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Frequently Asked Questions
We are very proud of our outstanding product line and the contributions our
machines have made to the physical and mental well-being of dogs world-wide. If you are unfamiliar with our JOG A DOG products, please read the frequently asked questions below. Should you have additional questions concerning our products, please do not hesitate to contact us inquiry form .
We place high value in the questions and feedback we receive from our customers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Why would anyone purchase a treadmill for their dog?
Treadmills provide numerous benefits beyond what can normally be achieved from walking or even running a dog.
For example, dog show handlers use treadmills to perform simple gait analysis.
The treadmill allows the handler to study the gait of a dog and make corrections while the dog is in movement.
The treadmill also helps the handler find and develop the proper speed the dog should adhere to in the ring.
The handler can then reinforce the dogs natural trot by training and developing the dog's muscles to the speed
the dog should adhere to in the ring.
The incline of the JOG A DOG treadmill, provides the resistance needed to develop strength and muscle.
Likewise, by altering the resistance, the dog can achieve an excellent cardiovascular workout that is tailored to meet
any exercise goal. Treadmill exercise also provides versatility while adding consistency to any exercise program. Along
with walking your dog, playing Frisbee or fetch, the treadmill is an additional exercise that, when added to an existing
regimen, will insure your dog uses all its muscles and is in peak physical condition. Regardless of inclement
weather, (rain, sleet, mud, snow, heat, humidity, ice, hail) JOG A DOG allows you to adhere to a strict, controlled
and consistent regimen that will guarantee results!
For typical pet owners, exercise is the key ingredient to good health, good mental agility and longevity.
Additionally, it is important to understand that most pet dogs were bred to perform daily tasks, alongside humans,
such as pulling sleds, operating equipment, herding sheep and performing rescue operations. If a dog does not get
adequate exercise (adequate may be more than you might believe), this instinctive energy will build up and demand
an outlet. So if your dog's chewing the couch and indulging in a little excessive barking, it may very well be that
he's bored and under exercised.
Finally, when introduced appropriately, treadmill exercise is a fun activity that dog's thoroughly enjoy!
How do you get a dog to walk on the JOG A DOG?
If your dog has never used a JOG A DOG before, begin by first walking your dog over the machine while the JOG A DOG switch is in the off position. This helps your dog gain familiarity with the treadmill and will ease any fears the dog may have of the machine. Repeat this process several times by having your dog step up onto the rear of the machine, walk your dog across the machine, then allow your dog to step down off the front of the machine.
After two or three repetitions of walking your dog across the machine, your dog will be ready to go. To begin exercising, position yourself at the front of the machine (eye level with the dog). With one hand on your dogs lead, turn the switch to the on position. With the machine turned on in the slow position (creeping), the dog will unknowingly step forward and begin to respond naturally by advancing. Adjust the speed slowly to accommodate your dogs response to the treadmill. Be sure to allow adequate time, following each incremental change in speed, for the dog to adjust. After a few minutes your dog will gain confidence and begin lift his head. After about a week, your dog should be running without a lead.
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At what age should I start exercising my dog on a JOG A DOG?
Ideally, an exercise plan should be established when your dog is still a puppy and continue throughout your pet's life.
The three JOG A DOG treadmills allow for a slope adjustment of 0 to 11 degrees. For dogs under two (2) years (until the growth plates have closed), we recommend that you not exercise your puppy on an incline. As your dog ages, exercise tolerance and requirements can be adjusted. Always consult your veterinarian before you change an existing program or begin a new exercise program for your dog. [top]
Are certain breeds better suited for a JOG A DOG?
A walk around the block or a 15 minute romp in the backyard several times a day is minimal exercise and is NOT enough
to meet the average dog's needs. Active breeds such as dogs from the sporting, herding, hound and terrier groups,
northern breeds and any mixture of these ( i.e. the vast majority of pet dogs ) and virtually all adolescents
require much, much more exercise!!!
However, a few dogs (not breed specific) do require very little exercise to maintain good health
and will derive little benefit from a JOG A DOG. Like people, all people need exercise, some require more
exercise than others to maintain good health. Always consult your veterinarian before you begin a new exercise
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At what age should a dog discontinue the use of a JOG A DOG?
Ideally, an exercise plan should be established when your dog is still a puppy and continue throughout your pet's life.
As a dog ages, exercise tolerance and requirements will change. Always consult your veterinarian before you change
an existing program or begin a new exercise regimen for your dog. Your veterinarian will want to perform a
complete physical exam on your pet and discuss exercises that are appropriate. [top]
Why is exercise important for senior dogs?
