Ever since Cesar Millan mentioned a dog on a treadmill, owners across the country have tried their hand at treadmill training. Some owners have succeeded while others have failed. Like any type of training, treadmill training takes time and patience. It is highly unlikely that your pooch will be a natural, but he can be taught how to use the equipment. A treadmill should not replace a daily exercise routine; though, sometimes, it is a necessary addition.
Before you toss your pooch on the treadmill, there are safety precautions you should take. Realize that your dog may be frightened by the machine and try to find his way off of it. For this reason, place the treadmill against a wall. If possible, place it in the corner of a room where there is a wall in front (or back) and on one side. Make a barrier around the one of the exposed sides using cardboard. The barrier does not have to be sturdy, but it should stand upright and show your dog that it is not a way out. One side should be left open for your dog to enter and exit the treadmill. Being surrounded on all sides may also add to his fright.
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Other items that need to be prepared include his leash and his favorite motivator. If your dog normally walks on a harness, then use the harness for training. The same is true for a collar and leash. You should also grab his most loved treat, whether it is food or a favorite toy. Rewarding your dog for good and desired behavior is always necessary when training.
Slowly introduce your pet to the treadmill. If you use the treadmill, then keep him in the room with you when you are using it. He needs to get accustomed to the sight and sound of the machine. Take time placing him on the treadmill, and let him take his time in exploring the equipment. After he has had a chance to check things out (this could take a few minutes or a couple of days), then attach his harness or leash and place him on the treadmill. Never tie the leash off on the treadmill, because a fall could be dangerous. Hold the leash in your hands at all times; you should always have control over your dog. Set the speed to a slow walk. It's a good idea to use a stopwatch to time the training. Since you will be increasing the walking time each day, then it's important to be able to accurately judge the time. Let him walk for a minute or two, and stop the treadmill. Give him a treat for his good work, and then start it again. Once again, let him walk for a couple of minutes, then turn it off for the day. Repeat this process each day, allowing your dog to stay on the treadmill for an extra minute each time. You can slowly increase the speed; but, when increasing the speed, decrease the time so that your pooch can get accustomed to the new movement. Remember that training can take a while, so you may spend a few days just introducing your pet to the machine.
A walk or run on the treadmill should never replace your dog's daily routine. Depending on the breed, some dogs need large amounts of exercise. When an outside walk isn't enough, then a treadmill can be used to expend the extra energy. If it is raining outside or you are unable to go outside for whatever reason, then the treadmill is a good alternative. However, just because the treadmill is a quick fix does not mean that it should be used as the only form of exercise.
Training a dog to walk or run on a treadmill is possible; but, like all training, it does take time. Take your pooch's safety in mind before you start the exercise program. Once your dog is comfortable with the machine, then he is probably ready for his first walk. Start slow, and increase the walking time each day. Once your pup is ready to run, then the time should be decreased, and the process should start again. Before you know it, your pooch will be a treadmill pro!
Treadmill Training - Training Your Dog on the Treadmill
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