Welcome to Fit Dog Canine Fitness & Wellness!
We offer services to aid in the mental, physical & emotional wellbeing of dogs.
Kate started working with dogs when she was just a kid – acting as the neighborhood dog walker and caretaker! She grew up in a small town outside of Syracuse, NY and eventually went to college at St. John Fisher College in Rochester, NY. She got her first job out of school working as a promotion director for a country radio station. In 2006, while working for the radio station, she was recruited to go work at Invisible Fence Brand of Upstate NY. She started as a sales rep, eventually became a manager and then her and her husband Mike bought their own Franchise in 2009, which is what brought them to Michigan.
In 2012, Kate started a second company called Happy Tails Learning Center for Dogs. She loved having as many opportunities to help dogs be the best versions of themselves! Happy Tails was growing so fast that in 2015, Kate sold her Invisible Fence Brand franchise to focus on her passion for behavior training.
In 2022, Kate found a new passion with dogs that centered more about the mental and physical wellbeing of dogs. She was inspired to work with dogs in a different capacity helping them to get stronger – mentally, physically and emotionally – so she had the idea to open a canine fitness center!
Kate became a Certified Canine Strength and Conditioning Coach (CSCC) and is ready to help your dog be stronger, healthier and happier!
Kate is married to her husband Mike and together they own a trio of weirdos – Ginger, Wasabi & Pickles! Ginger-Muffin (a mutt) is the inspiration for Fit Dog (read her story below) and Pickles & Wasabi are both Shiba Inu’s.
Lindsey is originally from Port Huron, Michigan. She grew up loving animals and working with dogs since the age of 16.
She finds the ultimate satisfaction in helping pets live more comfortable and active lives by stimulating both the body & brain.
Lindsey understands that each dog is a unique individual and she has a passion for creating customized fitness plans to match these needs.
Nothing makes her happier than watching the bond between owner and dog grow, while teaching both new skills and techniques to maximize their well being. Lindsey became a Certified Canine Strength and Conditioning Coach (CSCC) and would be honored to take part in this journey with you!
Lindsey has 2 of her own dogs, Mr. Mosby & Miss Muppet, 1 cat, Miss Maisel, and 2 rats, Martha & Meep.
Karen was the very first person ever hired at our sister company Happy Tails Learning Center for Dogs. She now represents both Happy Tails & Fit Dog! She was hired as a Client Service Coordinator in 2010 and then earned her position as our General Manager. Karen does it all! She will greet you with cheer when you walk into our lobby or call our office – whether you’re asking questions or scheduling your appointments. She also handles much of the operational side of the business behind-the-scenes.
Terri joined our sister Company Happy Tails in 2014. She spent the previous seven years working with animals at Marysville Veterinary Clinic. She has had rescue dogs most of her life! She currently has an adorable Yorkie mix, named Mya and Great Dane named Atlas. Mya was rescued from Fido & Fluffy’s Rescue coming all the way from Puerto Rico. Terri is a Customer Service Representative for both Happy Tails & Fit Dog! She brings joy to everyone she meets!
Where did the idea of Fit Dog come from?
Let me tell you a story about a sweet old dog named Ginger, who was the inspiration for Fit Dog. Let’s start by going back to January 3, 2021. I woke up on a Sunday morning and realized 
that something was wrong with my 11-year-old dog, Ginger-Muffin. She was bloated and panting heavy and was seemingly in some type of physical distress. I didn’t know what was happening but since it was a Sunday, we wound up in the ER, only to be told less than 12 hours later that euthanasia may be the best option for her. Her body was internally attacking itself and was failing. We attempted a risky surgery that we were told might save her life, but they weren’t sure that she was strong enough to survive it. We agreed to do the surgery and after she miraculously pulled through with some scares and complications, we were told she had 3-6 months to live. I was CRUSHED.
God was SO good and gave me another year and a half with my sweet Ginger-Muffin and then her body started to struggle again. She was being monitored weekly by our regular vet … and THEN … she tore her ACL and couldn’t stand up or walk! I was literally heartbroken and hysterical thinking it was the inevitable end. She was now a 12-year-old dog that was slowing down and physically incapable of walking from her injury.
When she tore her ACL, I started calling rehabilitation facilities to get her immediate help. I was desperate! The ones closest to me were on a 2 – 6 MONTH wait for a consultation so we wound up going to Michigan State who could get us in 4 weeks after her injury. I felt so sad and helpless that I had to wait so long to help her.
In May 2022, Ginger had TPLO surgery to repair her torn ACL. It was hard to watch her suffer, but it was SO WORTH IT in the end. Just before her surgery (and after) I was able to start therapy closer to home at Animal Rehab Center of Michigan in Waterford. Ginger continued her rehabilitation by doing strength building exercises, stabilizing activities, and she used a low impact canine aqua treadmill. They also utilized recovery tools on her such as a cold laser and tPEMF therapy.
***Side Note: Fit Dog WILL NOT perform rehabilitation services for injured or post-surgery dogs. But if you want an AMAZING PLACE for rehab, we TOTALLY endorse Animal Rehab Center of Michigan.***
I WAS and STILL AM MIND BLOWN at how my little old lady has turned into a higher energy, stronger, more playful, happier dog! She turned 13 in November of 2022 … I am tearing up writing this just thinking about all that she has overcome … the amazing team at Animal Rehab Center of Michigan was able to help her become a strong little athlete at her old age! You can tell she is SO HAPPY and feels SO GOOD!
I was so inspired by her progress and growth; I told my husband I was destined to do more for Ginger! So I researched buying my own equipment for Ginger and researched how to get certified in Canine Fitness so I could continue to help her, as well as my other two dogs Pickles and Wasabi.
As I continued to learn more, I discovered my next calling.. I wanted to help ALL dogs be better physical, mental and emotional versions of themselves!
Canine fitness can help to prevent your dog from going through what Ginger did. A healthier, more fit dog has stronger joints & muscles but also a stronger heart, immune system, and as a bonus, A LOT more confidence … all of this means your dog has WAY less risk of injury, illness and disease. And they’ll live a happier, more joyous and more enriched life!
Ginger won’t be here forever, but her legacy will live on at Fit Dog as we continue to help more dogs live longer, healthier, happier lives! Thank you for reading my story about my sweet Ginger-Muffin.
Sincerely,
Kate Lochner
Owner | Happy Tails Learning Center for Dogs | Fit Dog Canine Fitness & Wellness
What is
Fit Dog?
Well, exactly what it says! We offer services to aid in the mental, physical & emotional wellbeing of dogs. We customize programs based on your goals that focus on flexibility, balance, stamina, strength and mental endurance. The bonus to any program is your dog will participate in exercises that are fun, that build confidence and that enrich their life. These concepts can be applied to a dog of ANY age! Literally – from puppy to senior!
