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McLean's Jeff Lutton is used to training with his golden retriever, Josie. The former Super League Rugby player, who competes regularly in Triathlons, is usually joined on long runs by his canine companion. Starting this week, however, Josie isn't just running for fun she s training as well, as both Lutton and four-year-old Josie will be participating in the first World Championship Dog Duathlon next summer in New York City.
"Josie and I have been training pretty much all of her life," said Lutton, 38. "We are both pretty excited about it."
Lutton and Josie have just started their preseason training, which consists of running about 15 miles per week. Lutton wakes up at the crack of dawn to fit in training during the week.
"We will do a couple three-mile runs per week and on the weekends we usually go on a trail and hit five or six miles," said Lutton. "We will build that up and probably get to 20-25 mile range."
It takes a couple of minutes to coax Josie out of bed in the morning, but by the time the duo hits the pavement, it's Josie that's pushing her two-legged partner.
"Once we get outside, she is ready to go," said Lutton. "Usually, I can keep up with her, but the past couple of runs, she has been pulling me a little bit."
The 20 dualthlon teams compete in a 10 kilometer run as well as a 1,500 meter swim. Partners compete in the event side-by-side.
Lutton and Josie will travel down to the Outer Banks to train for the swimming portion of the event.
"My dad lives in the Outer Banks," said Lutton. "When we are down there, it is a great time to train in the open water. You get the skills for water swimming."
Josie will also train by participating in 'doga' a form of canine yoga to stay limber, and receives weekly massages to keep her muscles relaxed.
LUTTON AND JOSIE are not just training partners, they are also business partners. Lutton, along with his wife, Sandy, owns a dog daycare center called Dogtopia in Alexandria. Josie is the Vice President of Dog Relations.
"For dogs to come in here, there is an evaluation process. The dogs need to have some level of sociability," said Lutton. "Josie will 'interview' them to make sure it is a good environment for them."
The two will continue to ramp up their training routine throughout the winter and spring until they are running 20 to 25 miles at a time by the July 20 event.
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 Like their dog Josie, owners Jeff and Sandy Lutton of Dogtopia, Alexandria's newest full-service dog daycare, predicts your dog will also run laps in the car as you approach Dogtopia. With scores of canine friends waiting, your "child" as Jeff likes to refer to the subjects entrusted him, will race to the door of the safe environment and you will have peace of mind as you head to work.
Peace of mind is a high-prized commodity and Dogtopia is committed to delivering an atmosphere where both owners and dogs are cared for. Averaging $30 a day, dogs are treated to play-group time, outdoor time, grooming services, training and more, and web-cameras allow "parents" to check in on their "child" throughout the day.
Open weekdays from 7 a.m.-7 p.m., clients will find their dog eager for their crate and ready for lights out at the end of the day. Jeff guarantees this spells relief after a long day at the office, relaying how a new client couple who are serious athletes were running with their 9-month-old Black Lab Sophie, a combined 7 miles a day, yet found she was still unbearably hyped-up at the day's end. "It doesn't matter what we do, this dog needs more," was the client complaint.
Another new charge Dudley the puggle (pug/beagle mix) passed the required entrance evaluation with "flying colors," said Jeff, "and the dad left with Dudley with plans to start day-care the following week. "Thirty-minutes later we get this call: 'Can I bring Dudley back?'" Jeff recalls Dudley had hit it off with Rufus, another beagle mix and it was obvious to the owner that Dudley loved the stimulating company. And, Dudley's dad loved the stimulating quiet he was given in return.
Going on vacation and need overnight services? Dogtopia provides a vacation for dogs so there's zero guilt while owners are inhaling the Caribbean. Jeff is sure that just as dogs are eager to be dropped off, they are eager to stay for awhile.
"Think of [your dog] saying, 'Hey, guys, you go away... we're going to party. All my buddies are here.'" And with special spa services, your pooch will be just as relaxed and beautiful as you are when you return.
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"Making It" by Elizabeth Chang of The Washington Post, March 25, 2007
"Dogtopia daycare branches out in Alexandria" by Mike Salmon of The Alexandria Times, March 1, 2007
"Dog City has a new place for mutts" by John Arundel of The Alexandria Times, September 27, 2007
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