Question 1

What is The Canine Gym?

Accepted Answer

The Canine Gym is a mobile dog fitness service. We bring a professional slatmill treadmill to your home in our van and give your dog a structured 30-minute workout, right at your house.

Question 2

What is a slatmill?

Accepted Answer

A slatmill is a non-motorized treadmill designed specifically for dogs. Unlike electric treadmills, the belt only moves when your dog walks or runs, they control the speed entirely. This makes it safer, more natural, and more effective for building real fitness.

Question 3

How long is each session?

Accepted Answer

Each session is 30 minutes on the slatmill. Total time at your home is a bit longer to account for the handoff and walk to the van.

Question 4

What happens when you arrive for a session?

Accepted Answer

We pull up to your driveway. You bring your dog to the door or curb, we attach our lead, and we walk your dog into the climate-controlled van. The 30-minute slatmill session happens inside. When time's up, we walk your dog back and hand them off to you. Our team is not permitted to enter your home, and children under 18 are not permitted inside the van.

Question 5

Do I need to be home during the session?

Accepted Answer

Yes, someone needs to be home to hand off your dog at the door or curb. Our team is not permitted to enter your residence, so we'll need you (or another adult) to bring your dog to us when we arrive and receive them back at the end of the session. You're welcome to stay outside and watch the session start, or head back inside and we'll text you when we're wrapping up.

Question 6

What if my dog won't use the slatmill?

Accepted Answer

Most dogs warm up to it within their first session or two. Mia is experienced at gently introducing them. That's exactly why we offer the intro package (2 sessions for $85), to give first-time dogs time to get comfortable. Note: if a dog refuses to use the slatmill during a session, the full session fee still applies.

Question 7

Is there a minimum age?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Dogs must be at least 6 months old. Dogs aged 7 or older need written veterinary clearance for strenuous exercise.

Question 8

Are there any breed restrictions?

Accepted Answer

Most breeds are welcome. Brachycephalic breeds (short-snouted dogs like Bulldogs, Pugs, French Bulldogs, Boxers) need additional written veterinary clearance specifically approving slatmill exercise. This is for their safety due to breathing considerations during physical activity.

Question 9

What size dogs can use the slatmill?

Accepted Answer

Our slatmills accommodate most breeds and sizes, from medium to large dogs. We will assess your dog at the first session to make sure they are comfortable and safe on the equipment.

Question 10

My dog is very high energy, is this right for them?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. High-energy breeds tend to love the slatmill. It gives them a real outlet for their energy in a structured, controlled way.

Question 11

What if my dog has a health condition?

Accepted Answer

Dogs with known cardiac, orthopedic, neurological, or respiratory conditions need written veterinary clearance before participating. We're not a veterinary service. Please consult your vet about whether the slatmill is right for your dog.

Question 12

What if my dog is anxious or reactive?

Accepted Answer

Many anxious dogs do well with us because every session is 1:1 with no other dogs around. It's a calm, controlled environment, not the stimulation of a daycare or dog park. We introduce the slatmill slowly and at your dog's pace. We do screen for dogs with a history of human aggression for safety reasons. If you've flagged this during booking, we'll reach out before the session to talk through it.

Question 13

Can I bring multiple dogs?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Each dog gets their own membership and their own session. During the intro period, dogs run individually. Once both dogs have completed an intro package, they can be booked into the same time slot and run side-by-side, since we have two slatmills in the van. You'll see individual stats and progress for each pup in the app.

Question 14

Is the slatmill safe? Can my dog get hurt or fall off?

Accepted Answer

The slatmill is non-motorized, which is a core safety feature. The belt only moves when your dog moves, so there's no motor pulling them forward. They can slow down or stop whenever they want. The unit is designed specifically for dogs, and Mia supervises every session start to finish.

Question 15

How should I prepare my dog for a session?

