Frequently Asked Questions

No we do not have motorized treadmills, we use a slatmill that is powered by the dog. Your dog is in control of the speed at all times. We use positive reinforcement at the beginning with high reward treats, or if your dog prefers a toy as their reward we will work with that. We will introduce the dog in a way that will build their confidence to use the slatmill. For some dogs this may take a few minutes and for others this may take a few sessions. Don't be discouraged if they don't get it right away we want to keep your pup safe and build their confidence.

Your dogs safety is our number one priority, they will be safely secured to the overhead bar to their harness. There is a brake attached to keep the slats from moving as they get on and off as well there are clear panels on the sides to keep them from falling off the sides. We are also right there to monitor the dog for discomfort or fatigue during the run.

For the first two training runs with a new dog you must be home so we can meet the dog and get acquainted with your home if you are planning to choose our owner not home service. Once we have met and everything is set up you can move forward with you taking advantage of our owner not home service.

If you select the owner is home service you will bring the dog to the van so we can get running ASAP, their time starts when we open the door, so you will need to have the dog ready and waiting for their run.

If you choose to pay for the service when you are not home we take care of it all. When we arrive to your place we enter your home with the provided key code or key from a lockbox. We will retrieve the dog(s) and lock the house on our way out to the van. The dogs will get a moment for a bathroom break and then we will proceed with the run. Once the run is over we give them some water to help rehydrate without making their tummy upset and put them back where we found them.

We are fully climate controlled maintaining the perfect temperature for them to run! There are times where it is too hot, too cold or poor air quality that will restrict your dogs exercise outside but we are there for you. While we hope to be able to run your dog in any weather if it is determined that there is a safety concern for us to be on the road your session will be rescheduled at no charge. 

Absolutely! Slatmill require focus, balance and the use of their entire body, so this is not just physically tiring it is also mentally tiring. A 20 minute session equals a 2 hour walk leaving you time to spend cuddled on the couch with them afterwards.

Not at all! 

This is fantastic for high energy breeds needing an outlet without restriction. However we work with dogs needing more weight management focus instead of just energy burning, senior dogs that need a low-impact movement to stay mobile or dogs that are recovering from an injury that need structured conditioning. We will tailor your dogs session to meet their needs no matter their age or needs.

Our dog gym is perfect for dogs that are reactive as we run on private sessions for up to 2 dogs so no other dogs will be in the van unless they are friends. If your dog is reactive to people or you are unsure we ask that you purchase a muzzle that allows the dog to fully pant. A brand we recommend is the Big Snoof Dog Gear Muzzles. Unfortunately for dogs that are reactive to people until we feel it is safe to do so these dogs are not able to be part of our owner not home service. 

If at any time a dog becomes reactive to us entering a home they will also no long be part of this service until we can determine the dog is no longer reactive.

If your dog has a friend and they would like to run at the same time you can pay for any of our 2 Dog packs. You can add the dog under your account If they do not create an account for themselves you take responsibility when signing the release for for any dogs you book in.

If a 2 Dog pack is purchased but only 1 dog runs there are no refunds. It is suggested to purchase single runs for 2 dogs if you are unsure if they will make it for all runs.

Harnesses - While we have harness specifically for running if you have a well fitted harness all ready on the dog it gives your dog the most running time possible.

Treats - We try to pick out great high reward treats while keeping dogs with sensitivities in mind. If you have a picky dog or a dog with sensitivities and wish to provide your own treats please make sure they are in small pieces. Treats are generally only given the first few session as rewards while they learn to be on the slatmill. Once they are running we change over to a high drive toy. Some dogs prefer a toy over treats and that's ok!

Toys - we have some toys we can use however if your pup has a preferred toy we can use it as well. We do ask that the toy is long enough to reduce risk of biting accidentally.

Please do not feed your dog or allow them to drink excessive amounts of water at least a half hour to an hour prior to running. Feeding them or giving them water before an extreme workout like this can cause discomfort and can be a risk of bloat which can be dangerous. This will also reduce the possibility of an accident on the slatmill. After run they can be given a small amount of water but should not be given free access to water for approx half an hour to an hour.

If you aren't home we will supply the dog with a small amount of water to give them some hydration but not enough to possibly cause bloat after the run.

Please make sure the following items are easily available for us when we enter the home.

- Harness or collar with a leash to safely move the dog from the home to the van. We will use our harnesses if there is no harness provided. 

- Treat or Toy if they have a preferred item. Treats are generally only used in the first few sessions for training, once they have the hang of it a treat can be available at the end but not required. We will provide these if there is no preference..

- A way into the home! We need either the code to your electronic lock on the door OR you must provide a lock box for your key. Details for where the lock box will be and the code will be added to your account when we are given the information. 

We can answer any questions you have during the training runs when you will be around.

Yes we do video record a few things.

First we will have a recording of dogs sessions, these may be used for social media content.

Second we do record entering a house and removing the dog as well as putting them back when the owner isn't home. Any recordings of the home inside or out are NOT used for any social media and are meant for our safety as well as your dogs. We respect the privacy of our clients and will not use any recordings that identify the location we are and at what time.

Yes we do video record a few things.

First we will have a recording of dogs sessions, these may be used for social media content.

Second we do record entering a house and removing the dog as well as putting them back when the owner isn't home. Any recordings of the home inside or out are NOT used for any social media and are meant for our safety as well as your dogs. We respect the privacy of our clients and will not use any recordings that identify the location we are and at what time.

Please contact us! 

We do not monitor emails, phone calls or texts while we are running your dogs so the best way of communication is through our contact page form or email and we will respond as soon as possible!

Packages purchased are non-refundable. If you are unable to use the package you purchased within the expiry time due to injury or death of the pet please let us know ASAP.

Cancellation/rescheduling before 48 hours can be rescheduled to another dates and time without a fee. Cancellation after 48 hours may have a fee charged of $15. A no show will not receive a refund or reschedule.

If we are running behind or need to cancel due to weather or a break down all scheduled appointments affected will be given an option to reschedule.

Please note our packages do expire. 

The Training Pack expires after 1 month and is only able to be used once per dog.

The 2 and 4 packs expire in 2 months

The 8 pack expires after 4 months.