Exercise is important for your elderly dog for many reasons. First of all, exercise helps maintain a healthy body weight. Being overweight may lead to a number of health problems. It places excess stress on your pet's heart. When the heart doesn't function properly, other organs may suffer including the brain, lungs, liver and kidneys. Over time, these problems may become severe enough to cause life-threatening conditions.
Osteoarthritis is degeneration of joints. This problem may develop during a pet's geriatric years causing pain and discomfort. Excess weight on these joints can speed up the disease. Believe it or not, moderate exercise can help to delay the continued degeneration of joints that are affected with osteoarthritis.
Your elderly dog's mental health may also benefit from exercise. Activity keeps oxygen and other nutrients like glucose (blood sugar) at optimum levels in the brain. The brain is like every other organ in the body in that it requires good nutrition.
As mentioned above, DO discuss your dog's exercise program with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can let you know if your pet has any health problems that might be exacerbated by some types of activity but not others. You need to know what type of exercise is safest for your elderly dog; you also need to know how frequently and for how long it should be done.
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Why is your treadmill so expensive?
When you consider the quality of our treadmill systems, backed with our limited lifetime warranty (limited to original purchaser), we feel our products are priced competitively. In business for over 35 years, we realize that quality comes at a cost to the consumer however the tradeoff is a product our customers will enjoy for a lifetime. No other treadmill manufacturer offers a limited lifetime warranty on all parts.
JOG A DOG treadmills are fabricated using high-quality, industrial grade, components throughout. Each treadmill is hand assembled, from start to finish, to insure the highest quality in craftsmanship. Our motors are also industrial grade and are totally enclosed to prevent the passing of dog hair through them. Conventional treadmill motors are NOT industrial and cool themselves by passing air through the motor and across the windings. Likewise, there are no exposed circuit boards at the head of the treadmill to come into contact with urine, hair, dirt, feces and other debris.
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Can my dog use a regular/human treadmill?
There are many things to consider before running a dog on a treadmill designed specifically with the human
in mind. Keep in mind, humans have a shorter gait than most dogs and thus require a shorter treadmill.
Other reasons to be cautious in using a human treadmill for your dog are stability and comfort.
An unstable treadmill will be uncomfortable for a dog to use, since it amplifies the feeling of falling.
The JOG A DOG uni-body construction provides a solid, sturdy and secure foundation for the dog's jogging surface.
Many human treadmills offer shock-absorbent platforms that are more suitable for humans than dogs.
Other factors to consider are treadmill durability, tread comfort and side enclosures to keep the dog focused
and centered on the treadmill.
Additional note: A large number of our customers have told us they tried a human tredmill before purchasing a JOG A DOG.
Not only is it more difficult to get a dog started on a human treadmill, human treadmills are sensitive to dust (let alone piles of dog hair).
If you find a human treadmill that works for you, be certain to service your machine for dust
and hair regularly! Unlike the JOG A DOG treadmill, human treadmills have exposed electronics and sensor contacts. Typically, when
these sensors get dirty, the treadmill "crashes". A treadmill crash can be dangerous, since the motor speed will respond
erratically under such conditions. The JOG A DOG treadmill is maintenance free and has NO electronics
at the head of the treadmill where the motor is located. All the electronics are safely placed inside the remote control
that is typically mounted on the side guardrail.
Piles of dog hair are never a concern with JOG A DOG!
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What happens if I run my dog on a treadmill of improper length?
Exercising your dog on a treadmill of improper length will constrict the dog's movement by shortening its stride.
This may result in a peculiar gait. JOG A DOG has created four treadmill sizes designed to meet the exact exercise
requirements necessary to accommodate any size dog.
Please keep in mind, just because a dog can trot on a treadmill, does not mean the treadmill is the most appropriate size.
Dogs need room to "float" back and forth to trot naturally and to encourage the dog to reach and extend. Likewise,
as they tire, they need room to fall behind.
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What happens if I run my dog on a treadmill of improper width?
A treadmill that is too narrow will restrict body movement. Additionally, a treadmill with sides that are too narrow will wear the dogs coat.
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Should I use a JOG A DOG as the only form of exercise for my dog?
No, when used in conjunction with other forms of exercise, the JOG A DOG allows versatility in your dogs exercise regimen that will insure the dog uses all its muscles to the full and is in peak condition.
There are a number of things you can do along with the use of a JOG A DOG to keep your dog in excellent shape. Here are a few ideas:
1. Take your dog for a walks.
2. Use a dog walking service. A large number of metropolitan areas offer them.
3. Do you bicycle? If so, and your dog knows how to heel, you can find a device that hooks directly to your bicycle for 'roading' your dog. It is spring loaded so a jerk from the dog shouldn't cause a crash.
