Mobile dog gym brings exercise to the dogs
Echo runs on the treadmill inside the Helsi Mobile Dog Gym van. (Heidi Desch/Daily Inter Lake)
Matt DeFries is the owner of Helsi Mobile Dog Gym, a mobile gym that provides exercise for dogs using treadmills. (Heidi Desch/Daily Inter Lake)
Tango takes a nap after running on the Helsi Mobile Dog Gym treadmill. (Heidi Desch/Daily Inter Lake)
Matt DeFries, owner of Helsi Mobile Dog Gym, encourages Echo to run on the treadmill, while Tango sits at his feet during a session in Somers. (Heidi Desch/Daily Inter Lake)
Matt DeFries, owner of Helsi Dog Mobile Gym, uses treats to get Tango comfortable with using the treadmill. (Heidi Desch/Daily Inter Lake)
While the slat mill is a 16th-century invention, it has made a modern breakthrough in K9 circles. The machine, which looks like a treadmill, was originally used to create manual power for chores like churning butter or grinding mill and is now used to rehabilitate, train, and exercise dogs.
Helsi Dog Mobile Gym, Northwest Montana’s only mobile dog gym, comes equipped with two of these high-tech slat mills, and the opportunity to train dogs in a safe, controlled environment. The business uses a van equipped with treadmills to come directly to clients and their dogs.
Matt and Angela DeFries, owners of Helsi, said the journey began years ago after realizing their love for helping people and their furry friends.
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