What if your dog could sprint, play, and burn off energy – without leaving your driveway? Fox & Lou’s Mobile Dog Run brings a climate-controlled, no-pressure slatmill right to your curb. It’s a game-changer for high-energy pups, busy families, seniors, or folks with mobility challenges, and dogs who don’t love dog parks.
To learn more about this innovative service and the heart behind it, we interviewed Shanna Poellot, the founder of Fox & Lou’s, about how it started, what makes it different, and why dogs (and their people) are loving it.
Shanna, What Inspired You to Start Fox & Lou’s Mobile Dog Run?
I know a lot of dog owners struggle with giving their pups enough exercise, especially without a fenced yard or when the weather isn’t cooperating. Was there a particular moment when you thought, “There has to be a better way,” that led to starting Fox & Lou’s?
I have two rescued dogs, and when we moved, I no longer had a fenced-in yard for them to run in. I was looking for a way to provide them with exercise and keep them healthy. A slatmill advertisement and article appeared in my search one day, and it sparked an idea for me.
I loved the idea of the dogs being able to run at their own pace and inside, where they are safer. However, I didn’t love the idea of having a slatmill in my living room. So, I decided to find a way to own a slatmill for my dogs, outside of my house. I also wanted to be able to share the slatmill with other dogs. That’s when I came up with the idea of setting it up inside a van. It meant my dogs could run safely without taking over my living room, and it also gave me a way to bring the slatmill directly to other dogs, right at their homes.
I started offering to run dogs at local shelters and in my neighborhood, for free. When I saw the benefits of the mobile dog gym, I decided to turn it into a small business. And the idea for Fox and Lou’s was born!
I think a lot of us can relate to not wanting gym equipment (or in this case, a slat mill!) taking over the living room. Putting it in a van is genius.
For the people who have never heard of a slatmill, can you explain what it is?
What is a Slatmill?
A slat mill is kind of like a treadmill, but it’s designed especially for dogs. Instead of one solid belt, it has individual slats that roll smoothly as the dog walks or runs. There’s no motor pulling them along; the dogs power it themselves, so they’re always in control of the speed. They can go as slow or as fast as they want, stop when they’re ready, and it feels natural to them. The design makes it safe, durable, and a lot more comfortable for dogs compared to a regular treadmill made for people.
So that’s the magic machine behind Fox & Lou’s. But the name has its own story too, and I love that it ties right back to your own rescue pups. Can you share how you came up with it?
The Story Behind the Name “Fox & Lou’s”
It’s based on my own dog’s names. First is a pup I rescued from an auction in Kentucky, from the TLC Animal Shelter. I named him “King Louie” after Louisville, Kentucky. “Duchess Foxy” is my other rescue pup. She was given that name by the Aurora Animal Shelter, and it’s perfect for her, so I kept it.
I let my kids help decide the business name. I gave them a few options, and they picked Fox and Lou’s, keeping the business rooted in my rescue pups.
I love that your pups are rescues, and that their names are now part of something bigger. It really ties your personal story into the business. So once you launched, how did people respond?
Launching the Service
I launched Fox & Lou’s officially in July, after months of volunteering at shelters with the mobile dog gym. Now I’ve been booking regular appointments and seeing great results with local dogs.
Owners love the convenience of having the service at their house; they don’t have to travel and can continue with their obligations at home while their dog spends time in the dog gym. The dogs get to burn off excess energy, and the owners are happy with their results.
As for the dogs, each one has a different experience. Some need extra time to feel comfortable, and some start running immediately. But the best part is that once they catch on, they all love it. By the end of a session, they’re relaxed, happy, and proud of themselves; tails wagging, tongues out, and ready for a good nap. I always prefer to take my time and let each dog feel safe and in control, and it makes all the difference.
That makes so much sense. Anyone with a high-energy pup knows how different they act once they’ve had the chance to burn it off. They’re calmer, happier, and so much easier to live with. That makes me wonder, besides high-energy pups, what kinds of dogs, or even people, do you think benefit most from the mobile dog gym?
Who Benefits Most? Dogs or People?
I have yet to meet a dog that doesn’t love running or walking. High-energy pups, playful puppies, seniors, and even dogs recovering from procedures (with their vet’s approval, of course) all need safe ways to exercise. Regular movement helps them burn energy, stay at a healthy weight, and let off stress. It’s good for both their bodies and their minds.
