A mobile dog gym like RUN DAWG is designed to provide high intensity running exercise in a climate controlled environment. This is desirable for two reasons, namely because you can provide an ability for your dog to run at fast speeds in completely controlled ways, being able to run at a high rate of speed without causing themselves harm or injury. Dog parks rely upon interaction with other dogs in order to facilitate running and exercise, and rarely will a dog simply run around when they are by themselves in a park. The dog park fosters two behaviors that are difficult to control, chasing or being chased. Being chased will cause fear in some dogs and possibly fights. Chasing will reinforce the prey drive, and potentially create dog reactivity. On top of these reasons are all of the potential injuries and sicknesses that can be transmitted at dog parks. Most responsible dog owners will refuse to put their dogs into these types of situations, forcing them to find alternative ways to exercise their dogs. Another problem in extreme climates like Las Vegas is the heat or cold. It gets far too hot in the summer to safely walk your dog on the pavement, which would easily burn their paws. The pavement can reach temperatures of upwards of 190 degrees, which burns even the toughest skin. Wintertime can be cold and uncomfortable, ultimately leaving you with only a few months every year where the weather is desirable to take your dog for a walk. Even during these times, a walk is simply not enough exercise to keep a dog boy in good working order, they need far more than that to be healthy.
A mobile dog gym gives us the ability to tailor a workout to the dog’s ability and give them a high intensity workout that is within their limits, but still develops muscle and the cardiovascular system. Even though learning a new task and being in the van itself is mentally stimulating for dogs, it does not replace the time with you strolling and sniffing. This type of behavior stimulates their brains after hours of being locked into a confined space like the house. It is what is necessary to keep your dog mentally healthy, in addition to providing them with a minimal amount of physical exercise.
Mobile dog gyms and slatmill workouts are for physical high intensity exercise, walks are for mental stimulation and socialization. Dogs need both.
