This manual describes the Fit Fur Life Dog Treadmills, which are designed to provide a controlled exercise environment for dogs. The treadmills come in four models: Professional, Superior, Medium, and Small, each tailored to different dog sizes and exercise needs.
Function Description
The Fit Fur Life Dog Treadmills are designed to allow dogs to walk, trot, and run in a controlled environment. They feature adjustable speed and incline/decline settings, allowing for varied exercise routines. The treadmills are particularly useful for training, rehabilitation, weight management, and general fitness for dogs. A key safety feature is the YELLOW SAFETY KEY, which must be inserted for the treadmill to operate and can be attached to the dog's harness to act as an emergency stop.
Important Technical Specifications
The treadmills vary in size and motor power across the models:
Professional Model:
- Running area: 6' 7" x 1' 5"
- Rollers: Front and rear 2.36” steel tapered rollers
- Motor: 2HP
- Incline/Decline: +10 to -5 in 0.1 increments
- Display: 4 window display
- Wire mesh: 5' 4" x 1' 10"
- Speed: 0.25~12.5 mph / 0.4~20 kmph
- Max. dog's weight: 308 lbs or 139 kgs
- Machine's net weight: 193.5 lbs or 88 kgs
- Features: Foldable, includes Large, Medium, and Small harnesses.
Superior Model:
- Running area: 6' 7” x 1' 5”
- Rollers: Front and rear 2.36” steel tapered rollers
- Motor: 1.5HP
- Incline/Decline: +10 to -5 in 0.1 increments
- Display: 4 window display
- Wire mesh: 5' 4" x 1' 10"
- Speed: 0.25~12.5 mph or 0.4~20 kmph
- Max. dog's weight: 264 lbs or 119 kgs
- Machine's net weight: 191.5 lbs or 87 kgs
- Features: Foldable, includes Large breed harness.
Medium Model:
- Running area: 5' 3" x 1' 5"
- Rollers: Front and rear 2.36” steel tapered rollers
- Motor: 1.25HP
- Incline/Decline: +10 to -5 in 0.1 increments
- Display: 4 window display
- Wire mesh: 4' x 1' 10"
- Speed: 0.5~7.5 mph or 0.8~12 kmph
- Max. dog's weight: 220 lbs or 98 kgs
- Machine's net weight: 167.2 lbs or 75 kgs
- Features: Foldable, includes Medium breed harness.
Small Model:
- Running area: 3' 11” x 1' 5"
- Rollers: Front and rear 2.36” steel tapered rollers
- Motor: 1HP
- Incline/Decline: +10 to -5 in 0.1 increments
- Display: 4 window display
- Wire mesh: 2' 8" x 1' 10"
- Speed: 0.5~7.5 mph or 0.8~12 kmph
- Max. dog's weight: 176 lbs or 79 kgs
- Machine's net weight: 145.2 lbs or 65 kgs
- Features: Foldable, includes Small harness.
All models are robust and heavy, requiring two people for lifting and positioning. They are packed in three layers of boxes for transit protection.
Usage Features
Assembly:
The assembly process is similar for all models. It involves fixing side fences with M6x10L screws, connecting the upright pole with the console via a 6-pin plug and M6x15L screws, and ensuring all cables are connected and screws tightened.
Computer Console Instructions:
- Power On/Off: An ON/OFF switch is located at the front where the power lead connects.
- Safety Key: The YELLOW SAFETY KEY must be inserted for operation. It should be attached to the dog's harness for emergency stops.
- Unit Selection: Users can select between MPH or KMH via a button on the side of the console.
- Starting the Belt: Press the "Start" button to begin. Speed is adjusted using upward/downward arrow keys.
- Pausing/Stopping: Press "Stop" once to pause, twice to stop.
- Data Recording: Speed, time, and distance are recorded during use.
- Programmes: Users can set 3, 6, 10, or 30-minute programmes by selecting the time window with the leftward arrow key and adjusting with upward/downward arrow keys before pressing "Start."
- Incline/Decline: All models feature incline and decline. Select the "Slope" display with arrow keys and adjust the gradient using upward/downward arrow keys. The incline/decline adjusts very finely in single increments, up to a maximum of 3.5% each way.
- Torque Adjustment: Torque can be adjusted by pressing upward/downward arrow keys until a number (e.g., 34) appears on the slope window, then adjusting with arrow keys and pressing "Start" to complete. Power cycling is required to restart the treadmill after adjustment.
Dog Training Manual:
- Introduction: Always ensure a positive experience using treats, biscuits, or toys. Treat it like obedience training, focusing the dog's attention on you.
- Lead Use: Start with the dog on a slack lead to encourage independent standing.
- Familiarization: Walk the dog on and off the treadmill from the back to the front until relaxed. The treadmill should be at 0% gradient and on stand-by. Allow the dog to sniff and explore, rewarding praise.
- First Use: When the dog is relaxed, start the treadmill. Professional and Superior models start at 0.4km/hr (0.25m/hr), while Small and Medium models start at 0.8km/hr (0.5m/hr). Encourage the dog to walk forwards. Stop after about 30 seconds, reward, and praise.
- Repetition: Repeat this process 4-5 times, twice a day for 2-3 days, keeping the lead slack.
