Treadmill

[Sue J]

Don't know if this is right forum for this topic. If not, mods please move to appropriate one.

I got a free treadmill in really good shape today. I plan to use it to help exercise/strengthen my leg and also want to use it for the dogs. The beagle got right on it today, but no go with Jett even with treats and it not moving. I didn't press the issue with her as I wanted to get used to it first, but will start slowly with her tomorrow. I think Jett will be fine with it after a couple of tries, especially after seeing her watch Jaz today.

Just wondered if anyone here has used one with their dogs and if so any tips will be appreciated.

[Rhiannon]

Sue we also use a treadmill for our dogs. Some have adapted quickly while others are a little slower. Kind of like me. :o I think the dogs get more use from the treadmill that the owner does. Oh well. Anyway we just try to make it fun while praising and giving treats. It has helped some of our dogs to watch the others get on with it also. We are having portable sides built to go on the sides of the treadmill. I think when it is closed in on the sides they don't feel so vulnerable. Keep us posted as to how Jett progresses and how your leg improves.

[RKCM]

I saw this older thread and just wondered how it was going using the treadmill. I was very interested and was thinking of having one for the winter when the weather doesn't allow the dogs to exercise so much. How is that working for you? Anyone else use them?

[Rhiannon]

I saw this older thread and just wondered how it was going using the treadmill. I was very interested and was thinking of having one for the winter when the weather doesn't allow the dogs to exercise so much. How is that working for you? Anyone else use them?

The treadmill is working out very well for us. Too bad it doesn't work so well for me. I have absolutely no idea why .....I stand right beside it when the dogs are on it.......:D

No kidding aside it works well and we don't have to worry about mud. You have to be careful with them and supervise the dogs while on the treadmill and limit the time they are on. I am sure it will come in very handy trying to get our show dogs ready for the Terre Haute cluster coming up the end of April.

I think they are definitely worth it. Mine is a very nice treadmill from Sears. We paid over 800 dollars for it when we bought it. We can even do some work on the incline with it. And for what it is worth it would really work well for me if I would get the energy to use the thing myself. :rolleyes:

[RKCM]

Thanks for the info. I was thinking of using it in the winter etc. In the summer, it will most likely be used. I don't want it for me.....not motivated for that. I teach on the third floor of an old historic building and those granite stairs are enough for me. LOL

Can you direct us on how you would start this? How long? etc.

The one I have was not a fancy version like yours....

[Sue J]

Working well with the beagle, Jett not so much! She loves it when I'm on it and won't leave me but she isn't a big fan of it altho' she'll get on it. Keeps her ears laid back all the time and has that "do I have to?" body language. So I don't force her. I use it more than the girls. Mine also has incline, but forget that!! Flat is enough for this old body. I started the girls with 2 min. and worked up to about 10. Watch that you don't increase speed on them too fast. I accidently hit the wrong button and it flew!! Beagle thought she was on the Concord! LOL

[Rhiannon]

The important thing when beginning treadmill work is to go slow. Put the treadmill in an area where the dogs also go. Let them get used to it being in the room. It is important to not rush the process or you can create a fear in your dog. Let the dogs smell it...look at it ....whatever. Don't make a big deal out of it while they are checking it out. It is important to remember that when you start them out that you are in the right frame of mind in order to get them using it. Even if you have a very confident dog, take this process slow. If your dog acts scared or cautious don't make a big deal out of it. Go do something else. Take them on a walk or play ball or whatever they enjoy. Continue to do this until the treadmill is not a big deal for them. It needs to be just another piece of furniture in the dog's area. Nothing to be afraid of.

Once they are not afraid of the treadmill. Simply pick them up and put them on it. Not with it running but just for them to get on it. Praise them and give them a treat or play with a toy with them. Tell them good dog.....see how fun this is. Do this for a couple of days. Put them on it, praise them and then reward them. Continue this step until they are completely comfortable with this step.

Our next step is to turn the treadmill on with them in the area. Do not put them on it. You get on it and walk they should watch what you are doing and become curious. Let them be used to the noise. Again repeating this step for them until they are not afraid of the noise or movement of the treadmill. And then when they are ready to try this step. Place them on the treadmill and turn it on slowly. We do not want them starting at a run on the treadmill. Just a slow gentle walking gait. Stay right there with them. Do not tie them to the treadmill with a leash. You hold the leash and stay right beside them. Praise them and tell them how good they are. Do this as well for several days until they are completely comfortable with this step in the process. Gradually you can build the speed up of the treadmill for your dog. Keep in mind that not every dog will like the treadmill. Some will refuse to use it or want anything to do with it. "Kind of like some of us humans" :D

If you introduce it the wrong way to your dog he will become afraid of it which is not what the goal is here. The steps can take 48 hours to go through or 48 days. It all depends on the dog. And it will vary between dogs. Keep the training sessions short. 10 minutes for a run on the treadmill or 20 minutes at a brisk walk. Also another important step is to warm them up before putting them on the treadmill. Take them for a short walk and them do your treadmill work. Also remember to cool them down until their breathing returns to normal. My dogs also enjoy a brisk rub down afterwords for about 5 or 10 minutes. It is not necessary for your treadmill to have sides on it when you stay with the dog. It is just very important to never leave the dog unattended on the treadmill. Hope this helps. Keep us posted on your training. :)

[gtjblloyd]

I'm glad I found this thread, I was just getting ready to post about treadmills. :)

A friend of mine just upgraded her treadmill and gave me her old one - still very nice and in good running order, and I was wondering if it's something Jet will be able to use. :o

I read what Rhiannon wrote and it sounds like a safe approach to getting him used to it, so I plan on trying it when he is old enough and still has energy after wearing out the rest of the family. :D

Thanks for the info!!!!

