Running on a treadmill can be a great way to get your dog to exercise. If you have a busy schedule or live in an area where the weather or environment makes it difficult for you to walk your dog, a treadmill can be a great way to get him to train according to his needs. Training your dog to use the treadmill takes a little patience, but with time and effort, your dog will learn to use the tool easily.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Getting Started
Step 1. Install the treadmill
Before you can start training your dog, you need to properly install the treadmill.
The treadmill should be placed without facing the wall and the dog not facing the wall when walking on it. You don't want your dog to think he's walking against a wall while on a treadmill
Step 2. Get the dog to recognize the treadmill
Your dog won't get on the treadmill right away. Since this is a new object, the dog will need time and patience to recognize the device.
- Always introduce your dog to a new treadmill without starting the engine first. If your dog finds the treadmill running and making noise, he can easily get scared.
- Let the dog sniff the treadmill and recognize the machine for a few days. Let him get used to the new things in his house.
- Try to make the treadmill into a positive object. Feed the dog and treat the food around the treadmill. Place a bowl filled with water and toys nearby.
Step 3. Walk the dog on the treadmill when it is off
Once your dog is familiar enough with the treadmill to feel comfortable being around him, try encouraging him to walk on it when it's turned off.
- You can use the food reward to lure the dog to walk to the treadmill. When using a food reward to get him to walk on the treadmill, use verbal commands such as "Go up" to encourage the behavior.
- Praise your dog after stepping on the treadmill and reward him with food.
- Practice getting your dog on the treadmill several times a day. After being on the treadmill in response to the "Up" command most of the time, you can continue to make it run on the treadmill.
Part 2 of 3: Training Dogs
Step 1. Let the dog approach the treadmill while you are using it
Once your dog is familiar with the treadmill off, allow the dog to interact while it's turned on.
- Use the treadmill at the slowest pace in the presence of the dog. Let him sniff the treadmill while it's in use and watch you walk on it.
- If possible, use the "Up" command to see if your dog is comfortable walking on the back of the treadmill with you while using it at a low speed. It may take a few days or weeks before the dog feels comfortable enough to see the treadmill running to ride on the move.
Step 2. Have the dog walk on the treadmill at the lowest possible speed
Once your dog is familiar with the treadmill on, you can start getting him to use the treadmill on the move.
- First, attach a leash to the dog. Hold the leash up as the dog steps onto the appliance. Then, turn on the treadmill on its lowest setting.
- Your dog can quickly adapt to walking on a treadmill but he can also get scared and resist. You have to stand in front of the treadmill holding on to the rope and encourage it with food and support to stay on it.
- Start small. Use sessions of 30 seconds to 1 minute on the lowest setting until your dog is comfortable using the treadmill regularly.
Step 3. Use positive support
Throughout your dog's training process, use positive support to encourage him to use the treadmill.
- Use a food reward while the dog stays on the treadmill.
- Dogs live by focusing on the present, so it's important to use support after they've followed commands correctly. Immediately after stepping on the treadmill, for example, verbally praise the dog and reward him with food.
- If the dog starts to look displeased or distracted, stop the session. Dogs use their face and body to express emotions. Some signs your dog may be irritated include eyes that look bigger than usual, mouth closed with lips slightly pulled at an angle, tail lowered between two legs or tucked against his stomach.
Step 4. Increase the speed to a higher setting and a longer time
As you continue to make your dog use the treadmill, gradually increase the intensity of the exercise.
- Once the dog is comfortable on the treadmill for 1 minute, increase it to 2-3 minute sessions and finally 5 minutes. Most dogs need 20 to 30 minutes of physical exercise a day, so aim to achieve this time frame.
- Depending on your dog's fitness level, you can experiment with different levels of speed and intensity. If your dog is overweight, you may need to gradually increase the intensity of his exercise to keep him fit.
Part 3 of 3: Taking Prevention
Step 1. Use the correct treadmill
There are many different types of treadmills and you need to make sure you choose the right breed for your dog.
- Animal powered treadmills are specially designed for use by animals, and they range in price from IDR 3,000,000 to IDR 6,000,000. If you don't plan on using the treadmill for yourself and only intend to use it for your dog's exercise, this may be a good option.
- Treadmills with motors, designed for human use, tend to cost more. The price ranges from IDR 5,000,000 to IDR 50,000,000 depending on the features provided. These treadmills can usually be used safely by dogs if you take the right precautions. If you are also planning on using a treadmill, you will need to purchase a treadmill with a motor. If the device is intended for dogs only, you may need to save some money and opt for a veterinary treadmill.
Step 2. Look for a specific feature
Depending on your dog's fitness goals, certain features may be required.
- The incline setting allows you to increase the intensity of the walking mat to make the workout more effective. If you train your dog for the purpose of a fitness or agility event, or your dog is severely overweight, this feature can help your dog get in shape.
- The length of the track will be based on the size of the dog. Smaller dogs, such as small beagles and terriers, do best to use a length of 75x35 cm. Medium-sized dogs, such as Australian shepherds, boxers and spaniels, will benefit from a 119x43 cm track. Any larger dog will need a 190x43 cm track.
- Treadmills with timers and distance meter counts can help you keep track of how many miles your dog has walked and in how long. This may only be necessary if you are trying to get your dog into shape for a marathon or competition. This feature may not be required for regular training.
Step 3. Be careful
Certain safety precautions should be taken when using a treadmill with your dog.
- Do not feed the dog before strenuous exercise. This can cause cramping, stomach pain, and even vomiting.
- Always use a leash, but never tie a dog to a treadmill and leave it unattended. This can lead to injury and even death.
- You should start each exercise with a slow, steady walk to warm up and then lower the pace again towards the end of the workout to allow the dog to cool down.
