Everything owners ask before their first session.
If your question is not here, phone us or send a note. We reply within one business day.
Safety
Is the slat mill safe for my dog?
Yes. It is dog-powered, low impact, and monitored by a handler at all times. Dogs are introduced slowly with a treat-based intro protocol on the first visit.
What if my dog refuses to get on?
That happens on about one in five first sessions. We spend the Tundra Pass earning trust with food, praise, and short intervals. No dog is ever forced onto the mill.
Are handlers certified?
Yes. Our lead handler holds CPDT-KA certification and Fear Free professional status, and is fully insured through a Canadian commercial policy.
Reactive dogs
My dog is reactive to strangers. Will they react to the handler?
Some do at first. We use barriers, distance, and food to keep the first session under threshold. Many reactive dogs settle by session two.
Why does my reactive dog seem more hyper after walks?
Reactive dogs on walks are in constant scan mode. That is adrenaline, not exercise. Controlled cardio in a low-stimulus space burns energy without stacking stress.
Post-surgery and seniors
Can my dog use a treadmill after TPLO?
Usually yes, once your vet clears controlled exercise (often around week six to eight). We follow the pace and duration your vet sets and log every session.
Do you work with senior dogs?
Yes. Slow-pace conditioning is one of the best things for arthritic and older dogs when done carefully. Sessions can run 10 to 20 minutes instead of the full 30.
Does pet insurance cover sessions?
Sometimes, when there is a vet referral for rehab. We provide itemised receipts and session logs. Check with your insurer directly.
Weather and winter
Do you operate in winter?
Winter is our busiest season. The van is heated to about 20 degrees inside. If Calgary road conditions are unsafe we reschedule at no cost.
Is road salt dangerous for dogs in Calgary?
It can burn paw pads and cause GI upset if ingested. Sessions inside the van avoid the salt entirely, and we do a quick paw wipe before and after every session.
Booking and cancellation
How much notice do you need to cancel?
24 hours. Same-day cancellations use a session from your pack. Weather and medical cancellations are always free.
How much does dog gym Calgary cost?
Single sessions are $65 CAD. Our 8-session Chinook Pack brings it to $55.25 per session, which is what most regulars end up on. Two-dog household rates are lower again per dog.
Two-dog households
Can both my dogs run at once?
No. The mill is a one-dog piece of equipment. Both dogs share the same 30 minute slot at your driveway, running one at a time.
Do both dogs need intake forms?
Yes. Every dog needs a completed intake and signed waiver on file before the first session.
Still have a question?
The fastest path is a short note with your dog's name, breed, and what you are trying to solve.