Sunshine Coast mobile dog service Woofer Wagon opens after TikTok inspiration

A Sunshine Coast dog trainer was quick to invest $40,000 into a new venture after being inspired by a TikTok video. CHECK OUT THE DOG WORKOUT VIDEO HERE

After being inspired by a dog video on TikTok, a Sunshine Coast woman has started a unique ‘doggie gym’ in the back of her van.

Sunshine Coast dog trainer Mirjam Kunnberg, 36, opened mobile dog service Woofer Wagon early last year where she runs dogs on two slat mills inside her airconditioned van, supporting each canine’s fitness, weight, and confidence.

Ms Kunnberg said her ‘doggie gym’ used Bulgarian-made slat mills, which were dog-specific and non-motorised, allowing dogs to control their speed.

The Estonia-born woman said she got the business idea after seeing a similar service in the United States while scrolling through TikTok late one night, saying she instantly became “obsessed” with the idea.

Woofer Wagon founder Mirjam Kunnberg. Photo: Supplied.

“This is the best thing I’ve seen in my life,” she said.

Unlike simply walking a dog at a park, Ms Kunnberg said the service allowed dogs to run at their top speed, which was especially helpful for dogs with behavioural issues or small backyards such as in new development areas.

“There is a lot of frustration among dogs these days,” she said.

Woofer Wagon servicing a one-eyed dog. Picture: Supplied.

Ms Kunnberg, who currently sold introduction packages for $180, said her customers were typically wealthy dog enthusiasts or people with injuries, limited time, or had dogs needing a safe space to run.

Ms Kunnberg, a qualified dog trainer, said her interest in training dogs was initially sparked after volunteering and working at Queensland dog academy The National Canine Academy in early 2021.

She later invested in her growing venture by buying a van and three treadmills for about $40,000 in late 2021 after selling a house she bought with her former partner.

Woofer Wagon founder Mirjam Kunnberg's van. Picture: supplied.

She said she spent about three months trialling her slat mills before landing her first paid customer in May last year,

She now took care of up to 40 different dogs each month.

The dog enthusiast said she was focused on refining her business, but wanted to explore adding a membership model, hiring staff, and franchising or creating a fleet of vans in future.

“I’m definitely not rich and famous yet … but I absolutely love it,” she said.

In 2020, The Sunshine Coast Council revealed there were more than 50,000 registered dogs in the region, an increase of about 1800 dogs compared to 2019.

Originally published as Sunshine Coast mobile dog service Woofer Wagon opens after TikTok inspiration