MOORE, Okla. -- People who have overweight dogs now have a way to stop worrying about what their best friends are doing during the day.

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Oklahoma City television station KOCO reported that The Dog's Gym in Moore is exactly what its name implies -- a workout center for canines. The gym's owner, Imeldo Camero, said the facility is serious about getting people's pooches into shape and has a variety of exercise equipment to help.

Kahlua, a labrador retriever, was 18 pounds heavier just two months ago. But Camero said a good workout routine on the treadmill has slimmed him down.

"They think they are with you walking," Camero said. "It takes between five and 10 minutes for them to get used to the treadmill. It works because the dog actually feels like he is going for a walk."

Indeed, the treadmill exercise is much like a walk and even comes complete with the leash. The modified treadmills used at the Dog Gym also have emergency stop buttons in case the devices go too fast for dogs to keep up.

Camero said dogs who work out at the gym walk on the treadmill about 1.5 miles each day. But she said there are many more devices available for training.

"If they need more agility, we teach them how to jump the tire, do the single jump or wag the poles," she said.

Camero said the agility and cardiovascular exercises are especially useful for bigger dogs because it keeps their muscles working. After a workout ends, the dogs do just what their masters do at the gym -- hit the showers.

The Dog's Gym has a special wash facility for dogs that have worked up a sweat. Owners can wash their dogs themselves or have Camero do it for them.

Camero said the job is a love affair for her and her family. She said she wants to promote the idea that just like people, animals also need to get their exercise.

"We love dogs," she said. "We do everything they need to do to be in good shape."

For tired and aching muscles, dogs who attend the dog gym can take a soak in the whirlpool. After that, Camero said, the dogs head to the nap room, where they can chew on some toys or take a snooze.

"(We have) toys so they can be in here playing or just taking a nap while the other dogs are playing over there in front," she said. "We have the music all the time so they don't feel alone. They feel safe here."

The Dog's Gym also offers day care for doting owners -- a service that includes an exercise session. Dog owners can also have birthday parties for their pets at The Dog's Gym, which provides hats, bandanas and dog treats for the occasion.