Getting and Keeping my GSD condition for SchH on the treadmill - Page 1

Does anyone use a treadmill to keep their dogs in condition?  

I have a treadmill and have trained him to run on it, but now I need a training/conditioning plan to keep him in shape?  I have found various training plans for the AD, but nothing for afterwards to just keep him conditioned...  

Anyone else have a trianing plan?

thanks 

Jessica

Have you seen the weighted vests Leerburg sells? They may be available elsewhere, but I never saw them before. I think they might be a good addition to a treadmill work out. I've learned from the agility people that is always a smart idea to do some stretching exercises with a dog before any sort of strenuous exercise.  I condition my dog by walking and a little jogging with her for a total of 3 to 5 miles every day.  I need the conditioning more than she does LOL. She seems to be in good shape and had no problem with the AD, most dogs don't as long as their pads aren't too soft.

I would love to run mine on a treadmill but keep in mind the stride of a GSD is long, I don't think I've seen an affordable human treadmill that could accomodate my GSD without cramping his stride which probably makes the whole thing a waste of time.

Nothing prepares for the AD better than the good old fashioned " get-on-your-bike-and-take-your-dog" training.
Would be good for your health too!

In Texas durning the summer jogging a dog for 3 to 5 miles, even at dawn, could put it in serious danger. High humidity and temps that don't get down below 85 !

Many use a tredmill for much of the conditioning, and shorter distance with a bicycle.

Some people rent time one underwater treatmills, its expensive, but very effective and with low stress to joints.

My dog got his AD a few years ago, I am looking for more of a plan/schedule to keep him in shape so in these coming cold snowy icey winter months he does not become out of shape so he is in good condition already when the trials and shows start in the spring.  I am well aware of the pros and cons of treadmills (both human and canine treadmills) 

thanks
Jessica

It's hot and humid here in FL too, SM. We do half our work out in the early AM, the other half beginning just before sunset in the shady golf course where I live.

Brisko, does your treadmill have an incline feature? Mine does and I put my dog on a medium speed and ramp up the incline for about 20 minutes. It's a very good workout, especially for their hind end. Sometimes I jump on there too and walk with him although it's a bit cramped haha.

I can speak from experience that treadmills dont condition the same as ground level running/jogging does. Not sure why that is, maybe someone can answer that. I used to be a huge fan of the treadmill but found when I jogged off the treadmill, made me much more tired and worked out. Just a thought.

But if your in snow or ice....it would be better than the alternative.

A treadmill won't cut it, the dog has to get used to working in the heat.  The both of you don't need to run everyday, the dog will be able to kick it up a notch on testing day.  I would recommend in addtion to running with your dog, doing hills daily with steep inclines in moderate heat, combined with a couple days a week with the dog wearing a backback during the cooler parts of the day, with at most a couple of small water bottles inside.  I'm not convined those dog wieght vests are good for the joints and soft tissue long term.  I also don't think a human riding a bike with a constantly sprinting dog attached is good either.  The dog does need to get used to trotting next to a slow moving bike, but thats not the same as hitching him on for a long sprint.