TREADMILL Dog Training & Conditioning - Page 1

I’m anticipating a pup with whom I would eventually like to participate in the Schutzhund Sport – a well trained dog is a happy dog and a happy dog makes for a happy owner! I would like to utilize a treadmill in the training of my dog but I do not know when or how I shall get him started! The temperatures here, for the better part of the year, make it impossible to run cross country to train for endurance or to maintain conditioning – so I’m contemplating a treadmill! I would like to know if anyone here has utilized a Treadmill in the training of their dog, How and at what age did you get the dog started? And what type Treadmill did you use? Thanks

VKH - I can not give you alot of information - however, I have been a true advocate of my running partner being a beautiful GSD - I have ran for 23 years and have been fortunate that it is a passion - that is when I do alot of bonding and some training with my dog. I do understand the element thing because I have lived in South Dakota and Minnesota and I continue to run all year long......really at 5:30 or 6:00 the wind chill is not as bad as later in the day - however, I enjoy it and look forward to a run each day with my bud - but if you can not run - I went to NC and visited a trainer that used a treadmill to keep his dogs in shape. I think swimming is better and if you can find a dog pool - which they are now building because of the PT need and exercise need. #1. Remember the 1st thing is train young and train fun to like the treadmill - remember how board you feel when you are on a treadmill! That is how a dog feels maybe more! #2. Consult a vet on the speed and when you can actually start. #3. Do not make it a job. And do not be stupid - always supervise - never - never leave the room - dogs have been hurt and some died for being hooked up to a treadmill and not watched! Do not make your dog suffer the consequences for a bad choice! Good luck!

I myself love to run cross country, I also go cross country horseback riding but if it’s not the pavement that’s to hot, it’s jumping cactus or other thorny growth that cut the run short for my canine. I do have a pool in the backyard, we use salt tablets instead of chlorine – don’t know what if any damage those chemicals could/would do to the pup though. I take the point about making training fun to heart, whether it be on the treadmill, in a pool or just rolling around on the floor and NO, I would never leave the pup or dog unattended on the treadmill or in the pool. I’ll talk to the vet about age and speed and such as I certainly do not intent to harm the dog. Thanks for your reply

VKH Make sure the treadmill is long enough so the dog can employ a L O N G stride! If he's run on a short treadmill, he will develop a short stride. VERY IMPORTANT.

I’m looking at a JOG A DOG Model, just inquired about a Free Brochure Which is better suited for the GSD so the dog can employ a long stride? a tread length of 6' and tread width of 18" or a tread length of 5' and tread width of 14". Thanks

Hello VKH. I can tell you a little about working dogs on treadmills. I have been building them for 24 years. The electric treadmill is useful if you want to keep your dog from getting bored, or want to set his gate for the show ring  and of the Electric mills on the market I would suggest the Jog a dog simply because they have been around longer than the others. I think the Jog a Dog is made in America which should be an issue when buying anything nowadays. But if you are serious about competing at a high level with your dog you shpuld take a look at the Dog Trotter. It is a dog powered slatmill and there is no comparison in the quality of workout delivered by a good slatmill copared to an electric mill. The slatmill  is enherently safer also. There are also some cheaper slatmills than mine on the market too, however I believe if you take a close look you will see why The Dog Trotter cost a little more.  They are litterally built to last a lifetime.  I am writing a book on conditioning dogs on the  treadmill and it will be free to all of my treadmill customers past, present and future. I hope to complete the book in the next couple of months. Anyway I hope I didn't offend anyone. Have a nice day. Check out one of my customers German Sheperds at   www.wilmothdogs.com

 

Bob Lummus

www.dogtrotter.net

 

 

I cant attest to the dog trotter slatmill as I have been using a red river curley for a long time. I also use a colby carpet mill but that is used to build strenght.  I would imagine that if he (dog trotter) has been selling mills for sometime, then he is building them correct. Also, it sounds like he will be their to answer questions and guidence. VERY IMPORTANT.

I cant imagine that many vets know anything about the proper use of a treadmill.

You will get better results from a slat mill (wind,endourance ect) as they power it themselves.

The down side to the slat mill is that they sound like a frieght train coming through your house.

For the adverage person, a human mill works great with a much smaller $$$ to it. Just make sure it is long enought.

I bought my red river curly 16 yrs ago and paid $1800 plus shipping for it. still works as good as the day I got it.

We start our dogs out from about 8 weeks, just letting them get use to it and also let them watch the adults run.

starting out a new dog, let them get use to standing on it and make it a pleasent time. start out running them slowly. a few mins at a time and as with any training, always keep it fun and a reward. very important to massage the dog good afterwards and a nice walk too.  After a workout, never let the dog outside in the cold until they have cooled down. Another good piece of advice is that you will want some kind of suppliment; power chow, peak performence ect to give them about 30 mins after their workout. this replenishes what they have lost and helps keep them from heating up or causing tie ups in their muscles.

I know alot of people who use treadmills for different reasons but its great to exersice the dogs when the weather doesnt cooperate.

I cant attest to the dog trotter slatmill as I have been using a red river curley for a long time. I also use a colby carpet mill but that is used to build strenght.  I would imagine that if he (dog trotter) has been selling mills for sometime, then he is building them correct. Also, it sounds like he will be their to answer questions and guidence. VERY IMPORTANT.

I cant imagine that many vets know anything about the proper use of a treadmill.

You will get better results from a slat mill (wind,endourance ect) as they power it themselves.

The down side to the slat mill is that they sound like a frieght train coming through your house.

For the adverage person, a human mill works great with a much smaller $$$ to it. Just make sure it is long enought.

I bought my red river curly 16 yrs ago and paid $1800 plus shipping for it. still works as good as the day I got it.

We start our dogs out from about 8 weeks, just letting them get use to it and also let them watch the adults run.

starting out a new dog, let them get use to standing on it and make it a pleasent time. start out running them slowly. a few mins at a time and as with any training, always keep it fun and a reward. very important to massage the dog good afterwards and a nice walk too.  After a workout, never let the dog outside in the cold until they have cooled down. Another good piece of advice is that you will want some kind of suppliment; power chow, peak performence ect to give them about 30 mins after their workout. this replenishes what they have lost and helps keep them from heating up or causing tie ups in their muscles.

I know alot of people who use treadmills for different reasons but its great to exersice the dogs when the weather doesnt cooperate.

Bob nice mills