Madison dogs just gained a new exercise partner with Fido Fitness.

Owner Nicole Woodcock walks, runs, holds general playtime and teaches dogs to walk on a loose leash.

“People have busy lives or don’t have enough time to give their dog the critical experience of going for regular walks,” Woodcock said.

With only a few days each week, Fido Fitness boosts the dog’s physical and mental condition, necessary for happiness and health. Daily walks can calm behavioral issues, like destructive chewing, anxiety or hyperactivity.

“Many owners feel guilty because they get home from work and are just too tired to take their dog for a nice, long walk,” Woodcock said. Fido Fitness walks all breeds. Higher-energy dogs can opt for a running program.

Owners don’t have to be at home, because Woodcock uses bar code with GPS technology (petchecktechnology.com) to track the walk’s time and route — a benefit different from other dog walkers in Alabama. Online, the owner can see when Woodcock arrives, location during the walk, time and her departure.

“The bar code can be left outside so there’s no need for me to come inside,” Woodcock said.

Woodcock’s motivation to start the business “kicked into high gear” during her study to be an obedience trainer. “I saw the overwhelming need for dogs’ regular exercise to be more stable and well adjusted.”

“Regular walks provide much more than tossing a ball in the backyard for 10 minutes. It’s like the difference between recess and organized sports,” she said.

She is confident in succeeding because she offers walking, running and training in customized plans. “Monitoring my service is also important (and) gives my clients security in knowing exactly when and where I’m walking their dog,” Woodcock said.

Sessions are available Monday-Friday from dawn to sundown and on holidays.

Her husband Brandon Woodcock works as a technician for unmanned aerial vehicles. Their son Caleb Crisp is a first-grader at Horizon Elementary School.

For more information, call 256-425-3943, send email to info@fidofitness.org or visit fidofitness.org and Facebook/GoFidoFitness.