About Cardio Dogs
Hi, my name is Stephen Burr. I'm a marathon runner, fitness professional, and dog lover offering active walks and specialized running services for canines that need more than a lazy stroll around the block. As a fully insured professional, you can trust your furry friend is in safe, experienced hands.Why Real Exercise Matters:
Research shows that many breeds require 60-90 minutes of vigorous exercise daily to maintain optimal physical and mental health. Regular cardiovascular exercise helps dogs:
Reduce anxiety and destructive behaviors
Maintain healthy weight
Increase bone strength and joint function
Improve health and increase lifespan
Sleep better and stay calmer at home
Build confidence through mental stimulation
Dog walkers take your dog around the block. I give them the structured, stimulating exercise their genetics demand. As a marathon runner and fitness professional, I provide what no one else in Savannah does: real movement tailored to your dog's breed, age, and energy level. Every dog is different, and I'll work with you to create the perfect exercise routine for your furry friend. Let's make a difference in your pup's life.
Services & Pricing
Dogs are born to run - it's in their DNA. From wolves traveling 30+ miles daily to your backyard Beagle, all dogs benefit from cardiovascular exercise. High-energy breeds especially crave it, but every dog thrives with appropriate running routines. Regular runs build muscle, strengthen bones, reduce anxiety, and provide the mental stimulation that keeps tails wagging.A tired dog is a happy dog - and a happy dog means a peaceful home. You'll see reduced destructive behaviors, better sleep patterns, improved obedience, and a healthier, more balanced pup. Meanwhile, your dog experiences the joy of doing what they were born to do: RUN.
Premium Running Services:
1-Mile Run + cool-down walk (30 mins) - $35
Ideal for puppies, seniors, small breeds, and beginners2-Mile Run + cool-down walk (40 mins) - $50
Most popular - The sweet spot for active breeds3-Mile Run + cool-down walk (50 mins) - $65
For high-energy dogs that need maximum exercise
Active Walking Services:
30-Minute Active Walk - $30
Walking workout mixed with jogging intervals60-Minute Active Walk - $60
Extended walking and jogging session
Additional Services:
House Visits (25 mins) - $25
For feeding, potty breaks, play time, and check-ins. Perfect for weather cancellations, when you're out of town, or busy days when your pup needs attention
All active walks and runs include a 5-minute warm-up, a cool-down walk, water breaks, and photo updates!Serving all of Savannah and surrounding areas including Whitemarsh Island, Wilmington Island, and beyond. Message me to confirm your location!All services are fully insured for your peace of mind.
Let's Get Moving!
Book your FREE meet and greet today! Message me with:• Your location
• Your dog's breed and age
• Which service you're interested in
• How you heard about Cardio Dogs
• Any other relevant info or questions you might haveI'll respond within 24 hours to schedule the free meet and greet, where I'll meet you and your pup, learn their personality and comfort level, assess their fitness and leash habits, create a customized running plan for their breed and energy needs, review safety protocols and routes, and answer all your questions so you feel confident about the service.
Thank You
Thanks for reaching out! I'll get back to you within 24 hours to schedule a free meet and greet. Looking forward to it!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do you walk and run?
Location depends on where you live. We may run locally, or I'll transport your dog to nearby trails for maximum variety and adventure.For active walks and short runs, I typically stay in your neighborhood or visit a nearby park if available. This keeps things convenient while still providing great exercise and new sights for your pup.I love using Savannah's best trails and parks: the ever-expanding Truman Trail, Daffin Park, Forsyth Park, the Islands YMCA trails, and more.
How often should my dog exercise?
It depends on breed, age, and energy level:
High-energy breeds (Huskies, Labs, Australian Shepherds, Border Collies, etc.): 60-120 minutes of vigorous exercise daily, ideally 5-7 days per week.
Moderate-energy breeds: 45-60 minutes of activity most days.
Lower-energy or senior dogs: 30-45 minutes of gentler exercise several times per week.
Most behavioral issues stem from dogs not getting enough exercise. If your dog is destructive, anxious, or "hyper," they likely need more physical activity than they're currently getting.I recommend starting with 2-3 sessions per week to establish a consistent routine. This is when you'll see the most dramatic behavioral improvements. We can discuss a schedule that fits your dog's specific needs and your budget during our first conversation.
Will I notice a difference? How long does it take?
Most owners notice changes within the first week:
Immediate (1-3 sessions): Your dog will be noticeably calmer and more tired after runs. Better sleep that night.
Within 1-2 weeks: Reduced destructive behaviors, less jumping/pulling, calmer demeanor at home, better focus.
