Another base cause for reactivity and/or aggression is mental energy that the dog can’t burn off. I’ve met pitbulls that were a mental freight train. If a dog is a consistent 7/10 mentally, it doesn’t take long to hit level 10 and bad things happen. At that point, I doubt their brain is functional. Dogs, like humans, need to blow out the lines. Give them a way to get rid of it, and you will see a different dog. Flirt poles are also great if your dog likes to chase. Lots of good videos on youtube on building one and using it.
Treadmills can be a salvation to your relationship with your dog hyper or overactive dog. And many owners are reaching for mental stimulation instead of mental exercise. A treadmill is not replacement for anything, it’s just another form of exercise.
Remain totally calm when introducing your dog to a treadmill. Cover the sides of the treadmill with a blanket or something so he doesn’t get freaked out and keep looking for that exit route. I would bring the dog to the mill on leash, and let him sniff it, let him investigate. Stand on the mill yourself, show him that’s not a big deal — and with leash in hand, encourage the dog to join you. Do not make a big deal out of anything, you don’t need food, be calm. Have someone else hold the leash, you get on the mill and go for a slow walk. You’re showing the dog that you’re not scared of this thing, and you’re not getting hurt. The mill is making some noise, just relax and let the dog take it all in.
Repeat this a couple of times over the course of an hour or so. Let the dog be comfortable. You’re best to stand on one side of the mill or the other, and with the leash, start encouraging him to get on it – do not drag the dog on, this isn’t the time to make a dog scared. Let him sniff around, examine it and let him make it not a big deal. Let him off, turn the mill on slow and let him investigate.
When you are ready, have the dog get on the mill, try to keep a loose leash, be calm, and turn the mill on the slowest speed. Let the dog experience the moving floor – this startles every dog, no exceptions. Be calm, don’t react. The floor isn’t supposed to move. Turn it off, don’t make a big deal and let the dog get off. Turn the mill on, let the dog investigate. Repeat.
At some point with encouragement, you can get the dog walking on the mill, you can keep a taught leash – not tight, you don’t want pressure on the neck. Just relax, you’re walking your dog – just not moving. Let the dog get used to it.
You know your dog better than anyone else and you need to learn how fast to walk them, how long to leave them on for and how tired they need to be. This is both physically and mentally draining to a dog – this is what they need.
Once you feel the dog is tired, take them for a walk – but be calm. Is there a difference?