Dog Treadmill – An Alternative Dog Exercise Method
Almost everybody understands how exercise benefits the human body. But have you considered how much your dog needs regular physical activity to enhance health?
Poor Wally needs some exercise. Won't someone play with me?
Do you participate in any of the following with your dog?
- Agility – your dog runs an obstacle course in a certain pattern against the clock
- Herding-for herding breeds: the dog demonstrates the ability to control the movement of livestock under the direction of the handler
- Fly ball-a dog team sport which involved the dogs jumping hurdles and retrieving a ball which is then delivered to the handler
- Lure coursing-a sport for sight-hounds in which the dog chases a lure over a certain course
- Retrieving-formally, it involves the dog’s demonstration his ability to retrieve game birds under the direction of the handler. It can also be just a game of ball in the backyard.
- Jogging
- Hiking
- Life in general
Your dog’s activities mean that your dog is as much an athlete as a quarterback for a major NFL team and needs to be just as good physical condition, especially if you plan to enter your dog in formal competitions.
REASONS TO EXERCISE YOUR DOG
- To enhance cardio-vascular conditioning
- To promote muscle tone
- To promote mental stimulation
- Release tension and pent up energy thereby reducing negative, destructive behavior
- To promote overall improved health
- For rehabilitation after injury or surgery
All of these reasons are vital if your dog is a real athlete and, even if he isn’t participating in formal athletic events, he has a right to good health. A healthy dog is a better pet and companion. A healthy dog also means lower vet bills.
There are various ways to see that your dog gets the activity he needs:
- Walking and hiking
- Jogging
- Playing ball
All of these things pretty much rely on good weather and your energy and time. Sometimes one or more of these things may be lacking. So an easy alternative would be nice. Therefore, why not consider using a…
DOG TREADMILL
There are several reasons to consider a treadmill for your dog:
- It is available no matter what the weather or time of day.
- You don’t have to worry about encounters with loose dogs that may result in dog fights.
- You control the degree of difficulty of the exercise.
- He is walking on a predictable, smooth surface free of nails, stickers, stones, toxic chemicals.
- His self-confidence and pride may be enhanced by learning a new skill.
- It may be considered a socialization aid because the dog is challenged to deal with something new and different.
- It provides mental stimulation.
- Training your dog in a firm but humane and patient way should enhance the bond between you.
A dog treadmill is a great dog exercise alternative when:
- The weather outside is nasty.
- You just don’t have the energy to exercise your dog.
- Your dog is going through a physical rehab session.
You have your choice between buying a treadmill made for humans which is wide enough for you and your dog so you can both exercise together or a treadmill made especially for dogs. The canine treadmill can be found in various sizes from small to extra-large.
POINTS TO CONSIDER WHEN LOOKING FOR A TREADMILL FOR YOUR DOG
- Size of the treadmill. If it is a canine treadmill, will it fit your dog? Is the track long enough to accommodate your dog’s stride? There is a big difference between the stride of a Chihuahua and a Greyhound. If it is a treadmill built for humans, is it wide enough so that you and your dog aren’t bumping into each other?
- Strength of the motor. Will it accommodate the weight of your dog or you and your dog together?
- If it is a canine treadmill, does it come with strong side guards to prevent your dog’s jumping off one side or the other?
- Safety: Is there any way for the dog to become caught in the treadmill as it moves?
- Does the treadmill move by means of the dog’s walking or is it motorized?
Although most treadmills come equipped with timers, you should NEVER go away and leave your dog unattended on the treadmill. For one thing, if you leave your dog, he will want to follow you to see what you are doing. If he has been leashed to the treadmill, he may be injured when trying to jump off to follow you. It is possible that there could be other ways he could suffer if something goes wrong and you are not there to supervise and help him.
INTRODUCING THE DOG TO THE TREADMILL
If you already have a treadmill, encourage the dog to explore it with the motor off. If it is a treadmill for humans, let him watch you using it so he can become accustomed to the sound of the motor and the movement of the track and can see you using it.
If the treadmill is new and your dog has not had the opportunity to see and hear it before, bring him to the treadmill and let him sniff it and explore without turning on the motor. If he wants to climb on it, so much the better, with the motor off. Praise him for his curiosity with his favorite treat and plenty of vocal encouragement.
FORMAL INTRODUCTION
- With your hand on his collar, bring him within several feet of the treadmill and turn on the motor and then quickly turn it off again. Encourage him vocally and with treats.
If there is a fear response, don’t let him win. Keep holding his collar and reassure him but keep the motor off for a while. Don’t push it. Don’t give him treats at this point or he may think he is being praised for trying to run away. Keep him near the treadmill until he calms down (motor still off). When he is calm, reward him and let him go. Try again another day.
- Build his confidence.
- If he does not show fear, praise him and QUIT WHILE YOU ARE AHEAD. Don’t run your success into the ground.
- Several times a day for several days, repeat the on/off with the treadmill in front of the dog.
- Keep it low key and make it fun and light-hearted. Gradually lengthen the time that the motor is on.
- Once the dog accepts the sound and moving track of the treadmill and does not seem bothered by it, with the motor OFF, encourage him to get onto it if he hasn’t done so before. Let him explore. It may help to put treats on the treadmill to encourage him to climb on.
- With praise, encouragements, and treats, try to let him make the decision to climb on by himself without physically putting him on. Be patient.
- When he accepts this, get him onto the treadmill and, with your hand on his collar, try turning the motor on with the track moving very slowly at first. KEEP your hand on the collar to control him. Your hand on the collar gives you more control than your hand on a leash. If he doesn’t catch on to walking on the moving track, gently pull him forward so that he walks or, if possible, walk beside him. Praise, praise, praise and reward!
- If there is a fear response at this point, stop and give him a break. Try again later. Remember, keep it light and fun. Don’t yell at him or become impatient or his frustration and fear may increase.
- When he is comfortable with walking on the treadmill, try slowly increasing the speed of the track but DON’T push him to go faster than he is comfortable with. Slowly increase the time he spends on the treadmill. PRAISE, praise, praise.
REMEMBER
- Do not exercise your dog for 1 hour before and after eating
- Keep it positive
- Don’t push him too fast or quickly
- NEVER leave him alone on a moving treadmill
Most dog breeds were developed for a certain purpose that required certain temperaments and physical attributes. Dogs are NOT all alike and were not intended to be. There is a lot of variation between breeds and individuals, so what works with one dog may not work with another. Some may accept the treadmill more quickly than others. Approach this training situation and other training situations with an understanding of what your dog needs to succeed.
- You are the pack leader and you must be firm in your expectations and handling. BUT…
- Be humane and patient. ENCOURAGEMENT goes further in the right direction than impatience and yelling.
- Use appropriate corrections when needed, but do NOT forget the praise and reward.
- Remember: SAFETY FIRST
Most dogs learn to like the treadmill and have a sense of pride in learning to do this and in pleasing you. Good luck with your efforts in training your canine athlete and friend.
Featured Dog Treadmills
Click any of the links below to view some of the best dog treadmill options on the market