Frequently Asked Questions About
Our Mobile Dog Gym
Frequently Asked Questions About
Our Mobile Dog Gym
We do not advertise ourselves as “dog trainers” we are dog fitness mentors.
We have certificates in dog behavioral training, dog nutrition, and are pet First Aid and CPR certified through the American Red Cross.
We pride ourselves in always furthering our education and expanding our repertoire when it comes to your pets specific needs.
We ask that you clear any physical activity with your vet first. Your furry friend needs to be at least 1 year of age and up-to-date on all vaccinations.
We can accommodate any dog from 5 to 150 pounds and have experience with dogs with a wide variety of physical and mental needs.
Some of the special needs we specialize in include being scared, anxious, reactive, pre/ post-surgery, or any other limitation. Please let us know of your specific dog’s needs. We will do our best to accommodate them
As your pet ages, joints become less stabilized. After using our dog treadmills, muscles that stabilize the joints will become stronger. Your dog will walk with more confidence and have a little more “spring in its step,” like when they were a younger puppy.
Our treadmills (slat mills) are custom built for your pet. The tread surface is texturized to prevent slipping and is ergonomically positioned to give your pet the best walking experience.
Our treadmills also are completely dog powered. They can walk, trot, or run at their own pace.
Our treadmills can also incline, which brings a new exciting element to your dog’s exercise. They also have a resistance break for the more experienced runners.
Here at K9 Sprinter, we only bring excitement, good positive energy, and fun as they exercise! Our dog treadmills are ONLY dog powered; there is no motor. Through encouragement (cheering, clapping, and positive reinforcement), your dog will love to exercise.
Running on a treadmill at first is a mental workout for your pet. You might see them tired and sleepy afterward; this is normal. After a couple of weeks of exercise, you will see your pet have more controlled energy.
After about a month, muscles that have been dormant will become stronger. This is where you will see them walk with more confidence because the stabilizing muscles have had time to strengthen the joints.
A trial run lasts 45 minutes and costs $35. Afterward, if you plan to run your dog weekly, each and every run lasts 30 minutes and starts at $45.
You can pay for a run individually, but we also offer package deals for 1, 3, 6, 12-month increments with savings!
For the safety of your pet, each and every dog is attached to the treadmill/ slat mill with a harness. We highly recommend using a harness because of the comfort and safety it provides your pet.
We have extra harnesses, but if you prefer to use your own, we can use yours as well.
Our current hours are Monday, Friday: 5 AM to 7 PM. Tuesday and Thursday: 7 AM to 9 PM. Wednesday: 6 AM to 8PM. If you need a run on a weekend, give us a call at (507) 405-4345.
We do plan on supplying an additional 1 weekend per month. Check our Facebook page for updates.
We normally operate within 25 miles of Rochester, MN, but we will travel further.
Our sessions are 20 to 30 minutes in length, except for your trial run, which lasts 45 minutes. The extra time during the trial run is to get your furry friend accustomed to our van and acclimated to our treadmills (slat mills).
Veterinary specialists recommend 30 minutes to be the ideal amount of time to sustain cardiovascular health, mental focus and to build muscle without overexerting your dog and risking injury due to exhaustion.
Less than 30 minutes might be necessary for dogs who are not conditioned or unable to do a full 30-minute session due to mental or physical constraints.
We offer weekly and twice per week running sessions. For those who like to save, we also offer packages. Most people prefer a weekly schedule; this will give your pup a great mental and physical workout. You are free to schedule your run when your dog is ready. We recommend the same time and day each week.
During cold winter months, when outdoor exercising is limited, we find some clients that have over-active pups prefer twice-a-week runs. You know your dog best; it is also best to observe how they react to a regular exercise. We are here to help your dog(s) with their specific needs.
All sessions are one on one. We have the benefit of running more than 1 dog at a time. More than 1 dog will be ran at a time ONLY when all dogs are living in the same household and the owner allows.
When booking, create an account on our website. Before you schedule your first session, we need to know a little about you and your pup. Please read and fill out the information form and liability form.
You will receive a confirmation notification at least 24 hours before your appointment. Please make sure all feedings are completed at least 2 hours before your appointment and make sure to get in a potty break at least 30 minutes before our arrival.
K9 Sprinter does provide additional services such as Potty Breaks and Feedings on our website.