- Speed Adjustment: Once the dog understands start/stop, use arrow keys to increase speed by 0.1km/hr (or less than 0.1m/hr). Observe the dog to find a comfortable walking pace.
- Trotting: After 1-3 weeks, introduce trotting. Always start trotting with the treadmill in the horizontal position. Gradually increase speed to the dog's striding gait.
- Rough Guide for Trotting Speeds:
- Miniature breeds: 1.25-3 mph (2-5 km/hr)
- Small breeds: 2.5-3.75 mph (4-6 km/hr)
- Medium breeds: 3-5 mph (5-8 km/hr)
- Large breeds: 4.5-6.25 mph (7-10 km/hr)
- Giant breeds: 7.5-10 mph (12-16 km/hr)
- There is a 3-second delay before the treadmill reaches the set speed, allowing the dog to comfortably transition to a trot. Encourage the dog during this phase.
- Initially, trot for 30 seconds, then return to a walk. Gradually increase trotting duration.
- Always be by your dog's side when trotting. Do not trot for more than 20 minutes, and build up to this over 6 weeks, watching for signs of fatigue.
- Incline Function: Introduce incline once the dog is comfortable with walking and striding. Ensure the dog is in a walking gait for a few minutes of warm-up. Adjust incline gradually (e.g., 1% every other day). Monitor for stress or fatigue and return to 0% gradient if needed.
- Decline Function: Use decline once the dog is comfortable with walking and striding. Adjust in minus single increments. Ensure the dog is in a walking gait for a few minutes to warm up.
Building Muscle Content:
- Start with 3 to 5 minute sessions in a walking or striding gait. Adjust speed using arrow keys. Over a period of 2 weeks, the dog should be using the full incline or decline option.
- For best results, use the treadmill every other day to allow muscles to rebuild and repair.
- Build up session length to a maximum of 30 minutes over about 4 weeks.
- Once the dog has rebuilt muscle, maintain with three sessions a week, alternating between horizontal and different gradients.
- To increase cardiovascular rate, gradually increase speed and duration.
- Ensure the dog has practiced in different paces and gradients.
- Build up dog's pace slowly, with sufficient length of time to maintain a good pace and tone.
- If the dog is familiar with trotting, pace by building the length of time.
Reducing Fat Content in Overweight Dogs:
- Start very slowly, with 2-4 minutes twice a day, to allow the dog to become more fluid in movements and gently increase cardiovascular rate.
- Increase sessions to 10 minutes, then drop down to using the treadmill once a day.
- After 6 weeks, use the treadmill 3 times a week to maintain a new vibrant life style.
- Always allow a 5-minute warm-up and cool-down.
General Guidelines:
- Whenever the dog goes on the treadmill, always allow a 3-4 minute warm-up and 3-4 minute cool-down period.
- Increase protein levels in the dog's diet if aiming to increase muscle content.
- Reduce calorie intake and tit bits for reducing fat content.
- Divide the dog's normal walk time by 2 and use the treadmill for the maximum amount of time on the treadmill per session (e.g., if walking for 30 minutes, use the treadmill for a maximum of 15 minutes). The treadmill is a supplement, not a replacement for walks.
- "Slowly, Slowly, Slowly" is the only way to go when first starting on the Fit Fur Life treadmill.
- Watch for signs of fatigue.
- The dog's head should start to drop continuously (this indicates the dog is tired). Fasten the dog's head to an overhead crossbar (if available) or use the harness.
- If the dog drops back on the treadmill, it means the dog cannot maintain its position and is tiring.
- Use the harness once the dog is used to the treadmill. Pulling the yellow safety cut-out mechanism will stop the treadmill. If the magnet is pulled away from the console, the power will cut off, stopping the treadmill.
Maintenance Features
- Cleanliness: Keep treadmills in dry, clean areas. If electronic components get wet, turn off the machine and do not restart until thoroughly dry.
- Lubrication: Each new treadmill comes with a bottle of lubricant. Turn the machine on while applying lubricant. Insert the nozzle between the running belt and the running board. Use half a bottle on each side. Top up once a month (or more with heavy use) with sewing machine oil or 3in1 oil.
- Cleaning: Regularly vacuum hair and debris (like dog biscuit crumbs) off the treadmill. Do not soak the belt in water. Clean with a damp cloth and a non-abrasive cleaning agent.
- Belt Tension Adjustment:
- Run the machine at approximately 4 mph.
- Insert a 5 mm Allen key into the REAR END CAP and turn the bolts evenly a full clockwise rotation.
- Repeat if the belt continues to slip.
- Belt Centering:
- Place the treadmill on a level surface.
- Run the machine at approximately 4 mph.
- If the belt drifts right, turn the right-hand adjustment bolt 1/2 turn clockwise.
- If the belt drifts left, turn the left-hand adjustment bolt 1/2 turn clockwise.
- Repeat if the belt is not centered within 15 seconds.
Warranty:
Warranty is automatically generated at the time of purchase, starting from the invoice date, and lasts for two years. It covers parts only for 24 months. The warranty does not cover damage due to misuse, improper maintenance, or unauthorized repairs. It also excludes normal wear and tear, cosmetic damage, and minor LCD screen defects. For full details, refer to the Terms and Conditions booklet.
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