Mack FAQs
Have questions? You’re in the right place.
This page covers everything you need to know about how Mack Pack Run works — from what a slatmill is to how to book, cancel, or reschedule a session. Whether you’re a first-time client or just curious about the process, you’ll find answers to our most common questions right here. If you still have questions after reading, feel free to reach out anytime!
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How should I prepare my dog for their session?
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Please make sure that they have not eaten for at least 2 hours prior to running - it's never fun running on a full stomach! Also, we want to mitigate any risk of gastrointestinal issues caused by exercising before they have enough time to digest their meals.
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Give them an opportunity to go potty prior to their session. If I'm visiting while you're away, no big deal, I'll give them a little walk around the yard before getting started!
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Your dog(s) should be up-to-date on vaccinations prior to scheduling a run. This is for my safety, as well as the safety of other dogs that utilize the slat-mills.
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If your dog is sick or injured, please let me know so we can reschedule. If I observe that your dog may be suffering from an injury or illness, I will not provide the service until their health issues have resolved.
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If your dog requires a muzzle, that is not a problem, rather, highly encouraged! However, I will not provide a muzzle or condition them to a muzzle. I will want to know prior to booking the session whether or not your dog will be wearing a muzzle and what kind of muzzle they will be wearing. I just want to ensure that their muzzle allows for proper ventilation, as well as be familiar with the release points in the off-chance that becomes necessary.
What should my dog expect during a run session?
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FUN! They will be able to unleash their full potential, while I encourage them with toys, cheers, and a sip of water from time to time! And if your dog is interested in receiving pets from me, I will gladly oblige!
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I will customize their session to fit their needs - whether that be through resistance, incline, or intervals. Dogs crave a challenge - and I'll ensure they receive just the right amount!
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I will not provide treats at any point during the session, as a measure to mitigate risk of gastrointestinal issues or allergen issues, as well as support those who request services for weight management.
What should I expect after a run session?
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A tired pooch! Let them rest how they need, and support them the way you know best. However, please make sure not to feed them or let them drink too much water for about an hour afterwards. They can have a sip of water to "wet their whistle" but we don't want them to drink too much, or eat, until their breathing has slowed down.
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Ever get runner's high? Me neither... BUT I have felt pretty dang good after a hard lift! Dogs also experience a flood of endorphins after a good work out, so there might be some zoomies right afterwards that they need to get out. But after the endorphins wear off - nap time!
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They may seem a little sore the next day - similar to when we hit the gym hard! That's totally normal, make sure they keep moving around and drinking water to help work that lactic acid out. Maybe add a little massage to their day! If you're concerned about an injury, please contact your veterinarian - I would absolutely like to know, however, I cannot provide medical care. But I can adjust what I focus on in future sessions, as needed.
What kind of harnesses do you use?
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I provide three different brands of harnesses in varying sizes, but similar styles. They're all considered "No-pull harnesses," which seems counterproductive - however, the harness is really only meant to keep them on the slat-mill, while optimizing shoulder mobility as the design provides for full range of motion. There are also less friction points that the dog will be subjected to with these harnesses, thereby decreasing the chance of skin irritation.
What services do you NOT provide?
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As much as I would love to, I do not provide formal dog training (such as behavioral training or obedience training). I do not hold a certification to provide those types of services - therefore it would be unethical of me to provide you that type of service, or offer advice. I would be more than happy to offer assistance in finding a certified dog trainer in the area, to ensure that you not only find the best fit for you and your dog(s), but find someone is formally trained, certified, and experienced. The dog training world is not as regulated as it should be, so it can be tricky to navigate! I am fully insured for the service that I currently provide, and am pursuing a certification in Canine Fitness Training to expand upon my knowledge. Which will eventually lead me to provide more services in the future. As much as fitness training can benefit your dog, and may assist you with tackling behavioral or obedience issues, I do want to remind everyone that it is NOT a solution.
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I do not provide grooming services - those services can be pretty time consuming, and I want to utilize my time to improve the health of our dogs and the relationships we have with them! I am working through figuring out the logistics and pricing side of offering nail trims, but that service is currently unavailable.
Other Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a Slatmill
- A slatmill is a self-propelled treadmill designed specifically for dogs. Unlike motorized treadmills, the dog sets their own pace, which makes it safer and more natural. It’s a great way for dogs to get a full-body workout while staying in control of their speed and intensity.
Is it safe for all dogs?
- Yes — slatmills are a low-impact, controlled way for dogs to exercise, and I’ll always be there supervising and encouraging your pup along the way. I tailor each session based on your dog’s needs, size, energy level, and any physical limitations. If you have specific concerns, I’m happy to chat with you before booking.
How do I know if my dog is a good fit?
- If your dog has energy to burn, struggles with focus or anxiety, can’t get enough exercise on leash, or isn’t a good candidate for dog parks or daycare, they’re probably a great fit. The slatmill gives them a safe, structured outlet that doesn’t rely on social interaction or leash skills.
What if my dog doesn't like the treadmill?
- Every dog is different! I always start slow, with lots of positive encouragement and praise. Some dogs need a few sessions to fully warm up to it — and that’s totally fine. There’s no pressure to perform — it’s all about giving your dog a space to move and build confidence.
What areas do you service?
- Right now, I’m based in Eau Claire, WI and offer sessions throughout the local area. If you’re not sure if I can reach you, just shoot me a message and I’ll let you know!
How much space do you need to park and run sessions?
- Not much! I’ll be operating out of a climate-controlled van that’s fully equipped with slatmills inside. All I need is a safe space to park nearby — I’ll handle the rest.
What should my dog bring?
- I come equipped with harnesses in various sizes and brands, along with toys and water! If you have a harness that your dog prefers, by all means, have them suited up and ready to go! The only thing I won't have is a muzzle, if your dog needs it. Same as with a preferred harness, please have your dog muzzled prior to getting started
Can I watch the session?
- Absolutely! You’re welcome to observe, especially for the first few sessions. Most dogs actually perform better when their humans step back a little — but I’ll always keep you in the loop and update you after each session.
How do I book a run?
- Right here on the website! You can fill out the booking form to request a time slot, and I’ll follow up to confirm. If you prefer, you can also message me on Instagram or Facebook. Once I get a feel for your schedule and your dog’s needs, we can create a custom plan.
What if I have more than one dog?
- I can absolutely work with multiple dogs in one household — I come equipped with two slat-mills. If you have three dogs, not a problem, we'll just book a longer session to fit all the love into one run! If your dogs do better running separately, I’ll space them out within the session to keep things safe and stress-free.
Can I schedule multiple dogs in one session?
- Yes! However, I will NOT run dogs that do not belong to the same household at the same time. If your dog has a best-pal that doesn't live in the same household, I will consider running them together on a case-by-case basis.
What are Pack Perks?
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When you book a weekly or monthly package, you unlock Pack Perks
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Personalized progress reports (monthly packages only)
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Priority scheduling
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No cancellation fees
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Pack Points: earn free runs with every package session (weekly packages only)
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Discounted Rates
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Rollover Runs / Prorated Refunds