Slatmill

What can a slat mill do for your dog?

1. Exercise: Slat mills provide controlled cardiovascular exercise for dogs, helping them stay fit and maintain a healty weight.

2. Conditioning: Athlete or working dogs, such as sled dogs, herding dogs, or hunting dogs, may use slat mills to build endurance and muscle strength.

3. Rehabilitation: Injured or recovering dogs can benefit from low-impact exercise on a slat mill as part of their rehabilitation program.

4. Weight Management: Overweight dogs can use slat mills to shed excess pounds in a controlle manner.

5. Mental Stimulation: Slat mills can provide mental stimulation and alleviate boredom for high-energy dogs.

6. Training: Some dog trainers use slat mills as a tool to train dogs for specific tasks or sports, like agility or competitive obedience.

7. Competition: Dogs invovled in dog sports like weight pulling or racing may use slat mills to improve their performance.

8. Energy Release: High-energy dogs can burn off excess energy on a slat mill, reducing the liklihood of destructive behavior.

9. Temperature Control: In hot climates, using a slat mill can help dogs exercise without risking overheating, as it provides a surface that doesn't retain heat like asphalt or even grass.

10. Weight Pulling: Dogs trained for weight pulling competitions can use slat mills to improve their pulling strength and technique.

*It's essential to consult with a veterinarian or a professional dog trainer before using a slat mill to ensure it's appropriate for your dog's specific needs and health condition.

What is a slat mill?

A "slatmill" is a device that is constructed specifically for the exercising of dogs, as a way for them to be able to run as fast or slow as they desire in a safe environment. A slatmill is essentially a type of treadmill that does not have a motor, and instead uses kinetic energy in order to provide the movement that exercises the dog. Many people who use slatmill exercise as a method of keeping their dogs healthy and in good physical condition will build their own, and others will choose to purchase a mill that was designed and built by a professional company. The reason they can be built at home is due to the simplistic nature of the movement device that is used, and the fact that there is no motorization necessary in order to achieve the goal. The slatmill can be built to any size necessary to accommodate the dog, essentially forming a chute so the dog cannot fall off the sides. This is accomplished through the use of panels that are mounted on the sides of the mill, many of the professional mills using plexiglass so that the dog's movements can be observed from the side. The dog is harnessed to a crossbar which is positioned over the dog's back, which keeps them in place so that when they walk or run they do not move more than a few inches forward or backward. The main components of the slatmill are a belt that is positioned around a large wheel at the front and a wheel at the back. The belt forms a circle that allows it to continuously move under the dog while it runs or walks. Slats that are attached to the belt which make a continual flat surface that is solid, but still can move around the wheel at the front without binding This provides the dog with the ability to run on a flat and solid surface that moves under their feet as they run. They are able to stay in exactly the same placement on the device while running at full sped, and doing so in a position where they can be closely monitored. The trainer can then watch for signs of fatigue or distress, all the while motivating the dog to move forward on the mill. This provides a customized workout that is not only ideal for working muscles that are not typically exercised by walks alone, and does it in an environment where cushioning and a lack of fast turns is easier on the dog's joints and bones. All together, the slatmill can give the dog an ability to exercise effectively and safely unlike any other method.

How much exercise should I be giving my dog?

One of the questions we get asked all the time is “how much exercise should I be giving my dog?” This is usually because people are looking for a minimum amount that they should do in order to give their dog a good life, but also not take all of their time. To answer this appropriately, we should ask ourselves a comparative question like “how much time should 1 spend with my child,” or another question that seems ridiculous. The answer to all of these questions is “as much as you can possibly do” because physical activity just like mental stimulation is necessary for animals and people alike. You as well as your dog get healthier and stronger every time you perform a physical activity, and you literally should do as much as you possibly can with your dog in order to keep them active keeping your dog active will help them as they age to not succumb to many of the issues that are related to aging over time, and it will also keep your dog interested and having fun.

The minimums you should be concentrating on with regard to your dog’s activity levels are the following, if your dog is young and healthy.

- Walk your dog at least a mile a day, and try to do it over uneven surfaces. Walking your dog extended amounts on flat pavement is not good for joints and muscles

- Play with your dog every night for at least 30 minutes, but preferably until they stop. This is going to involve chase and fetch, tug and any other game your dog enjoys.

- 30 minutes of high intensity running exercise at least once a week. This is full on running or weight pulling so as to raise their heart rate. Do not necessarily go until the dog is exhausted, but until they are panting hard.

These are the suggestions we make for good dog health, and are the rules we follow with our own dogs.