’s life and raise the risk of arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. We focus on keeping dogs in shape to minimize the risk of developing chronic illness.
Key Benefits of Canine Fitness, Trek & Train and Canihiking
- Physical Health: Improves cardiovascular health, strength, and endurance
- Mental Stimulation & Enrichment: Keeps dogs engaged through skill-building
- Socialization: Facilitates Interaction with people and other dogs in a safe, structured environment
- Bonding: Deepens the human-animal bond through shared activity and fun
Canine Learner Characteristics
- Health & Physical Readiness: Must be cleared by a Licensed Veterinarian, free from illness and/or injury, and up to date on age appropriate vaccines
- Motivation: Loves treats, praise, or toys
- Temperament: Confident, neutral towards people and other dogs
- Basic Manners: Knows basic cues such as sit, down, and stay
- Engagement: Willing to participate actively in building body awareness (proprioception)
- Equipment: Able to work in training equipment approved for the AKC Fit Dog program (no prong collars, e-collars/shock collars, choke chains, head collars, or retractable leashes)
“The only bad hike is the one that didn’t happen.”
Sit, Stay, Learn
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