Question 1

What type of treadmill is used?

Accepted Answer

Slat Pack is all about the best quality, providing safe and secure exercise that runs solely on your dog's momentum. We utilize a Firepaw Gen 10 Phoenix treadmill, specifically known as a slatmill. Unlike a traditional treadmill with electricity giving forced exertion, your pup runs the show with a slat treadmill. Your dog gets the treadmill moving and creates the power and pace.

Why Firepaw? Because they are "trusted by NATO, elite military units, and numerous police departments worldwide. It is the top choice for trainers and veterinarians, renowned for its exceptional joint protection, performance, and durability."
They have no motors, utilize no electricity, are low-resistance and low impact, and move at the speed your dog desires. There is no weight limit or size minimum. When they move, it moves. When they slow, it slows. When they stop, it stops.

The treadmills have a locking mechanism that keeps the slats from rolling until your pup is securely harnessed in and ready for take off. Just in case for emergencies (or because your pup doesn't want to stop the fun) there is a safety braking system that can be utilized.

Question 2

Do you have a rewards program?

Accepted Answer

For every session you'll receive a photo, video, and report card of how fast and far your pup ran.

Slat Pack is in the process of coming up with some amazing milestone rewards - Stay tuned to learn what you and your your pup can collect for the following milestones:

Marathon Madness!
 
First 20 miles completed!
 
100 miles completed!
 
300 miles completed!
 
Puppy challenges!
 
Health Fitness Milestones!

Question 3

How frequently is the equipment cleaned?

Accepted Answer

Our pack takes health and wellness very seriously. Current rabies vaccination records are required for every client and we pride ourselves in disinfecting the treadmills between each run session. At the end of the day, a thorough clean and sanitization is performed and during the weekend, when not available, we do a deep clean to have a fresh start the next week!

We utilize pet-safe cleaning supplies that are commonly found in rescue/shelter environments and veterinary offices.

We take every precaution to ensure our dog gym is clean, safe, and secure for your pup and if your pup is seeming unwell at the time of the session, we will discuss rescheduling. A healthy pup deserves a safe run!

Question 4

How does it work?

Accepted Answer

Step 1: You Come To Us (and soon we come we come to you!)
 Currently we are brick and mortar so you come on over to us! Once we are mobile, our fully equipped van arrives at your home. We already have everything sanitized and cooled down, ready to run!

*If it is your pup's first run-we will perform an assessment of your pup's needs, temperament, and how they do being introduced to the treadmill.

Step 2: Your Dog Runs Naturally
 We safely harness your pup in and do a warm up get them comfortable. Then we back off and provide encouragement for their walk, trot, or sprint at their own pace.

Step 3: We Monitor and Guide
 For up to 30 minutes your dog gets to enjoy their exercise on their terms. Every session is supervised to ensure safety, confidence, and progress.

Step 4: Your Dog Finishes Happy and Fulfilled
 Most dogs finish calm, relaxed, and satisfied. Please allow time for them to relax before giving them water. Let them hang out around the house and enjoy the cold tile until there is minimal panting/heavy breathing. Once calmed down, they can have some water and continue on their day!

Step 5 (optional): Your pup hangs back with us until pick up!
 Being that we are not mobile yet, we offer pick up/drop offs. Slat Pack is also licensed and insured in pet sitting services! If a pick up or drop off is need while you run errands we have doggy daycare for $5/hour (up to 3 hours) or $25 for the day (3-8 hours). Once we are mobile, these services end as we come straight to your home!

Question 5

Isn't this just a lazy form of exercise?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not! Many modern working breeds do not get enough exercise. Every breed has a history of having certain jobs and this kind of treadmill exercise helps to let dogs feel free and gain the same stimulation of working. This treadmill exercise provides amazing health benefits as well as letting your dog experiencing their true potential all while staying in shape and having fun!

Did you know that greyhounds can reach up to 45mph? What about tiny little Jack Russel Terriers? They can actually compete at up to 38mph! From small to large, all dog breeds can average 10-20mph running speeds while even our fastest human alive recorded speed maxed at right under 28mph. The average non-athletic human only runs around 4-8mph.

So, in short, nope! This isn't lazy exercise at all! This is us truly caring about your pup's health and happiness - giving them a purpose and feeling fulfilled all so that you can enjoy your relationship with your pup to the fullest!

Question 6

How do you build my pup's confidence on the treadmill?

Accepted Answer

Positivity and encouragement is throughout the entire process. We have toys and treats (if allowed) on board to assist as well.

