Heartland Hounds Finds the Right Training Floor with Greatmats

Planning the grand opening of a business is full of challenges, and Kasey, owner of Heartland Hounds in Emporia, Kansas, faced an unexpected extra challenge as her business’s grand opening approached. Kasey learned that her planned flooring option for the dog training facility fell through, and without flooring, the grand opening would be delayed.

Kasey needed very specific qualities in flooring for the training facility. The flooring had to be safe for dogs. It needed to be simple to install and couldn’t require any permanent fixtures that would destroy the vinyl subfloor. Additionally, Kasey had to quickly obtain the flooring to avoid delaying the grand opening.



Through internet research and referrals from the owners of other dog businesses, Kasey discovered Greatmats and the Dog Agility Mats Interlocking Tiles. These foam tiles could be installed over vinyl, provide anti-fatigue perks for dogs and handlers, and provide excellent traction to help keep everyone involved safe.

The dog agility foam mats stood out to Kasey for numerous reasons. Their size was appealing because they could quickly cover a large area. Kasey also appreciated the customer service that she received at Greatmats and the fact that she was able to get the new flooring shipped quickly.

''We have a brand-new dog training facility, and we have put over 4,000 square feet of Greatmats Dog Agility Tiles down,'' said Kasey. ''These mats went down super easy.'' Kasey installed them over vinyl flooring, transforming the space into a safer space for training dogs. ''It took two people about six hours to finish about 4,200 square feet, minus some extra time to cut some special pieces,'' said Kasey. ''And that included the time to unload the pallets!''

She explained that the biggest challenge in installing the tiles was getting used to figuring out the direction in which to place the tiles. The puzzle-style edges need to align correctly to push the tiles together. ''You’ll start seeing the patterns soon,'' Kasey explained. ''It’s just as simple as rotating [the tile] around. All we do is line it up, and then it’s as simple as popping it in.''

Since each tile includes edge pieces to create a clean, finished border, Kasey had many edge pieces left over. She found some innovative ways to put them to use. Kasey plans to use some of the leftover borders for scent games with the dogs. She also connected the edge pieces, creating long strips that she used to fill in the small gaps between the mats and the wall edges. In this way, she was able to run the flooring all the way up to the walls without having to trim tiles into small pieces to fill the gap.

Kasey says that not only has her product been solved, but the agility foam mats are a better solution than she’d imagined. ''I wish I had thought of this as the first solution,'' Kasey says of her new flooring. ''I would say that it is the ultimate solution, even against the more expensive options. I am happy knowing my dog clients will be comfortable and safe and that we have a state-of-the-art facility for them.''

Kasey has already let the dogs out to play on the flooring, and they’ve been having lots of fun in the new space. ''We are very happy with these mats,'' Kasey says.

The Benefits of Dog Agility Foam Mats

Kasey’s story is a perfect example of the type of application that the dog agility foam mats are designed for. These mats are crafted from waterproof EVA foam, creating a comfortable surface for dogs and handlers. They offer anti-fatigue benefits, perfect for trainers who are standing for long hours, and the non-slip surface helps maximize safety, too.

These mats are a durable choice, plus they’re reversible for a prolonged lifespan. Plus, since the mats are free of lead and latex, they’re a safe choice for dog training facilities.

With their interlocking design, the mats support a DIY installation, and their generous size helps that installation to go quickly. Since the mats are lightweight, they’re easy to carry and install and suitable as a temporary flooring solution, too.

Contact Greatmats to Learn More About Dog Agility Foam Mats

The dog agility foam mats are an ideal choice for many training facilities, but they’re not the only dog-friendly flooring we carry. We have numerous options suitable for training facilities, kennels, and more. Contact our customer service team to learn more about this and other flooring options; we’re happy to help you choose the product that’s right for your needs.

Kasey Flynt

Heartland Hounds

Emporia KS 66801