MlemGirove Dog Treadmill Assembly Guide: Manuals, Videos and Setup Tips

Short answer: the MlemGirove Small Dog Slatmill takes about 5 minutes for one person, because the running unit arrives with the track and brake already mounted. The Medium takes about 30 minutes and the Large about 35 minutes, with one or two people. Each model has its own printable manual and step-by-step video on our Support page. This guide explains what each build involves and what to check before your dog's first session.

Download your manual and watch the video

Model	Assembly time	Manual	Video
Small	About 5 minutes, 1 person	Small installation manual (PDF)	5 min 49 sec, on the Support page
Medium & Large	About 30 min (Medium) / 35 min (Large), 1–2 people	Medium & Large installation manual (PDF)	6 min 47 sec, on the Support page

We recommend watching the video once before you open the box. It's the fastest way to see how the parts go together.

Before you start

• Clear enough floor space. The assembled Small measures 45 × 17.7 × 35 in, the Medium 68.9 × 22.4 × 57.9 in and the Large 74.8 × 24.4 × 57.9 in. Leave room to walk around the frame while you work.
• Lay out and count every part against the parts list in your manual. If anything is missing or wrong, email us with a photo. We usually reply within a few hours, and a missing or wrong part ships the same day.
• Tools: the Small comes with a tool kit, and the Medium & Large include a hex wrench. For the Medium & Large, a household hammer helps when you seat the track pins, and a rubber mallet makes snug joints easier on either model.
• Get help for the big models. The Medium & Large build involves turning the frame over, and the finished treadmill is heavy, so plan on two adults for lifting and moving it.

Small Dog Slatmill: what the build involves

The Small's running unit arrives with the slat track and brakes already mounted, so assembly is mostly bolting on the base and guards. The manual walks through 10 steps:

1. Stand the running unit on its side, which makes the base brackets easier to reach.
2. Attach the front and rear base brackets, and fit the handle grips (part F) onto the rear base.
3. Add the front and rear base supports.
4. Fit the two side panels.
5. Attach the anti-jump brackets to the side panels.
6. Mount the gantry on the anti-jump brackets.
7. Attach the chains to the gantry.
8. Fit the wheels to the front base, and the brake knobs to the running unit.
9. Position the hand brake and the mechanical timer where they're easy for you to reach.
10. Mount the speed monitor on a side panel and place its sensor near the magnet on the wheel hub.

Tip from the manual: leave the screws loose while you assemble, and tighten them all only after every component is in place. It makes lining up the holes much easier.

Medium & Large Dog Slatmill: what the build involves

The larger models ship in more pieces, so you'll build the frame and the track yourself. The manual includes a screw-hole map and 16 illustrated steps, which fall into five stages:

1. Frame: join the two frame sections, keeping the sides marked "TOP" facing up, then bolt on the two roller rails. If a joint is tight, rest it on a flat block and tap gently with a hammer.
2. Track: fit the shock-absorbing belts inside the frame, connect the four track sections with the retaining pins, slip the track over the frame, and pin it closed.
3. Legs: build the front leg assembly (braces, wheels and adjustable feet) and the rear leg assembly with its handle, turn the treadmill over to bolt both on, then return it upright.
4. Belt alignment: seat the belts evenly on the front hub by pushing the track forward, then on the rear hub by pushing it back. The photo sequence in the manual shows exactly how this looks.
5. Guards and controls: attach the side guards, jump guard and gantry, then the chains, hand brake and speed monitor, and finish with the hub covers and brake knobs.

Getting the speed monitor to read

The monitor works with a small magnet that comes pre-installed on the wheel hub and a wired sensor you position next to it. If the display doesn't show speed or distance, check the gap between the sensor and the magnet. The manuals call for about 0.06–0.2 in on the Small and 0.06–0.15 in on the Medium & Large.

Checks before your dog's first session

• Tighten everything. Go over every bolt once assembly is complete.
• Make it stable. Place the treadmill on a level surface and adjust the feet so the frame doesn't rock and every foot touches the floor.
• Move the track by hand. It should roll smoothly, without rubbing, binding or drifting to one side.
• Test the brake. Make sure it holds the track and releases fully.
• Clear the area of debris, and keep children and other pets away during sessions.
• Mind the front edge. The manual advises keeping your dog in the middle of the track, not too far forward, so paws stay clear of the gap near the front hub.

Then introduce your dog slowly. Our introduction guide and how long a dog should run cover the first weeks.

Quick fixes for common setup issues

Issue	What to check
Track won't move or feels stiff	Brake released? Debris in the track? Belt aligned on both hubs?
Track drifts to one side	Clear debris and check that the treadmill is level, then make only small adjustments allowed by your model's manual.
Treadmill rocks	Level floor, and every foot in firm contact
Unusual noise	Rubbing slats, loose bolts, debris, roller condition. Stop if it's severe or you can't find the cause.
Bolts keep loosening	Check the threads, and contact us if it continues

The full troubleshooting table, cleaning guide and stop-use list are on the Support page. The Medium & Large manual also recommends lubricating the track pins regularly to keep them running smoothly.

Help when you need it

MlemGirove makes non-motorized, dog-powered slatmill treadmills for indoor conditioning, built in three sizes for dogs under 40 lb, 40 to 70 lb, and 70 lb and up. If you get stuck at any step, email support@mlemgirove.com with your model, order number and a photo or short video. We usually reply within a few hours, and missing or wrong parts ship the same day. Every slatmill is covered by a one-year limited warranty, and registering your product adds 180 days. See warranty and registration. Still choosing a model? Compare the Small Dog Slatmill and the Medium & Large Dog Slatmill, or check the size guide.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to assemble a MlemGirove dog treadmill?
About 5 minutes for the Small with one person. The Medium takes about 30 minutes and the Large about 35 minutes, with one or two people.

Where can I find the MlemGirove manual?
Printable PDF installation manuals and assembly videos for the Small and for the Medium & Large are on the MlemGirove Support page at mlemgirove.com/pages/support.

Do I need my own tools?
The Small includes a tool kit, and the Medium & Large include a hex wrench. For the Medium & Large, a household hammer helps seat the track pins.

Is the brake already installed?
Yes. The disc brake comes pre-fitted from the factory. On the Small, the track and brakes arrive mounted on the running unit; you add the brake knobs and position the hand brake during assembly.

Why isn't the speed monitor showing anything?
Check the gap between the wired sensor and the magnet on the wheel hub. It should be about 0.06–0.2 in on the Small and 0.06–0.15 in on the Medium & Large.

What if a part is missing or damaged?
Email support@mlemgirove.com with your order number and a photo. We usually reply within a few hours, and missing or wrong parts ship the same day.