Incorporated in December, 2002 Running Paws, Inc. has grown organically from a single runner to having served over 600 clients in New York City.  The revenue generated from our running business alone allowed us to open our 5000 sqft dog daycare facility in the heart of Manhattan’s prestigious Upper East Side without any outside investment.

Today, we receive emails every week from athletic entrepreneurs like yourself seeking advice about starting a business like ours. Unfortunately, we aren’t able to take the time to properly respond to all the inquiries we receive.

Having considered a program like this for about 18 months we finally decided that, while we couldn't provide advice to everyone, the time was right to teach those who are most serious about starting a business like ours our entire business from top to bottom. In December, 2008 two athletic entrepreneurs from Chicago became the first to complete our Certified Partner Program.  Their company, Dog and Runner, Inc (dogandrunner.com), launched in February of 2009.

We've structured this program so that it is a mutually beneficial arrangement - our success is tied to the success and longevity of the company you will create.  Our pricing model for this program is built on the premise that after completing the Certified Partner Program that you will remain in the program for the long-term.  We know that the best way to retain you as an active partner will be to 1) help your business succeed and 2) deliver business tools and information to you that you find valuable.

Can't I start my business without going through your program?

Of course you can. Anyone can start any business without the aid of an education, a franchise,  experience, or program like ours.

However, the point of starting a business is to own a successful business as quickly as possible. You can start from scratch and learn through trial and error, lose potential clients to competitors who are more polished, and waste precious time recreating the wheel. Or, you can take part in our program and benefit from 6 years worth of information that has been condensed into a week long course that will get you ready to start earning money immediately.

Since we were the first dog fitness company there were no others to look to for information, however knowing how much work went into building this business, if there was such a program like ours when we began we would have taken part in it.

I would like to start my business on a shoe string budget. The cost of your program is the majority of my capital?

Budgeting for a new business is always a challenge. Not only will our program teach you the best way to maximize and use your budget effectively and it will save you time and money, even in your first year.

How many days do I need to spend in New York City?

The program runs five consecutive days and takes place in our NYC dog athletic club. You will spend five mornings and three afternoons with our office staff to learn about managing the business. Two afternoons will be spent in the field with our runners learning field operations.

Can I participate in the class online or over the phone?

Yes, however we strongly recommend that you join us at our facility in NYC for a more “hands on” approach. As the cost of the program is the same you lose the benefit of seeing our operation in person.

Is this a franchise?

No. We researched franchising our business, however we felt the best option would be this Certified Partner Program. A franchise would cost at least $25,000 and we felt it would be more beneficial starting you out the same way we did, grassroots.

I'm not that tech savvy, is your technology easy to use?

We have built our technology from the ground up. We've invested over $100,000 to build our systems to perfectly fit the needs of our fitness business. You will find them intuitive and indispensible.

You have great reviews on many websites, will this program teach me how to get reviews like yours?

We have worked extremely hard to receive and maintain positive reviews as reputation is the key to this business. 50% of our new clients are referrals from our current clientèle. We will show you the ins and outs of how to receive and maintain great reviews for your business.