We recommend using a harness during their run for their safety. If you do not have a favorite harness, don’t worry, we have extras. Once we arrive, please bring your dog(s), on a leash, out to the mobile dog gym, or if you need help, we can meet you at the door.
Along with our positive attitude and professional service, our top priorities are safety, positivity, and having fun! Our goal is to give your dogs a great workout that will leave them asking for more!
We closely supervise your dog as they exercise and tend to their needs of water, breaks, and safety checks as needed to keep them safe and make sure they are having fun. Our dog treadmills are non-motorized so they can walk, trot, or run throughout their entire session.
You are more than welcome to join in during the session, to have fun too, or if you rather sit back and wind down in a quiet house. Our policy is you’re always welcome. For the first 3 sessions, we recommend you supply us with your pet’s favorite toy.
Your dog may be sprawled out on the cold floor… They just had a great mental and physical workout. Some dogs might have a short burst of energy after their exercise- that is normal too. For older and unconditioned dogs, we recommend giving them a massage to help break up the lactic acid.
Please limit their water intake after their exercise and only allow small sips of water 10-15 minutes after their exercise.
We do provide turmeric treats after each run to facilitate their recovery and reduce inflammation. Although highly unlikely, please let us know if your dog has any allergies.
Generally, it takes between 5 to 15 minutes so they can learn how to balance and propel themselves on our equipment. Every dog is different, so it might take a few sessions to build their confidence. We allotted the extra time into every trial run. The more they use the equipment, the more they will gain their confidence.
Our treadmills (slat mills) do not have any motors; they can speed up or slow down at their own pace. We are there to keep them safe and give them positive reinforcement. Let us know if your pup has any special “quirks” so we can accommodate them.
Every dog is different. Some will run on their first session, while others need to build up their confidence in themselves and the equipment first.
Good news, they don’t need to be running at full speed to get a good workout. Our treadmills (slat mills) also incline and offer resistance (for the more experienced pups), so for each session they are getting a mental and physical workout; they also are engaging their mind, core, and leg muscles.
We recommend you be present during their trial run. After the first run, you may stay but you are welcome to hand-off your dog at the door and return when they are done.
We are fully insured. We can visit your dog while you are away at work, on vacation, or at a different location.
We accept Apple Pay, Visa, Master Card, Discover, AMEX, Google Pay, or prepay on our website.
Neighborhood or trail walks are good exercises for your pet, although they are a bonding experience and provide socialization for you and your pet. How often do you let them off leash and run or walk at their own pace?
At K9 Sprinter, your dog is in a temperature-controlled safe environment where they can exercise at any speed they desire. We are by their side 100% of the time to keep them having fun and having good positive experiences
You will receive a confirmation via electronic means at 8 AM the day before your scheduled appointment.
If you cancel 12 hours before your appointment, you will NOT be charged for your missed session.
If you cancel less than 12 hours before your scheduled session, on your first occurrence, you will be charged half of the missed session.
If you cancel less than 12 hours before your scheduled session, on your second occurrence, you will be charged full price of the missed session.
Emergencies happen from time to time, reach out to us by phone and we will see how we can accommodate.
Please call or text (507) 405-4345 for your cancellations.
Referring friends and family is encouraged. We want to share the healthy and positive benefits of exercise with as many dogs as possible.
After you have referred one (1) new customer, you will receive one (1) FREE gift card, valued at $50.
Referred customers must book and complete at least one (1) run with K9 Sprinter.
K9 Sprinter does have discounts available for law enforcement, EMS, fire, veterans, and Mayo employees.
First, schedule a booking. Upon completion of your booking, you will be automatically forwarded to our client information form. Finally, upload a photo of your badge to our liability waiver (at the bottom) and sign.
We will be in contact via email to provide your discount codes.
Your package will expire 1 month after the duration of your purchased package.
For Example: If you purchase a 1 month package, it will be available to book for 2 months
If you book a 3 month package, you can book for a total of 4 months.
*Bookings after the expiration date of the package will only be available for 1 month after the duration of the package. (This is to allow missed exercises for each of the packages.)
If you find yourself needing to cancel your dog’s scheduled run, don’t worry. We offer a complete refund of all fees and costs back to your original form of payment. However, please be aware that any processing fees that were part of the transaction or fees associated with your refund are non-refundable and will be deducted from your total refund amount.
If you live outside our service area, the cost for us to travel to your location is 0.67 cents per mile from Rochester, MN.
The milage fee will be charged at before the conclusion of your session.