Frequently Asked Questions
			We've provided answers to several common questions you may have regarding our services. Of course, if you have any additional questions, feel free to contact us and we will answer you promptly.
		A dog running service...why? When are your services available? I work during the day...how will my dog be picked up? Is your business bonded/insured? I have a puppy.  Are your services appropriate for young dogs? I'm not a runner.  My dog has never run for an extended period of time.  Will it be too much for him? What forms of payment are acceptable? Where will you run my dog? Do you run multiple dogs at the same time? Do you require a special type of leash to run my dog? Is your dog running service limited to only certain breeds?
			Q: A dog running service...why?   A: A dog that exercises is a happy dog.  The health benefits of exercise are numerous, and include such things as improved cardiovascular system, increased lifespan, strengthened bones, obedience, agility/mobility, bowel regularity, improved sleep, and a healthy appetite.  For most dogs, walking is simply not enough...the cardiovascular system must be engaged, the heart pumping, and the legs running!   Running 30-45 minutes daily is physically demanding, and requires a high level of fitness.  Our dog runners are endurance athletes who strive to maintain their fitness levels year round, and they welcome the opportunity to share their enthusiasm with a canine pal.   Q: When are your services available? A: Our dog running hours are 10am - 4pm, Monday through Friday. Q: I work during the day...how will my dog be picked up? A: We will work with you to arrange a pick-up.  If your building has a concierge, you may leave a key with him.  Otherwise, we can keep a copy of your key to access your residence for as long as you utilize our services. Q: Is your business bonded/insured? A: Yes.  We have an active insurance policy through Pet Sitters Associates, LLC, that provides general liability coverage while your dog is under our care.  If desired, we can provide you with a copy of the policy certificate.  Additionally, we have extended coverage through the policy, similar to a bond, for instances other than with the animals themselves, such as theft or damage to your personal property.   Q:  I have a puppy.  Are your services appropriate for young dogs? A: In general, dogs less than 1 year old might not be suited for sustained jogging or running as it may be too hard on their joints.  However, consultation with your dog's veterinarian is always recommended if you're interested in our services.  He/she will be able to assess your dog's health and provide more specific guidelines based on his age, breed, and current fitness level. Q: I'm not a runner.  My dog has never run for an extended period of time.  Will it be too much for him? A: Dogs were born to run!  However, recognizing that a regular exercise regime may be new to some, our dog runners will pay close attention to your dog's behavior during the workout.  Common injuries include irritated footpads, head "bobbing," which may indicate a leg injury, and a dry nose and white gums that signify dehydration.  If your dog shows signs of any of these injuries, the dog runner will stop the workout.  Additionally, in some cases, progressive training techniques will be utilized where dogs start off with one mile runs, increasing by one-half to one mile increments as their fitness levels improve.  A run- walk approach may also be used where dogs run and walk according to a predetermined time ratio, such as four minutes of running, followed by one minute of walking.  These techniques are commonly used by marathon training groups, especially for individuals attempting their first distance running event.    Q: What forms of payment are acceptable? A: We only accept credit card payments for our services.  We do not accept personal checks or cash.  We will bill your credit card every two weeks for all services we've provided during that period.  A detailed invoice will be provided via email for each two-week period. Q: Where will you run my dog? A: Our dog runners are very familiar with the area and will run your dogs in areas with the least possible interruption.  The great thing about running is that it doesn't require any special equipment or planning.   A simple loop or out and back route will suffice...the important factor is duration.  Depending upon which workout you choose, your dog is guaranteed either a 30 or 45 minute workout, regardless of the route.      Q: Do you run multiple dogs at the same time? A: No.  For safety reasons, we run only one dog at a time.  While walking multiple dogs at once is common, you really need maximum control when moving at higher speed.  Unless multiple dogs live in the same household, compatibility issues will more than likely arise.  Additionally, fitness levels vary from one dog to the next, so in order to maintain a consistent pace and cater to each individual dog's needs, we run one dog at a time.  Our services are truly personalized!    Q: Do you require a special type of leash to run my dog? A: Yes, but our dog runners will arrive at your residence with a leash in hand.  All you have to do is make sure your dog is wearing a collar on the days of scheduled runs.  The main reason we provide our own leash is so that your dog begins to associate it with running.  Otherwise, he'll think he's going for a walk and his behavior will reflect that.  Our dog runners will also be equipped with plastic bags and water... making sure we cover ALL of our bases!! Q:  Is your dog running service limited to only certain breeds? A:  While there are certainly breeds that are ideal for running, our service caters to all breeds of dogs.   According to Sarah and Harry Choron, authors of "Planet Dog: a doglopedia," the following are some common dog breeds that love to run: Airedale Terrier, Alaskan Malamute, American Pit Bull Terrier, Australian Shepherd, Bearded Collie, Border Collie, Boxer, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Collie, Dalmatian, Doberman Pinscher, English Springer Spaniel, German Shepherd Dog, Giant Schnauzer, Golder Retriever, Greyhound, Irish Setter, Newfoundland, Old English Sheepdog, Pointer, Portuguese Water Dog, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Rottweiler, Samoyed, Siberian Husky, Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier, Weimaraner, and Welsh Springer Spaniel. Smaller dogs with short legs should not be jogged as long as larger dogs.  Also, dogs with short noses may have difficulty breathing during vigorous exercise.   At The Canine Track Club, our dog runners take all of these factors into consideration during the workout.   In particular, the run/walk technique is a great way to ensure your dog gets the exercise he needs safely.   Remember, EVERY dog needs exercise...and will benefit from it greatly!!
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