4. If your dog loves to play fetch, do it outdoors and really let your pet stretch out into a full run.
5. If you have access to a grassy or sandy hill, allow your dog to run up and down it.
6. Take your dog swimming! Swimming is an excellent form of exercise for dogs.
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How much does it cost to ship a machine?
Shipping charges are from Toledo, Ohio to point of destination. Be prepared to pay anywhere from $75 - $200 for shipping (sometimes more if outside the U.S.). Please use our inquiry form to request an exact quote. All shipping orders are confirmed with our customers before payments are processed.
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Do you have a distributor in my area
Sorry we do not distribute at this time.
We manufacture and sell our products direct from our facilities in Ottawa Lake MI.
Ordering direct from JOG A DOG, LLC is the only way to purchase from our JOG A DOG product line.
We ship regularly across the U.S. and other countries around the world!
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What is the proper machine for my dog's weight?
Fabricated from a single piece of carbon steel, the JOG A DOG frame is guaranteed to withstand the weight
impact of any size dog. Therefore, when selecting the appropriate machine for your dog, you must only consider
the proper length and width necessary to accommodate body movement.
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Do you rent machines?
Sorry, we currently have no rental program.
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Do you offer any discounts?
Purchase 3-6 machines and get a 5 percent discount
Purchase 7-10 machines and get a 10 percent discount
Purchase over 10 machines and get a 15 percent discount
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What is your warranty and return policy?
We guarantee three things. First, each JOG A DOG machine offers quality and performance unsurpassed by any competitors.
Second, each machine has a limited lifetime warranty on ALL parts (limited to original owner). Third, if you are not satisfied with your machine
you can return it within THIRTY (30) days for a full refund (all shipping expenses paid by customer).
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Will a JOG A DOG help my dog's hip dysplasia?
Treadmill exercise may be particularly beneficial for dogs with dysplasia because little active extension of the hip joint is required; rather, the treadmill passively extends the hip by pulling the limb back. The dog then actively advances the limb. This activity may be especially beneficial early in the conditioning program while other treatments are started.
Additionally, weight loss results in greatly decreased progression of osteoarthritis. Appropriate exercise and training will also maintain muscle mass that will help improve stability of the hip joint, maintain endurance and and maintain the health of the articular cartilage.
Consult with your veterinarian.
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Do you sell other products?
JOG A DOG, LLC specializes in the manufacturing of high-end treadmills designed explicitly for exercising dogs.
We also customize our products to meet the individual needs of our customers. Past modifications included an accessory
to exercise mice and rats. In one instance, we modified our machine so a camera could be mounted underneath for studying the
gait of alligators. Believe it or not, one machine was purchased to exercise penguins.
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Do you sell used machines?
The demand for used JOG A DOG's is very high. Therefore our customers have little difficulty selling their
used machines without our help. Additionally, as a manufacturer and retailer, it is not economical for us
to deal in our own used equipment. Occasionally, we have demonstration models that we discount $100.00 off the
purchase price. Our demonstration models are primarily sold at the shows we attend.
Please see our Show Schedule for details.
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Do your machines go faster than 10 miles per hour?
Yes, we can make our treadmills run faster, however, please keep in mind that our machines are engineered to
provide conditioning. The running surface is inclined eleven degrees. This slope is equivalent to running your dog
uphill. Ten miles per hour on an eleven degree incline is extremely fast and even dangerous for most dogs.
Most dogs demand less than half that speed.
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How long do I run my dog on the machine?
A well conditioned dog that has used the JOG A DOG treadmill consistently will benefit from 10 - 15 minutes a day.
Dogs that have never used the JOG A DOG treadmill should begin with 1 - 2 minutes a day. It is always a good idea
to begin with a slow warm up and end with a slow cool down walk. Always consult your veterinarian before you change an
existing program or begin a new exercise regimen for your dog. Additionally, you should be able to recognize when your dog is getting tired. Be certain to stop if your dog shows any signs of lameness.
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Can you adjust the incline of the machine?
Yes, the rear elevation supports allow for a slope adjustment of 0-11 degrees.
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Does the dog need a leash or harness?
After about a week or two your dog should be able to run without the assistance of a leash. You do
not need a harness of any type. The side rails keep the dog focused and positioned. Likewise, baiting the dog or
over-encouraging the dog with toys will only break the dog's concentration. The more distractions you eliminate, the
quicker the dog will learn to use the machine. Once your dog understands the exercise, the dog will begin to lift his
head and also begin to thoroughly enjoy the exercise.
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