HoundPower 8-Week Conditioning Program

From Beginner to Athlete

Prerequisites

•Your dog has completed the Quick-Start Training Guide

•Your dog walks comfortably on the slatmill for 10+ minutes

•Vet clearance (especially for dogs under 18 months, overweight, or with health conditions)

•Growth plates must be closed for any conditioning work

Program Rules

•Always warm up — 2–3 minutes of walking before every session.

•Always cool down — 2–3 minutes of walking after every session.

•Minimum 1 full rest day between sessions. 2 rest days per week minimum.

•Provide water before and after every session. Water breaks during sessions 20+ minutes.

•Use a fan for airflow during all sessions.

•Stop immediately if your dog shows signs of fatigue, distress, or discomfort.

Weeks 1–2: Foundation

Goal: Build comfort and establish a routine. DaySession Monday5 min walk TuesdayRest Wednesday7 min walk ThursdayRest Friday8 min walk SaturdayRest SundayRest Pace: Walking only. Let your dog set the speed. Watch for: Gait quality, comfort level, willingness to continue.

Weeks 3–4: Base Building

Goal: Introduce jogging and build to 15-minute sessions. DaySession Monday10 min (8 min walk + 2 min light jog) TuesdayRest Wednesday12 min (8 min walk + 4 min light jog) ThursdayRest Friday15 min (10 min walk + 5 min jog) SaturdayOptional: 10 min easy walk SundayRest Pace: Mix walking and light jogging. The dog should be moving at a comfortable trot, not sprinting.

Weeks 5–6: Endurance

Goal: Sustain 20-minute sessions with mixed intensity. DaySession Monday18 min (5 walk / 8 jog / 5 walk) TuesdayRest Wednesday20 min (5 walk / 10 jog / 5 walk) ThursdayRest Friday20 min (3 walk / 3 jog intervals × 4, + 2 walk / 2 walk) SaturdayOptional: 10 min easy walk SundayRest Progression: Add interval work — alternate 3 minutes jogging / 1 minute walking.

Weeks 7–8: Performance

Goal: Peak conditioning with sprint intervals. DaySession Monday25 min (5 walk / 15 jog / 5 walk) TuesdayRest Wednesday20 min intervals (3 walk / 2 sprint / 1 walk × 4, + 4 walk) ThursdayRest Friday30 min endurance (5 walk / 20 jog / 5 walk) SaturdayOptional: 15 min easy walk SundayRest Sprint intervals: Short bursts of higher-speed running (1–2 minutes) with walking recovery between. These build explosive power and muscle.

After Week 8: Maintenance

Once your dog has completed the program, maintain fitness with:

•3 sessions per week, 20–30 minutes each

•1 interval session per week for power maintenance

•2 steady-state sessions per week for endurance

•Continue warm-up and cool-down protocols

Tracking Progress

Use the built-in speedometer (Pro models) to track:

•Average speed — should gradually increase over 8 weeks

•Session duration — should increase from 5 to 30 minutes

•Recovery time — how fast your dog returns to resting heart rate after a session

Physical changes to watch for:

•Visible muscle definition (especially hindquarters) — usually visible by week 3–4

•Calmer behavior at home — reduced destructive chewing, barking, anxiety

•Improved gait and movement quality

•Better sleep patterns

•Increased enthusiasm for sessions

Adjustments by Dog Type

Dog TypeAdjustment High-drive breedsCan progress faster. Add an extra session per week if recovery is good. Overweight dogsStay at weeks 1–4 intensity longer. Walking only until weight drops. Senior dogs (11+)Cap at weeks 3–4 level. Gentle walking and light trotting only. Small breedsShorter sessions (cap at 15–20 min). Lower speeds.

*This program is included free with every HoundPower Slatmill purchase.*

*Consult your veterinarian before starting any new exercise program for your dog.*