Gabriele

[RKCM]

I'm glad I found this thread, I was just getting ready to post about treadmills. :)

A friend of mine just upgraded her treadmill and gave me her old one - still very nice and in good running order, and I was wondering if it's something Jet will be able to use. :o

I read what Rhiannon wrote and it sounds like a safe approach to getting him used to it, so I plan on trying it when he is old enough and still has energy after wearing out the rest of the family. :D

Thanks for the info!!!!

Gabriele

I would NOT put a puppy on a treadmill.....Ever. You should never force a puppy to walk, very bad for their hips, legs, and just not a great way to go. Rhiannon is referring to grown dogs I believe and really after researching, I wouldn't advise it.

[Shadowlands]

Using a treadmill is an excellent way to exercise them when weather is not condusive to do so outside, or to wear the little buggers out. LOL!! Great instruction by Rhiannon. Moving slow to get them used to it is the key, and slowly increase speed but never too fast or for too long. :)

[RKCM]

You should not use a tread mill at all on a puppy untill the age of 18 months you can damage growing bones. The growth plates in their legs do not close untill about 18 months old. Treatmills are considered forced exercise. A puppy can run and play but can stop when he needs to do that. He can't do that on a treadmill and you risk damaage. All dogs and pups will try to please you and may not know how to to comunicate they want to stop. You run a big risk with using them on a dog under 18 months. And some dogs need even more time....jumping should also be limited.

I decided against it even with my grown dogs but they do say it works...just not puppies. But Sandy is right, many people use them on grown dogs for exercis

[gtjblloyd]

Sorry for being unclear about this, I never meant I would use it for a puppy. I know better! I would never risk natural and healthy puppy development! :mad:

I was looking at the long run, especially since I know that a bored Doberman is just about his own worst enemy. :eek:

My question was really geared towards using it for an adult dog and whether it would be a good idea!

[RKCM]

Have company tonight and didn't read it just right. Just wanted others that might read not to put a young dog on a treadmill.....just not worth it. Good for you.

Know this baby has the best of homes....lucky puppy!

[Rhiannon]

I would NOT put a puppy on a treadmill.....Ever. You should never force a puppy to walk, very bad for their hips, legs, and just not a great way to go. Rhiannon is referring to grown dogs I believe and really after researching, I wouldn't advise it.

Yes I am referring to grown dogs only. We will not use one before the age of 18 months at the earliest and prefer to wait until they are two years of age. You cannot and I repeat cannot put a puppy on a treadmill and never leave a dog unattended on one. It takes two of us staying with the dog on each side for the time that they are on it. It is not easy to teach them to use this and must not be done carelessly. Not worth it. We only use it because of the years of experience our daughter learned working with handlers and the fact that they do have a definite benefit during this time of year in Indiana. Heck the dog gets better exercise than I do trust me. LOL. So again only adult dogs who are fully grown. And never never overdo the training times.

[Hall's Dobes]

I bought a treadmill for my Iggy.............he got so unhappy with it....He ate the rubber belt while i was in bed, he didnt eat it as such he just ripped it off! So now i have a treadmill thats about as usefull as a chocolate fireguard!:D Dobermanns gotta love em!

[gtjblloyd]

I bought a treadmill for my Iggy.............he got so unhappy with it....He ate the rubber belt while i was in bed, he didnt eat it as such he just ripped it off! So now i have a treadmill thats about as usefull as a chocolate fireguard!:D Dobermanns gotta love em!

Well, I know you can buy a new belt for it if you ever want to use it for more than an expensive clothes rack, but I think Iggy made his point loud and clear! :D

[Hall's Dobes]

Yes he did make his point to me hahahaha! I have it gathering dust in the basement,so i think i will get a new belt for it and sell it on e-bay or something! But he prefers the real thing so he has his 10 milers everyday with me and the other 2 for the moment the pup cant go out for a month yet and stretch her legs,so she is running around the place like a hurricane.

[missj]

This might help.
dobermansden.com/doberman-dog-treadmill-training

[BiggESmalz1]

I bought a treadmill for my Iggy.............he got so unhappy with it....He ate the rubber belt while i was in bed, he didnt eat it as such he just ripped it off! So now i have a treadmill thats about as usefull as a chocolate fireguard!:D Dobermanns gotta love em!

That's way too funny!

Ha ha I am just picturing Iggy with blueprints of a plan and a cigar and then after the initial planning stages he hatched this secret plan with camouflage and killed the evil treadmill!!

I just wish a treadmill was wide enough for a person and a dog. That would be nice- to be able to run with your doberman when the weather outside is frightful.

[Hall's Dobes]

[QUOTE=BiggESmalz1;13619]That's way too funny!

Ha ha I am just picturing Iggy with blueprints of a plan and a cigar and then after the initial planning stages he hatched this secret plan with camouflage and killed the evil treadmill!!

Yer you got that right Hannibal Iggy!:Dhahahaha! Now they use it as a tug rope between the 2 boys,so i guess it served some purpose!:D