Accepted Answer

A few things: Don't feed your dog a full meal within 2 hours of the session, and avoid large amounts of water in that window Have your dog in a properly fitted Y-front or back-clip body harness when we arrive (not a collar) Be at the door at your session time. We'll meet your dog at the doorway or curb Make sure vaccinations and any required clearances are up to date

Question 16

What vaccinations does my dog need?

Accepted Answer

Your dog must be current on Rabies, Distemper/Parvovirus (DA2PP), Bordetella, Leptospirosis, and Canine Influenza, plus a veterinarian-recommended flea, tick, and parasite prevention program. We'll need written proof before your first session.

Question 17

How do I book a session?

Accepted Answer

Create an account at app.thecaninegym.com, add your dog's profile, and pick an available time slot in your city. You'll receive instant confirmation by email.

Question 18

How do memberships work?

Accepted Answer

Memberships give you a set number of sessions per month at a discounted rate. Sessions reset on the 1st of each month and do not roll over. You can also book a la carte sessions without a membership.

Question 19

What is the a la carte option?

Accepted Answer

A la carte sessions are $55 each with no membership required. Book as many or as few as you like, whenever it works for you.

Question 20

I've never tried this. Can I test it first?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our intro package is 2 sessions for $85, specifically for first-time dogs. It gives your pup time to get comfortable with the slatmill before you commit to a membership. We recommend one session per week over two weeks.

Question 21

How often should my dog train?

Accepted Answer

For consistent progress, once a week is the recommended baseline, which is why our Standard plan is 4 sessions per month. Pro (8 sessions per month, twice weekly) suits high-energy dogs or specific fitness goals. The intro package follows the same rhythm: 1 session per week for 2 weeks.

Question 22

What's your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

We require 48 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule a session. Cancellations with less than 48 hours' notice, and no-shows, are charged the full session fee. Cancellations due to documented veterinary illness are exempt from the cancellation fee.

Question 23

Do you offer refunds?

Accepted Answer

All membership sales are final. Refunds are issued at our discretion only in cases of service failure on our part. If you want to stop a recurring membership, you can cancel through the app. You'll keep access through the end of your current billing cycle.

Question 24

What happens if there's bad weather?

Accepted Answer

Our van is climate-controlled, so most weather isn't an issue. For severe weather (storms, dangerous road conditions, extreme heat or cold), we may cancel and reschedule. You'll be notified as soon as possible and rescheduled at no additional charge.

Question 25

How does the stat tracking work?

Accepted Answer

Our custom-built slatmill sensor tracks your dog's performance during every session. When the session ends, stats including distance, avg speed, peak speed, duration, and calories are automatically synced to your dashboard in the app.

Question 26

What stats are tracked?

Accepted Answer

We track 14 metrics per session including distance, calories, peak speed, average speed, duration, active vs. rest time, pace consistency, acceleration, speed zones, top speed duration, and effort score. All data syncs to your dashboard the moment the session ends.

Question 27

What is the leaderboard?

Accepted Answer

The leaderboard ranks dogs in your city by total sessions, miles run, or calories burned for the current month. It resets monthly. You can choose to participate publicly, anonymously, or opt out entirely.

Question 28

What are achievements?

Accepted Answer

Achievements are badges your dog earns by hitting milestones, like completing their first session, running 10 miles total, or booking 5 sessions in a month. They show up on your dashboard and leaderboard profile.

Question 29

What areas do you serve?

Accepted Answer

We currently serve 11 cities across Hamilton County, Indiana: Carmel, Fishers, Westfield, Noblesville, Zionsville, Geist, Whitestown, Sheridan, Pendleton, McCordsville, and Fortville.

Question 30

When do you come to my city?

Accepted Answer

Each city has its own scheduled days. You can see the current schedule for your city on the service area section of our home page. Pick your city and we'll show you this week's Monday and Thursday hours.

Question 31

Are you expanding to new areas?

Accepted Answer

We're focused on serving Hamilton County right now. Expansion is on the roadmap and will be driven by demand. If you're outside our service area, let us know via the contact form and we'll keep your interest on file.

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