Dog Tag Boot Camp
Your Subtitle text
Home






Welcome to Dog Tag Boot Camp - We're the nation's first fitness boot camp where you can get in shape with your dog!

You know when your dog looks at you with those sad puppy dog eyes? You don't have enough time for your pup because you're running off to work, a social engagement, or the gym. So you give him a treat, thinking that's really what he's begging for, but in reality, what he's really craving is your undivided attention! Why not kill 2 birds with one stone? What better way to spend quality time with your dog and get into shape yourself, than to enroll in Dog Tag Boot Camp?

Dog Tag Boot Camp currently provides fitness programs in Maryland, Northern Virginia, and Washington, DC.

How would you like to exercise with a nationally certified professional trainer, up to 6 days a week right next to your furry best friend? You will lose weight, boost your metabolism, and tone your entire body faster than you ever thought possible! And you will do it with your dog!

How would you like to accomplish all of this in a fun, motivating and supportive atmosphere?

Hi, my name is Nick Irons. I am an award-winning author, Nationally Certified Personal Trainer, and co-owner of the Dog Tag Boot Camp. I am also a nationally recognized ultra-endurance athlete.

I have teamed up with the owner and founder of the Dogtravel Company to design a fitness program that meets the needs of humans and their pets. This will be an entirely new experience for you and your pup, and a great bonding experience for the two of you. It will be an experience that will change your life and create life-long memories with your pet. We guarantee it!


Why would I want to workout with my dog?

Why wouldn't you want to workout with your dog?! Our dogs are pack animals at heart and all they ever want to do is be with their people, and you, the pack leader! They love the interaction, they love the attention, and they love the quality time they get to spend with you while at Dog Tag Boot Camp. Younger dogs also benefit from being able to work off that extra energy, and older dogs benfit from regular workouts just as humans do, by remaining fit and agile until much later in life! We know a number of 14, 15, and even 18 year old dogs (big dogs) that still run and wrestle with the younger pups and their owners every day because they have always been active!

In addition to the benefits of helping your dog to be physically fit, and live a longer life. Let's face it, as a nation we are fat. So are our pets. A study done by Purina in 2003 showed that nearly 60% of dogs in America are either overweight or obese.

  • 33 million U.S. pets are considered obese (AMVA)
  • 17 million dogs are considered overweight (AMVA and AKC)
  • 140 million americans are considered overweight (NCHS - 2006)


How Do Dogs Become Overweight?

The same way humans do. They eat too much and don't get enough exercise. It's as simple as that. Food is that is not burned during the day is stored as fat.

In dogs, overeating can result from greediness, boredom, or overfeeding. Let's face it, we're not helping when we feel guilty about not spending enough time with them so we slip them extra treats.

Those sad puppy dog eyes are really asking for attention and play time, not just treats! Dog Tag Boot Camp is the perfect solution for both you and your pup to spend some quality bonding time together, while burning calories and getting into shape!

So What? Who cares if I have a fat dog?

To put it bluntly - a fat dog is an unhealthy dog. Excess weight can affect both the lifespan of your dog and his/her quality of life. In fact, fat can cause the following health problems:
  • Joint Problems Extra pounds add stress to joints, bones, ligaments, and muscles. Conditions such as arthritis, hip dysplasia, spinal disc disease, and ruptures of joint ligaments can result or be aggravated by your pup being overweight or obese.
  • Heart & Respiratory Disease Excess fat tissue in the chest cavity and around the muscles of the heart can decrease the efficiency of the heart and lungs. Your dog's heart and lungs have to work harder to provide adequate oxygen and circulation.
  • Diabetes Just as in humans, diabetes is much more common in obese dogs.
  • Liver Disease Obese dogs are significantly more prone to liver disease.
  • Heat Intolerance The insulating properties of excessive fat make it harder for obese dogs to tolerate heat and they feel uncomfortable in the summer months.
  • Skin Problems Obese dogs may have trouble grooming because of the rolls of skin built up by fatty deposits can harbor dirt, bacteria, and other harmful organisms.
  • Gastro-intestinal Disorders Inflammation of the pancreas is frequently found in obese dogs. It is painful and can be life threatening.

These disorders that can result from obesity can be costly, and any pet owner knows how fast the vet bills can add up. The good news is that many of these disorders can be avoided just like they can in the human species, if we make sure our dogs exercise regularly and eat healthy.



Ok, I get it. What can I do about it?

Until now, the only way you could get your dog to lose weight was to put them on a diet, and come on... admit it...you know how much fun that is.

Now there's a better way! Take your dog to the Dog Tag Boot Camp where both of you can get in shape together. 4 days a week you will have FUN! Each workout program is different to alleviate boredom and to give you maximum results in minimum time.

You can expect some light running, resistance training, and obstacle courses.  You may also do core, body weight, and team training. On wild card days, you will hike, lunge, and have a fun time while burning a ton of fat. It's always an adventure at Dog Tag Boot Camp!

In 30 days you can expect:

  • Firmer arms, legs (2 or 4), thighs, and buns
  • Increased strength, energy, and stamina
  • Faster metabolism to burn more fat at rest
  • Tighter, flatter abs - means a smaller waist
  • Weight loss
  • Reduction in body fat
  • Increased muscle tone & flexibility
  • Greater confidence & self-esteem
  • Decreased stress, tension and anxiety
  • Increased sense of overall well being
  • Reduced cravings for fats, sugars, and junk food
  • Sleep better and increased productivity
  • Decreased back pain and discomfort
  • Humans and dogs can lose the uncomfortable "bloated" feeling
  • Look and feel better in your favorite clothes

AND your dog can expect similar results!


Ok, How Much Is It.... And How Do I Get Started?

Join the adventure and start your fitness and weight loss program for only $199 per month* - that's only $6.41 a day!

Each camp consists of various group exercises, hikes, stretches and group relays all designed to get you to your goals quickly, while having fun!

No camper will be left behind. Like I said before... Whether you have a few vanity pounds to lose, or 50 plus pounds, you will get a challenging workout for your fitness level.

There is a catch...

Each camp is limited to only 10 participants and no more. This is to ensure that you get plenty of personal attention from your group fitness trainer at all times. Boot Camps sell out quickly! Click the "Register Now" button before all the spots are sold out!

Boot Camps:

3 Day/ week
Mon, Wed, Fri 6:30 - 7:30AM
Mon, Wed, Fri 10:00 - 11:00AM
Mon, Wed, Fri 7:00 - 8:00PM

2 Day / week
Tues, Thurs 6 - 7:30AM
Tues, Thurs 10 - 11:30AM
Tues, Thurs 7 - 8:30PM

Weekend
Saturdays 9-10AM **


Boot Camp Location: We are growing rapidly with new locations being added daily! Check the Registration page for the latest locations! If you don't see your city please let us know!!!

Current Locations:
Bethesda, Potomac,  Washington DC, Georgetown, Dupont
Gaithersburg / Germantown,  Herndon / Reston, Alexandria / Arlington,  Great Falls
Ashburn

Coming Soon...
College Park.... Manassas...... Annapolis..... Baltimore.... Columbia.... Fairfax.... Bowie... Orlando FL... Omaha, NE and more!  Join the wait list for these location.

* Registration fees are pro-rated from the day of registration if you don't register to start a class on the 1st of a month.
**Saturday boot camps are at a reduced rate of $99/ month.