Meet Cooper
Founder of Ruff Riders and Your Pup's Biggest Cheerleader!
The Inspiration for Ruff Riders
As a dog owner of a high-energy, reactive pup, I quickly realized the challenge of meeting his physical and mental needs. I wanted to give him a happier, more fulfilling life but struggled to find safe, effective, and engaging options.
While searching for solutions, I discovered mobile dog gyms and the concept of slatmills—a controlled, confidence-building way for dogs to get the exercise they need. After learning more and seeing the incredible results firsthand through family members' experiences with local services, I was inspired.
Where Passion and Paws Collide
Determined to make a difference, I invested in my slatmill and began helping friends, neighbors, and their dogs achieve better health and balance. Watching these pups thrive through structured exercise sparked a passion that became Ruff Riders Mobile Dog Gym.
Today, Ruff Riders combines my love for dogs with a dedication to improving their well-being, offering a fun, safe, and convenient way to keep tails wagging and spirits high.
from slopes to slatmills
After 20 years of coaching high-level skiing, I realized that training high school athletes isn’t all that different from working with dogs—I had a knack for motivation. I researched Bozeman, Belgrade, and Big Sky to determine the viability of a mobile dog gym business. Once I saw the demand, I ordered a real slatmill and got a van.
From there, I collaborated with local trainers and veterinarians while taking online dog training courses to deepen my knowledge. And the rest? Well, that’s history.