Within 3-4 weeks: Improved muscle tone, better leash manners, increased confidence, healthier weight if needed.
Long-term (2+ months): Sustained behavioral improvements, better cardiovascular health, stronger bond with you, overall happier and more balanced dog.
The key is consistency. Regular exercise creates lasting change - one-off walks won't solve chronic energy issues. That's why I recommend scheduling 2-3 sessions per week minimum.
What equipment do I need to provide?
Nothing! I bring everything needed for a safe, professional run or walk:
Professional-grade harnesses in all sizes (S, M, L, XL)
Quality leash
Water and collapsible bowl
Waste bags
I use harnesses (not collars) for all runs and active walks because they provide better control and are safer for your dog's neck and throat. Just have your pup ready to go when I arrive!
What if my dog isn't good on a leash?
No problem! Many high-energy dogs pull on the leash because they're excited and haven't learned proper walking manners yet. I'm experienced with dogs who pull, lunge, or need leash training.For dogs that are really struggling with leash manners, I start with active walks (including jogging intervals) and incorporate leash training throughout our sessions.Once they've improved their skills and built up their stamina, I'll let you know when they're ready to progress to full runs.Here's my approach:
Proper equipment (harnesses for better control)
I incorporate brief training moments during walks (rewarding calm behavior)
I adjust pace to match their energy (sometimes they just need to move fast first, then they calm down)
Leash manners often improve naturally once dogs get proper exercise - tired dogs are easier to handle. I'll communicate with you about your dog's progress and any specific training goals you have.
What if my dog has triggers or isn't good with other dogs?
I have experience working with reactive dogs. Here's how I handle it:Before our first session, tell me about your dog's triggers (other dogs, bikes, skateboards, certain sounds, etc.) and how they typically react.During walks/runs:
I stay alert and aware of our surroundings
I create distance from triggers when possible
I use treat rewards or redirection techniques
I choose routes and times that minimize exposure if needed
I never force interactions with other dogs
My commitment is to give your dog great exercise while keeping them (and others) safe. Reactivity doesn't disqualify your dog from services - I just need to know about it upfront so I can plan accordingly.
What if my dog has triggers or isn't good with other dogs?
Your dog's safety is my absolute top priority. Here's what I do:Always:
Keep dogs leashed at all times (no off-leash running)
Bring water and a collapsable bowl
Monitor energy levels and body language constantly
Provide professional harnesses (S, M, L, XL) and leash - you don't need to supply anything
Choose safe routes with good visibility and sidewalks/trails when available
Carry a small air horn as a deterrent for aggressive stray dogs (hasn't ever happened, but I'm prepared for anything!)
Dog-specific:
I tailor every session to your dog's fitness level (no pushing beyond their limits)
Watch for signs of fatigue or overheating (excessive panting, slowing down, etc.)
Stop immediately if anything seems off
Communicate with you about any concerns
Cardio Dogs is also fully insured for your peace of mind.
Do you work with puppies or senior dogs?
Puppies (under 1 year): Yes! But exercise needs to be age-appropriate. The general rule is 5 minutes of exercise per month of age, twice daily (so a 4-month-old puppy = 20-minute sessions). I focus on play-based activity and building good leash habits rather than long-distance running. Their joints are still developing, so we keep it safe and fun.Senior dogs (7+ years): Absolutely! Seniors still need exercise to maintain joint health, muscle mass, and mental stimulation. I adjust intensity and distance based on their individual needs - often brisk walks instead of runs, with more frequent rest breaks. Movement keeps them healthier longer.
What's the difference between an active walk and a run?
Active Walks are brisk-paced neighborhood outings with jogging intervals mixed in, perfect for most dogs. We keep a steady, energetic pace that gets your dog's heart rate up and burns real calories - not just a casual stroll.Runs are structured cardiovascular workouts (1-3 miles) designed for high-energy breeds or dogs with serious stamina. These include warm-up and cool-down periods, consistent running pace on trails or parks, and are tailored to your dog's fitness level.Not sure which is right for your dog? Message me and we'll figure it out together based on their breed, age, and current fitness level.
Can I come along on the run?
Unfortunately, no. My runs are one-on-one time with your dog so I can focus entirely on their safety, behavior, and needs. This also helps dogs who might be distracted or overly excited with their owner present. But I always send photo updates so you can see how much fun they're having!
What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
Life happens! Just give me as much notice as possible. Typically, it's a simple reschedule. Communication is key - just let me know what's going on!
Still have questions?
Feel free to reach out! Fill out the contact form here on the website, DM me on Instagram, or if you're a returning client, you have my number- call or text me anytime. I'm happy to chat about your dog's specific needs and how I can help.