6 Tips to Avoid Fraud with Dog Treadmills – Slatmills

Beware of Dog Treadmill Scams: 6 tips to protect yourself. 

In recent years, dog treadmill scams have become more common, with fraudsters targeting unsuspecting buyers online. At Firepaw, we’ve been able to expose and stop some of these schemes, but we want to arm you with the knowledge to protect yourself from falling victim to these dangerous scams. Below are critical warning signs and tips to help you navigate the market safely—and why choosing Firepaw means you’re choosing reliability, trust, and quality.

1. Suspiciously Low Prices: The #1 Red Flag

A deal that seems too good to be true usually is. Quality slatmills are handcrafted with durable materials and designed by skilled engineers, which means they come with a certain price tag. If you see a slatmill being sold for less than €1,200, that’s a major red flag. Scammers often lure buyers in with unrealistically low prices, cutting corners on materials or not delivering the product at all. Remember, your dog’s safety and health depend on the quality of their treadmill, and low-grade products can lead to injury and wear out quickly.

2. Shady Payment Methods: Protect Your Money

One of the most common tactics used by scammers is to request payment via untraceable methods like Western Union or Moneygram. These payment options are nearly impossible to recover if something goes wrong. Always avoid sending money to personal accounts or using payment platforms you’re not familiar with. At Firepaw, we offer secure payment methods like direct bank transfers, card payments through a virtual POS terminal, and PayPal—all of which include buyer protection.

Never give out your bank card information to unknown sellers, and always ensure the payment methods offered are legitimate. Your financial security is just as important as getting a quality product.

3. Lack of Online Presence: Are They Even Real?

Legitimate companies have a strong and verifiable presence online. If you can’t find a company on multiple social media platforms or they don’t have a working website with links to their official profiles, you should be skeptical. Fraudsters tend to operate on one or two platforms—usually Facebook or Instagram—and promote themselves in niche groups.

Firepaw is easy to verify. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, among others. Our website includes official contact details with brand email addresses, not generic mass-market platforms like Gmail. Always verify whether the business has clear terms, conditions, and a return policy before you commit to purchasing.

4. Documentation and Patents: Proof of Authenticity

A hallmark of a legitimate company is its ability to show official documentation and patented designs. Fraudsters often steal photos or copy content from other brands, but they can’t replicate patents or proper business registration.

At Firepaw, we hold the largest number of patents in the dog treadmill segment, and each one is verifiable by a unique patent number. Our business is registered internationally, and we proudly display our VAT number and commercial registry credentials. Always check for these details when considering a purchase.

5. Recognizability and Reputation: Trust the Brand Trusted by Experts

One of the best ways to avoid a scam is to buy from a company that has a proven track record. Firepaw is trusted by leading dog trainers, used in official dog events, and recommended by countless satisfied customers. Look for real customer reviews, social media tags, and endorsements from credible sources. Our reputation speaks for itself, and we’re proud of the network of professional trainers and dog owners who trust Firepaw products.

6. Shipping Costs: Realism Matters

Another tactic scammers use is offering unrealistically low shipping prices. Heavy products like slatmills are costly to ship, especially across continents. Shipping fees between €500 and €750 are normal for intercontinental deliveries. If you’re being promised low shipping fees or told the product will arrive via a courier like DHL (which doesn’t handle large-volume shipments), be cautious.

Firepaw partners with reliable transport companies to ensure that your treadmill arrives safely, and we take care of customs formalities. If you’re ever unsure, contact the transport company directly to verify the shipment details.

Why Choose Firepaw?

At Firepaw, we don’t just offer the best-quality dog treadmills—we offer peace of mind. When you choose Firepaw, you’re choosing:

• Secure transactions with multiple payment options
• Verified, patented products that are designed specifically for your dog’s safety and performance
• A company with a global reputation and hundreds of satisfied customers
• A team that actively fights scams and fraud to protect our community

Your dog’s health and safety are too important to risk on unreliable, unverified sellers. Contact Firepaw today for advice, information, or to purchase one of our high-quality, trusted slatmills. Don’t let scammers take advantage—buy from the brand you can trust.

Georgi Simeonov
Founder, Firepaw