Tips for safe and proper use of Firepaw Dog Treadmills
1.Rule number one is to never leave your dog alone while working on the treadmill. He/she should be under constant observation
2. Pay attention to physical signs of exhaustion. Once the dog gets tired, get him/her off the mill until breathing normalizes for the next running session.
3. Running area
Your dog’s feet should step only in the area where the metal frame of the treadmill is and there are small steel wheels (as indicated). It is not recommended for the dog to step in the area where are main (big aluminum wheels) are, because the dog’s feet might get slightly stuck. This will not cause any harm, but might cause discomfort.
If the dog’s nails are too long, they can be injured in this area. It is important that every dog that runs on the trail has carefully trimmed nails.
4. Running Direction
The treadmills are constructed and assembled by hand to be able to operate the best way possible – always in the proper direction of movement. The front of the treadmill is where the handles are and this is the correct direction. Mobile wheels are always in the back.
5. Attaching the dog correctly . Dog Holding Bar fixing
Regardless whether a collar or a harness is being used for running, we always recommend fixing the dog in the front of the treadmill. Dog holding bar stays in the middle. Always tighten the dog holding bar with a key not by hand.
6. We recommend for the Firepaw Carpet Dog Treadmill to be used in temperatures over 5 degrees Celsius (inside in the winter), as the plastic material being used for the carpet might get hard to spin due to low temperatures.
- Handle distance
It is not recommended for a person to stand less than one meter in front of the treadmill during intensive running.
- Brake
On treadmills without a brake, manual stopping must only be performed with a protective glove if using the hand, or with footwear that has a solid sole if using the foot.
- Bolts, belt, dog holding bar
When the treadmill is used by dogs running at speeds above 15 km/h, especially under intensive use with multiple dogs, all nuts and bolts must be checked before each training session. If there are loosed nut they should be replaced with new lock nuts and bols . The running belt’s integrity should also be inspected. In addition, ensure that the bar holding the dog is securely fixed both to the treadmill and to the dog.
- We would like to note that Firepaw Treadmills are not to be used in rainy conditions bacause it is not safe for the dogs and this might affect their durability and exterior design.
