Hi, I'm Stephen. I'm a marathon runner, fitness professional, and lover of the doggos. I provide 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.Research shows that many breeds require 60-90 minutes of vigorous exercise daily to maintain optimal physical and mental health. When it comes to dogs, cardio matters.
Dog walkers take your dog around the block. I give them the stimulating exercise their genetics demand. I provide what no one else in Savannah does: real movement tailored to your dog's breed, age, and energy level.
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.
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 a FREE meet and greet. 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 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 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 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 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.For the urban hike experience, 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 sessions 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 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 walks mixed with 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.
Is this safe for my dog?
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.
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!
Can you run 2 dogs at the same time?
Again, unfortunately no. Each run is a dedicated, one-on-one experience — your dog gets my full attention from start to finish. Running multiple dogs at once splits that focus and increases the risk of tangled leashes, conflicting energy, and safety issues. One dog, one run, every time. When it comes to walks however, two at a time is perfectly doable.
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.