How “Puppy Pilates” Helps to Train Service Dogs

A pilates studio in Fayetteville, New York has gone to the dogs – literally, and for a good cause!

Precision Pilates is offering “Puppy Pilates” classes, in which participants can both work out and play with puppies to their hearts’ content.
Currently managed by Clear Path for Veterans’ Canine Program, these puppies are being trained to become certified service animals for military veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Ryan Woodruff – a former US Marine Corps veteran who serves as the programme’s director – says that the welfare of ex-military members is positively impacted by the aid of a service dog.

He explained: “Our training model significantly reduces symptoms associated with PTSD, decreases stress, increases self-compassion, and improves their overall quality of life.”

Woodruff says that to properly train a single puppy costs at least $25 000.

Precision Pilates is set to run two classes this Sunday, 27 October. It costs $25 per participant, and all proceeds will be donated to the Canine Program.