On the people side, some owners are just overwhelmed with life – kids, work, home obligations -and don’t always have the time or energy to give their dog the exercise they need. Others don’t have a fenced yard, so walks or parks are the only option. I can relate to that one; my own dogs never enjoyed dog parks, and honestly, I don’t enjoy the car rides with them either. Having to vacuum my car 3 times a week because I want to take them to a park is way too time-consuming.
The weather is another big obstacle. Around here, it’s either too hot, too cold, there’s a UV alert, or the sidewalks are covered in unsafe salt. That’s hard on dogs, but it’s also hard on people, especially seniors or anyone with mobility challenges, who still want to make sure their dogs get safe, regular exercise.
The truth is, all dogs benefit from exercise, but with weather, personal commitments, health issues, and safety concerns, sometimes it feels virtually impossible. That’s where the mobile dog gym makes such a difference.
It sounds like your service really gives both dogs and their people a break, which is so important. I’m curious, though, when a dog is nervous or trying the slat mill for the first time, how do you help them feel comfortable?
Helping Nervous or First-Time Dogs
I like to book first sessions for an hour versus follow-up sessions that are 30 minutes. I spend as much time as needed with the dog to ensure they are comfortable with me and the slatmill. I encourage them to explore Luna (the van) and provide healthy treats, and I have a variety of toys to help.
Most dogs are a bit confused at first, but they are allowed to take all the time they need. But once it clicks in their head that they are safe and can run however fast they want, they perk up and GO!!
Any Memorable Dog Stories?
It’s clear you’ve thought of every detail to make this service safe and enjoyable for both dogs and their people. I’m curious, have you had a moment with a dog where you thought, ‘Yes, this is exactly why I started Fox & Lou’s’?
I have a neighbor with a reactive dog, who was adopted about 6 months ago. Both parents work full-time and only have time to let him out in their yard for short times. I mentioned my dog gym and offered to let him run.
Their dog was NOT amused for about 20 minutes. He didn’t like the harness, didn’t like the van, and he did not like me! After trying treats and toys for encouragement, I almost gave up. But I decided to sit down and recalibrate my approach. After a few minutes, he just started walking. I think he was just being difficult to try to get to me! Then, I gave him a squeaky toy and lots of YEAHS, and he just took off! He ran for 30 minutes, and we had so much fun.
The neighbor told me he came home, ate, and slept. It was the first time since his adoption that his parents could sit down and watch a movie without their pup demanding all their attention.
Since then, he comes over once or twice a week, hops on the slatmill and takes off! They bring him over before parties, grooming, and vet appointments. It’s made all the difference, and they are really enjoying being first-time dog owners, now that he has an outlet.
How Does a Typical Session Work from Start to Finish?
That’s such a great example of why this works, and I know your neighbors are grateful! So if someone books an appointment, what does the process look like when you show up? What happens from the moment the dog steps into the van?
I always make sure the dog has had a chance to go potty first. I then bring the dog into Luna and fit them with a harness if they don’t have one. I let them pick a toy and give them a little treat.
After getting them on the slatmill and adjusting the straps to ensure they are secure, I encourage those first few steps. If they take a step, they get lots of praise and love; if not, I will slowly encourage them to take just one little step. I will figure out the best way to get each dog comfortable and continue with praise and encouragement until they realize they are in control of the slatmill, and with each step, they get more and more praise and gain confidence.
I have a lot of energy, and the dogs tend to match my energy and excitement!
Why Is This Different from Regular Walks?
I like how you let the dog set the pace and build confidence in their own time. So, how would you say this is different from just taking a dog for a walk outdoors?
Our van is climate-controlled, which is a huge bonus for our area!
Walking outside is controlled by the owner, the slatmill is controlled by the dog. They decide how fast or slow they want to go. And if they feel like running full-speed ahead, they can. That’s something most owners simply can’t give them on a leash. The excitement for most dogs when they realize no one is stopping them is amazing!
They will burn more energy on a slatmill than a walk around the block that is controlled by their owner.
Again, climate control is one of the biggest advantages.
It’s also great for dogs that are reactive and have a hard time being around other dogs, chase animals or cars, or become fearful.
