Need an exercise idea??? - Page 1

So I'm having a blast with my new toy that I bought for my baby girl! It's a TREADMILL! Lol, it's hilarious-- I thought I'd give it a go since on my work days I just can't get enough quality time with her to wear her out (that takes several hours), and she's resorted to digging AGAIN due to her boredom (grrrr!). So, after we go for our little jog and play some fetch, I turn the treadmill on for about an hour (it's set on nothing faster than a quick walk), and she LOVES it! Plus, the digging has slowed to just a few scratches instead of potholes-- YAAAAAY!

For those who are considering trying it, I have a few hints. First, I'm sure someone will state the obvious-- the treadmill should not be used as a sole exercise source. I'm just using it as a supplement because I work twelves and can't run far enough or fast enough to wear her out in the 30 minutes I have to jog with her.

Second, patience, patience, patience... At first, Valkyrie was a little panicky when the treadmill turned on, and she struggled to find the rhythm of walking on it. But with some positive encouragement and a refusal to give in, she's decided it's actually fun! Her tail wags as she stares at the tread, waiting for me to turn it on, and starts pulling on her collar like she's trying to make it go faster (hahaha, so cute!).

Third, figure out a good hook-up system for a leash. I bought her treadmill used for only $175, and wasn't afraid to drill a few holes into it to make a secure system to connect her leash to. I wanted her to be able to drop her head down but not jump off, but she also needed to be able to wiggle out if she accidentally tripped. The solution was to just put on a soft collar that was loose-- she's slipped it while on the machine, so I know she can get out if something goes wrong (plus I'm always monitoring her...) Eventually, I bet I won't even need the leash though-- right now she relies on it to figure out how far up the track she should be so she doesn't slide off the back.

It's been really neat, because we've made it a part of our routine (that dog thrives on scheduled, routine exercise). An hour may seem like a lot, but for her, an hour of walking is just plain fun. She is so proud of herself for figuring out how to walk on that thing that she immediately starts squeaking and running her happy sprints throughout the house, usually with a toy in her mouth, the second her treadmill hour is over. An hour definitely doesn't wear her out, but at least it takes the edge off. It's become a "job" for her, and Mal's just live for that feeling of getting an "atta boy!" after completing a job well done (plus it doesn't hurt that she knows her biscuits are en route after "working" so hard ;) ).

So, for those of you who have a high energy dog and you need some help in taking the edge off, you might want to consider this. The treadmill requires a little bit of focus and soaks up some energy, so I've found it to be a great supplement to our runs, fetch, and find it games.

P.S. I've just purchased some Scentlogix product (marijuana odor) and am going to start her on that next. She's already been introduced to the four drug odors, but I wanted to try a product that I could keep at home with me (I've been training with a K-9 team from a Sheriff's Office and at home w/cotton balls)... Any tips, hints, or thoughts?

Hope you are all having a wonderful day!

Glad you found a possitive outlet for her.. and glad you could afford one (G)..One of our pup owners found the dog loves using the horse walker :) And do know of foks who use a treadmill. Enjoy!!!

Debi