Feel free to bring their favorite toy/ball and treats as well!

We give very little treats, and try to not do it for every session (more helpful for the first few sessions) as we do not want any accidents or risk of bloat during sessions.

If your pup is on a weight management regiment, we will respect this and not allow treats during sessions. For this situation, we plan on all the extra patience!

Question 7

How quickly will my dog become confident on the treadmill?

Accepted Answer

Every dog has a different experience. There is no forced movement. Our pup fitness coach will provide patience, encouragement, and positivity to get them acclimated and comfortable with the run prior to allowing them to have full control of the slatmill. We utilize our braking system to start slow and let them get the hang of the process. Once they feel confident, we will release the brake and allow them to set their own pace. The more sessions, the more confidence. Within a 3-4 sessions, most dogs need little, if any, encouragement or warm up time!

Question 8

How fast will my dog run?

Accepted Answer

Every pup is different, and they set their own pace with Slat Pack. The average walking speed of a dog is 6mph, their running pace is around 20mph, and they can keep going up to around 45mph!

Compare that to the average walking speed for a human at 3 mph, our running pace is around 7mph, and we top out at 18mph.

Even our “slower paced” pups comfortably walk at a human's average jogging speed. So whether your pup walks, trots, or puts the pedal to the metal, with Slat Pack they're getting a great 30 minute workout that allows them to set their own pace and enjoy the freedom of movement- out of the Florida elements and under the hum of cool AC!

Question 9

How do I prepare my pup for sessions?

Accepted Answer

It is important that feedings and heavy waterings be completed at least two hours before any exercise to prevent Bloat (or GVD) in dogs. Prior to their session, your dog may benefit from a quick potty break.

Post-session, do not give your dog any food or water for at least 30 minutes. They may seem pretty exhausted, but this is normal. Giving a dog water to drink as a method of cooling off can cause more harm then good. And eating after a intense workout can upset the stomach or risk bloat. Give them ample time to calm down (minimal panting and heavy breathing), and enjoy the cold tile floor. Once they're calm, they are good for the day to carry on their normal shenanigans!

Question 10

Can I watch my pup during their session?

Accepted Answer

With all of our experience with rescue and having our own furry members at home, we plan on treating your pup like it was one of our own! Due to insurance, Slat Pack is unable to allow those uninsured inside our van. Beginning sessions we do take into consideration for each pup whether we need to have you join a part of the process. We can keep the door open briefly to help encourage your pup. After that, or when they are truly confident with the process, we would close the door to make sure your pup doesn't lose any ice cold AC and is kept safe. We will gladly takes photos and videos of every session to share with you!

Question 11

(Mobile Services) Do I need to be home for my pup's sessions?

Accepted Answer

Initially, yes. We want to make sure that you are nearby while we assess and work on your pup's confidence on the treadmill. Once they're showing that they have the hang of the process and are comfortable, we can make arrangements together so that do not have to be home for future sessions.

*Currently we are not providing this service as we are brick and mortar, however, doggy daycare with us is an available option!

Question 12

Is it a monthly membership?

Accepted Answer

No monthly commitment is required! We charge per session. To get the best bang for your buck, we have a multi-session package that makes your dog's exercise even more affordable.

Question 13

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

We would like other pack members to enjoy as much of our time as possible. If your pup cannot attend their session, you must notify us before 5:00PM EST the day prior to your appointment. This is so that we can promptly reach out to others about the time slot becoming available.

Question 14

How do I access the Pup Portal?

Accepted Answer

First we need to chat! We will have you complete a New Pup Form to get to know you. Once this is completed, we will give you a call and schedule a free assessment to determine whether this is the right fit for your pup, introduce you both to our equipment, and go for a little test walk/run. If all goes well, we will give you access to the pup portal where you can create a profile. The pup portal is changing often so be prepared for all of the fun updates coming!

Question 15

Can I buy a run for a shelter dog?

Accepted Answer

Of course you can! We are working closely with our local Treasure Coast shelters and rescues to donate our time to helping our shelter pups. Ask about what shelters/rescues we are connected with.

If you are a rescue looking to connect, we would so love to have a relationship with you! Our founder's 4 pack members are rescues as well, so we love to say thank you to our animal welfare groups!

Question 16

What if I need dog training help?

Accepted Answer

Not a problem! Slat Pack is constantly networking to build a list of dog trainers throughout the Treasure Coast. If you cannot afford training, there are some programs run by local Humane Societies that can help with this and we have no problem getting you connected with someone.

FAQs