Before Your Dash
What to Expect at Your First Session
Your dog's first Dash is about getting comfortable, getting moving, and building a positive foundation for future workouts.
No slat-mill experience needed. We'll meet your dog where they are and let them progress at their own pace.
Before We Arrive
Please have your dog leashed and ready when Dash Hound arrives.
Have them use the bathroom 15–30 minutes before their session.
Avoid large meals and water for 2–3 hours beforehand. A few sips of water about an hour before are okay.
Bring a favorite toy if your dog has one. Toys are our preferred reward, though small treats may be used during early sessions to help with acclimation.
A $20 cleaning fee applies to accidents in the van, including urine, feces, or vomit.
When Dash Hound Arrives
Your dog will be handed off to the trainer to go to the van. Parents are welcome to watch from outside the van. Session start when paws hit the slat-mill.
Your First Dash
Your dog doesn't have to run on day one.
Every dog learns at their own pace. The dog-powered slat-mill allows us to adjust their workout while continuously monitoring movement, breathing, form, and behavior.
Your 45-minute First Dash includes acclimation, exercise, breaks, and a 3–5 minute cooldown. Future 30-minute sessions are tailored the same way.
Your Dog's Safety Comes First
Your dog's comfort and safety always come first.
We'll monitor your dog throughout the session and adjust the pace, take breaks, or stop when needed. If your dog isn't comfortable participating, we'll determine whether more acclimation or slat-mill exercise is appropriate.
Progress isn't always measured in miles. Sometimes the first win is simply getting on the mill and taking that first step.
What We Need From You
Owners must remain at home and available for the duration of the session. Children and other pets are not permitted in the van.
Once your dog is handed off, please allow the trainer to handle the workout. This helps your dog learn consistent commands and routines.
Photos and videos are welcome from outside the van.
Before Your First Session
All required health and liability forms must be completed before your dog's first session.
Dogs must have required vaccinations up to date, and any injuries, medical conditions, or changes in health must be disclosed before their session.
Dogs with a bite history must arrive wearing an appropriate, properly fitted muzzle that allows them to fully open their mouth while preventing bites.
After Your Dash
Your dog may be tired after their workout, that's part of the fun! Water should be provided at home once their breathing has returned to normal. We'll also provide feedback after each session so you know how your pup did.
For the best results, sessions are recommended about one week apart, preferably on the same day each week to help establish a consistent routine.
Your dog doesn't need to be an experienced runner.
You just need to have them ready.
We'll take care of the rest.
Policies
-
For the safety of your dog, our staff, and other dogs we serve, all dogs must have current:
Rabies
Distemper/Parvovirus (DHPP or equivalent)
Bordetella
Proof of vaccination from your veterinarian or vaccination records is required before your first appointment. If your dog is not current or has a medical reason preventing vaccination, please contact us before booking to discuss whether an exception is possible.
Dogs showing signs of illness—including coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, or fever—should not attend their appointment. Please contact us to reschedule once they have recovered.
-
Clients must provide a safe, flat, accessible parking space for the 18-foot Dash Hound van for the entire session.
The space must be reasonably level, free of obstacles, and large enough for safe access to and from the van. It must remain available until the session is complete.
If a suitable parking space is not available when we arrive, the session may not be able to take place and the applicable cancellation policy may apply.
-
Because each appointment is reserved specifically for you and your dog, the following applies to all sessions, including packages and monthly plans:
24+ hours' notice: Full session credit or 50% refund
Less than 24 hours: Full session credit, no refund
After Dash Hound begins traveling: Full charge, no refund or credit
How to cancel: Phone, text, email, or booking system
Session credits: Never expire. We encourage you to reschedule as soon as possible.
If Dash Hound needs to cancel, you may choose a full refund or full session credit.
-
Safety comes first. Dash Hound will not travel when winter weather or road conditions make driving unsafe.
We may cancel when:
More than 1 inch of snow is predicted around your appointment.
Roads are not adequately cleared after snowfall.
Snowplows are actively operating. If the plows are out, Dash Hound is staying home too.
Ice or other hazardous conditions make travel unsafe.
If Dash Hound cancels due to weather, you may choose a full refund or full session credit.
-
Dash Hound may refuse or discontinue services when necessary to protect the safety of the dog, owner, staff, or equipment.
Service may be refused or stopped if:
A dog presents an immediate safety risk.
Required health or vaccination records are missing.
A dog appears ill, injured, or unable to safely participate.
Appointment conditions do not meet safety requirements.
Client policies or safety instructions are not followed.
Before the session begins: Full refund or session credit.
After the session begins: If the session must be stopped for safety reasons, it may be considered used and is not eligible for a refund.
