Question 1

Why does my dog need RunDog?

Accepted Answer

Running is beneficial to both your dog’s physical and mental health.  Trail running gives them the opportunity to burn off more energy and build stronger muscles and joints than regular walking. It mentally stimulates them through exploring the many different smells, sights & sounds whilst covering plenty more distance than their daily walk.  Running has been shown to reduce anxiety and alleviate boredom leaving a happier, calmer dog at home.

Question 2

Will my dog be suited to RunDog?

Accepted Answer

We love all dogs, big and small, and RunDog is compatible with most dogs. We will not run with puppies or adolescent dogs under 16 months as it is really important that their bones have stopped growing before they join us.  Similarly, running may not be suitable for older dogs with health or joint issues.  Please do get in touch for a chat about suitability or if you have any further concerns or questions.

Question 3

How many dogs run at each session?

Accepted Answer

The RunDog experience works best in small numbers so we set a limit of three dogs on a run, with a maximum of one dog attached via harness or long lead.

Question 4

What equipment do I need to supply for each run?

Accepted Answer

RunDog provides all the equipment including leads, harnesses, water bowls and treats.  If your dog has a preference for a particular lead or harness, we are very happy to use your own. If they respond better to particular dog treats, we can use these too.

Question 5

Running off the lead/harness?

Accepted Answer

We can run your dog on or off the lead/harness.  If you prefer off-lead then at the first session, we will go through your dog’s recall.  We take a phased approach during our first few runs to ensure mutual trust is established. 
The safety and wellbeing of your dog is always our first priority.

Question 6

What time are the run sessions?

Accepted Answer

RunDog is open Monday to Friday during term time. 
RunDog is as flexible as possible on run times within daylight hours. During the winter, our last booking is 2pm so we are home before dark. During the summer months we start early from 7am and close at 9pm, on warm sunny days we will avoid runs during the midday heat.
Every client has their own individual requirements for their dog and we try to be as flexible as possible to accommodate everyone’s needs.   Please note I have limited availability during school holidays.

Question 7

How do I pay for a session and what is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

You will be invoiced at the end of the month, and payment is required within 7 days of receipt via BACS. 
See our Terms & Conditions for more information.

RunDog requires 24 hours’ notice for free cancellation of a booking. 
Runs can be postponed due to medical reasons, please give as much notice as possible

Question 8

Is there any reason I should postpone  a run?

Accepted Answer

Yes, unspayed female dogs who are in season will not be run until the season has finished.  
A dog with a contagious illness such as conjunctivitis or kennel cough cannot be run until a full 48 hours has passed since the condition has been treated and healed.

Question 9

Do you offer discounts for block bookings or additional dogs?

Accepted Answer

We offer discounted runs when you purchase a Discount Bundle of 10 Small Group Run sessions. 
For our customers with two dogs, the second dog runs at a discounted rate when running during the same session.

Question 10

Do you sell gift vouchers?

Accepted Answer

Yes, RunDog gift vouchers make a great birthday or Christmas gift!

Question 11

Do you have Insurance?

Accepted Answer

RunDog is fully Insured with Pet Business Insurance.  
We require that you have your own insurance policy for your dog(s) in addition to this.

Question 12

Do you have Canine First Aid training?

Accepted Answer

All runners hold a valid First Aid Emergency Canine Care Certificate and carry a Dog First Aid Kit.

Question 13

Do you collect from anywhere in Harpenden?

Accepted Answer

We are based in Harpenden and are happy to collect and return any dog within the AL5 postcode.

Question 14

Where are the trails and how long are they?

Accepted Answer

The trails are all located within a 15 minute drive of Harpenden.  At the end of the run you will be sent a 3D Strava map of the route, a short description of the run and photo. 
All runs are off road and vary in distance from 6km to 10km. 
Including collection and drop-off, your dog will be out of the house for approximately 90 minutes in total.

Question 15

What happens on our first session?

Accepted Answer

We arrange a convenient time to meet and greet at your home.
Whilst your dog gets to know their RunDog partner you will need to complete the RunDog Registration forms to provide us with your contact details, your dog’s veterinary details and dog insurance.  
We will discuss on or off-lead preferences and recall commands.
If during the first home meeting or during the first run, we find your dog is unfortunately not suitable for RunDog, we will not charge you for the session and advise alternative dog care options you may like to pursue.

Question 16

Do you go out in all weathers?

Accepted Answer

We run in all weathers and all seasons, we find the wetter, windier and muddier trails are usually a dogs favourite! 
We will only postpone if thunder & lightning or high winds are forecast which would make a run unsafe.  
In the height of summer (July & August) Rundog sessions are not scheduled between Midday and 2pm due to the midday heat.

Question 17

What happens if my dog gets muddy on a run?

Accepted Answer

All dogs are towel dried after their Rundog session.
For a small extra charge of £5 your dog can be warm washed, shampooed and towel dried.
We use the Animology Shampoo Range, the Animology FoxPoo shampoo is very effective for removing odour.

Question 18

Do you offer a dog walking or sitting service?

Accepted Answer

No, we do not offer a dog walking or sitting service but are very happy to put you in touch with local dog care options you may like to pursue.

hello@rundog.info
07971 566 187

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions