Treadmills are a great option for dogs of all sizes, it’s great exercise both physically and mentally. If it’s raining or really cold, put the dog on a treadmill. It should not however be a replacement for walks and outside activities. It’s not hard to introduce a dog to a treadmill, and it usually requires at least a bit of force – unless you want to stuff your dog full of treats. Most dogs take to it like a duck to water – Mini is great example of this.
The owner bought a treadmill last night, and it’s set up in the back yard as proof of concept. He installed grates in the front and sides to make it more comfortable, and the dogs won’t injure themselves if they jump off. The treadmill will be going into the house once he makes things permanent and the dogs are good on it.
This is where trust is very important – and this is why I always gain a dogs trust. A dog that doesn’t trust has zero reason to follow. So when I take the lead, they are generally more than willing to follow. Mini was the first to use the mill.
We let her out in the back yard, she sniffed the treadmill, it’s not a dangerous thing to her. Turn it on low, introduce her to the sound of it. Spin it faster, get used to the noise. You can see she’s checking it out. Then I get on it, walk and run. I’m showing her that I’m not afraid, that I’m not getting hurt – and she will follow. She has no reason to be afraid cause the person she trusts isn’t scared and not making it a big deal. I leash her and encourage her to get on it with me, but she didn’t. She followed the owner. Give her time to get use to it, she’s not getting hurt.
I don’t care what method you’re using – but when the floor starts to move, it’s going to trip out any dog. It’s unnatural and the dog needs to be encouraged. This is where a bit of force is going to happen. Turn the treadmill on, and Mini was unsure. Keep bringing her aboard, turn it on low and she didn’t understand. When the floor is moving – but the dog isn’t moving forward… It’s a strange thing. However.
Next time she got on, she did fine. I kept my hand on her back near her rump and she kept moving forward. Let her walk for a short time, then stop and let her off. Nothing negative is happening. Bear in mind, we need to make some adjustments – namely caging off the front of the treadmill. I’ve edited the video to remove the boring parts, but we put up a barrier across the front and that made a huge difference. Mini spent time on the treadmill of her own accord – and she didn’t seem to want to get off. When she wanted off, we let her off. This is about exposure, get them used to the treadmill. Tonite isn’t about tiring them out.
Now it’s Little Bears turn. She went easier than Mini did.
Let her check it out, smell it, hear it – ears up. I get on it, she barks out of excitement and a little unsurety. But then, get her on it and let her go. The dogs aren’t getting hurt. It’s not a pretty setup, but he’s going to use thin plywood to case it in and make it permanent.
The owner doesn’t know yet how fast of a pace each dog needs or how long they need to tire them out. But he will figure it out pretty quick. He’s got 4 large dogs to exercise, and the treadmill will be invaluable.