The one-on-one session is crucial. Being allowed to safely give your dog exercise at the convenience of your doorstep can benefit the whole family.
That point about climate control really hits home, because let’s face it, who wants to take a dog out in the pouring rain or in deep snow, or on blazing-hot pavement? That’s hard on their paws and not much fun for the owner either.
I love how this gives dogs options they wouldn’t otherwise have. But what about different kinds of dogs? Do you see some who benefit more than others, or is it really for all of them?
Is It Right for Every Dog? Are There Some That Should NOT Use It?
Every pup! Even if a dog is just using the slatmill to walk, like maybe a senior dog, they are exercising, getting mental stimulation, and improving their quality of life.
What’s great is that each pup gets to move at their own pace, whether that’s a zoomie sprint or a slow, steady walk. Every dog can find their groove.
And when dogs are exercised safely and consistently, owners benefit too, because a tired dog is a happy dog, and a happy dog makes for a much calmer household.
The only dogs I would be cautious about providing the gym to would be any dog that has been through any recent health issues. If they are still in stitches, I would recommend that their vet give permission to the owner before exercise.
Even after surgery, dogs still benefit greatly on the slatmill; oftentimes exercise will help them in recovery, but it needs to be done slowly and safely, and again, with their vet’s approval.
I love that your service can meet dogs wherever they are in life – from bouncy puppies to seniors taking it slow. It feels like there’s a bigger purpose driving all of this. Would you say you have a mission guiding Fox & Lou’s?
The Mission Behind Fox & Lou’s
My mission is to provide a safe alternative for all dogs in the area to improve their lives, enjoy a fun and rewarding experience, and hopefully relieve some of the stress for owners who can’t always provide those opportunities on their own.
A big part of this is health – without regular exercise, dogs are at risk for obesity, which brings lifelong effects like higher vet bills, diabetes, and a shorter life span. But weight isn’t the only issue. Dogs that don’t get enough movement can develop stiff joints, weak muscles, anxiety, and even destructive behaviors at home.
The difference when they’re able to run safely is incredible. Exercise doesn’t just burn calories; it lifts their spirits, eases their stress, and gives them confidence. That’s why I believe every pup deserves this outlet. It’s about giving them a longer, healthier life, and a happier one too.
I can really hear how much you care about dogs in the way you describe this; it’s not just about running a business for you. It’s about giving dogs healthier, happier lives and taking some stress off their people. That passion really shines through.
Where Do You Hope to Take Fox & Lou’s in the Future?
I hope I can continue volunteering at shelters and giving all dogs the freedom to run as fast as they desire. Making a dog’s life better one session at a time. Each dog deserves to be engaged and encouraged, and by giving them this outlet, I hope to continue helping to create vast improvements in their quality of life.
I absolutely love that! I’m sure giving shelter dogs the chance to run makes a huge difference for them. Not just for their physical health, but in helping fight off the stress and anxiety that comes with shelter life. That’s such important work.
So if someone reading this wants to get in touch with you, whether they’re curious about a session for their own pup or just want to learn more, what’s the best way for them to reach you?
Where Can People Contact You?
I serve all of Will and Dupage Counties in Illinois
Shanna Poellot
Phone/Text: 630.850.0628
Email: foxandlous@gmail.com
Facebook: Fox and Lou’s Mobile Dog Run
Fox & Lou’s isn’t just a business; it’s one dog lover’s mission to make life better for pups and their people. Whether it’s giving shelter dogs a chance to stretch their legs or helping a family finally enjoy a peaceful evening with their pet, this mobile dog gym is proof that innovation and heart can go hand in paw. If your dog could use a safe, fun way to run, and you live in Shanna’s area, Fox & Lou’s might be exactly what you’ve been waiting for.
Changing Lives One Dog at a Time
At the end of the day, Fox & Lou’s isn’t just about exercise – it’s about giving dogs the chance to live fuller, happier lives, and giving their people the relief of knowing their best friend is cared for. From shelter pups fighting off kennel stress to family dogs finally finding a safe outlet for their energy, Shanna has turned a simple idea into something that truly changes lives.
If you’ve ever wished your pup had a way to run freely, without the limits of weather, park rules, or busy schedules, Fox & Lou’s is proof that sometimes the best solutions come from a big heart and a little creativity.
