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. Your dog does not need to know how to use a slat-mill or be an experienced runner. We'll meet them where they are and work at their pace.

Before We Arrive

Please have your dog leashed and ready when Dash Hound arrives. Dogs should use the bathroom 15–30 minutes before their session. A $20 cleaning fee will apply for each accident in the van, including urine, feces, or vomit.

Avoid large meals and water for 2–3 hours before the appointment. A few sips of water about an hour beforehand are okay.

A favorite toy is always welcome. Toys are the preferred reward during sessions, although small treats may be used during your dog's first session(s) to encourage acclimation.

When Dash Hound Arrives

Your dog will be handed off to the trainer at the van. During the first session only, owners may enter the van to help their dog get comfortable. After that, owners remain at home while the trainer handles the session.

A few minutes of initial exploration is normal, but we won't spend the session sightseeing. Once your dog has had a moment to adjust, we'll begin introducing them to the slat-mill.

Your First Dash

The goal isn't to force your dog to run. Your dog doesn't have to run on day one.

Some dogs may step on and begin walking almost immediately. Others may need more time getting on and off the mill before they're comfortable moving. If your dog is ready to move, we'll gradually build their activity at a pace they're comfortable with.

The slat-mill is dog powered, while the trainer actively monitors your dog's movement, form, pace, breathing, and behavior throughout the entire session. The pace can be adjusted when needed.

Your 45 minute First Dash includes acclimation, exercise, breaks, and a 3–5 minute cool down. Future 30 minute sessions follow the same approach. The goal is to use the entire appointment productively while tailoring the workout to your dog's individual needs.

Your Dog's Safety Comes First

Your dog's comfort and safety always take priority. If your dog shows signs of stress, exhaustion, or discomfort, the session will be adjusted with a slower pace or a break as needed.

We're watching for changes such as extreme panting, stumbling, poor form, slowing pace, a lowered head, attempts to leave the mill, excessive heat, stiff movement, or abnormal gum color.

If your dog is unable to comfortably participate, the session may be stopped. Together, we'll determine whether additional acclimation or slat-mill exercise is appropriate for them.

Progress isn't always measured in miles. Sometimes the first win is simply getting on the mill, and then taking that first step.

What We Need From You

Owners must remain at the residence for the duration of the session and must be available if needed. Children and other pets are not permitted in the van unless it is their (dog) scheduled session.

Please allow the trainer to handle the workout once your dog has been handed off. This helps your dog learn the trainer's commands and creates a consistent experience from session to session.

You are welcome to take photos or videos from outside the van.

Before Your First Session

All required health and liability documentation must be completed before your dog's first session. Dogs must have their required vaccinations up to date. Any injuries, medical conditions, or changes in your dog's health should be disclosed before their session.

Dogs with a bite history must arrive wearing an appropriate muzzle that allows them to fully open their mouth while preventing them from biting the trainer.

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 be current on their required vaccinations before participating in Dash Hound sessions.

    At a minimum, dogs must have current:

    • Rabies

    • Distemper/Parvovirus (DHPP or equivalent)

    • Bordetella (kennel cough)

    Proof of vaccination will be requested before your first appointment and should be provided from your veterinarian or vaccination records.

    If your dog is not currently vaccinated, has an overdue vaccine, or has a medical reason that prevents vaccination, please contact us before booking so we can discuss whether an exception can be accommodated. Vaccination requirements may be updated as needed based on veterinary guidance and the health and safety of the dogs we serve.

    Dogs showing signs of illness, including coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or other potentially contagious symptoms, should not attend their appointment. Please contact us to reschedule once your dog has recovered.

  • Clients are responsible for providing a safe, flat, and accessible parking space for the Dash Hound van for the entire duration of the scheduled session. The space must be large enough to safely accommodate the 18-foot mobile unit and allow safe access to and from the van.

    The parking area must be reasonably level, free of obstacles, and accessible without requiring Dash Hound to park in an unsafe location or on unsuitable terrain. The parking space must remain available until the session is complete and the van is ready to leave.

    If a suitable parking space is not available upon arrival, Dash Hound may be unable to provide the session. In this situation, the appointment may be subject to the applicable cancellation policy.

  • We understand that plans can change. Because Dash Hound is a mobile service and each appointment is reserved specifically for you and your dog, the following cancellation policy applies:

    • 24+ Hours' Notice: Choose either a full session credit to reschedule or a 50% refund.

    • Less Than 24 Hours' Notice: Receive a full session credit to reschedule. No refund will be issued.

    • After Dash Hound Has Begun Traveling: The session will be charged in full, with no refund or session credit.

    • Emergencies: The same cancellation policy applies regardless of the reason for cancellation.

    • How to Cancel: Cancellations may be made by phone, text, email, or through the booking system.

    • Session Credits: Credits do not expire. We encourage you to reschedule your session at the earliest available opportunity so you don't miss out on the time you've already purchased.

    • Dash Hound Cancellations: If Dash Hound needs to cancel your appointment, you may choose between a full refund or a full session credit.

    • Packages & Monthly Plans: The same cancellation policy applies to all sessions, including individual appointments and package/monthly-plan sessions.

  • Weather & Road Conditions

    The safety of our clients, their dogs, and Dash Hound comes first. Dash Hound will not travel when winter weather or road conditions create an unsafe driving environment.

    Dash Hound will not travel when:

    • Snowfall of more than 1 inch is predicted during the time surrounding scheduled appointments.

    • Snow has fallen and roads have not been adequately cleared.

    • Snowplows are actively operating in the area. If the plows are out, Dash Hound is staying home too.

    • Icy or otherwise hazardous road conditions make travel unsafe.

    When weather or road conditions require Dash Hound to cancel, clients may choose between a full refund or a full session credit to reschedule.

  • Dash Hound reserves the right to refuse or discontinue services when necessary to protect the safety and well-being of the dog, owner, Dash Hound staff, or equipment.

    Services may be refused or discontinued if:

    • A dog displays behavior that creates an immediate safety risk to the itself, owner, Dash Hound staff, or equipment.

    • Required health or vaccination records have not been provided.

    • The dog appears ill, injured, or otherwise unable to safely participate.

    • The appointment conditions do not meet Dash Hound's safety requirements.

    • The client does not follow Dash Hound's safety or service policies.

    When Dash Hound determines that a session cannot safely be provided before the session begins, the client will receive a full session credit or refund.

    If a session has already begun and must be discontinued for safety reasons, the session may be considered used and is not eligible for a refund.

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