One of the most common questions we get asked is why work dogs out on non-motorized treadmills (slatmills) instead of just taking them for a walk? There are several reasons, but first we must clarify that only rarely are our workouts used INSTEAD of walks. Most of the time, they are IN ADDITION TO several walks that the owners give their dogs every day. Treadmill exercise helps to keep your dog in good shape by strengthening their heart and lungs as well as their back legs, which rarely get much work just walking or laying around. This is why you see dogs that have muscular front legs and skinny rear legs, and is also the reason so many dogs have rear-end issues later in life. A lifetime of walking on flat surfaces at human pace has caused their rear legs to atrophy from a lack of use. In the wild, dogs run all the time, pushing weight off their rear legs in order to hunt and get food. In captivity, our dogs rarely use these muscles and suffer because of it. Just the act of walking on a treadmill that is inclined simulates running or walking uphill, which gives exercise to those muscles that are going ignored. This is why a half hour on the treadmill is actually equal to over an hour and a half of walking with their owners. It is why you rarely see a dog tired after a walk, yet after being on a treadmill their tongue is out and they are tired. It is spot targeting those muscles that they need to build up, the same way specific gym equipment does for humans. The result of regular workouts on an inclined slatmill is the ability to walk with you longer and without as much difficulty, as well as a longer and healthier life.
The second most obvious reason to walk or run dogs on slatmills in our climate controlled vans is that it gets extremely hot in Las Vegas, where we are located. A 90 degree day outside heats the pavement up to over 130 degrees, which burns their paws and is very unhealthy for them. In the summers in Las Vegas, it is literally dangerous to walk your dogs outdoors in the heat. Our service gives us the ability to give them good exercise in a temperature that is healthy for them to exercise within. We keep our vans climate controlled to the mid 70’s and low 80’s all year long, so your dog can keep getting his or her exercise even when others are cooped up in the house.
The biggest reason to exercise dogs on slatmills in our vans is that it is fully supervised and safe. The workout is tailored not only to your dog, but your dog on that particular day. We constantly monitor your dog for signs of distress or over-exertion, and continually motivate your dog to get the best workout possible. This personal coaching provides the best exercise that your dog can get to keep them in tip-top shape. The result is less stress and acting out as a result. It reduces separation anxiety and destructiveness and makes them a calmer and more well behaved dog. It gives them the mental and physical stimulation that they lack if they are locked in a house all day, or a crate. After being cooped up for hours every day, they need to release that energy in a positive way just to stay happy. All the rest is just added benefits.
