treadmill training? - Page 2

I am using the Jog -a-dog .  My young male just got used to running on it , it took one session to get him used to it . He panicked at first when I turned it on but soon adjusted. I think every dog is different  so there is no set in stone protocol on how to get your dog used to a treadmill . :)   new dogs that are a bit stressed should have short sessions due to the stress factor they tire much sooner in comparrison to a dog used to running on the device. Beginning dogs I stay right beside them . I found that if I move the belt to slow  it causes more stress to the first timer  I adjust to a normal brisk walk and they take to it better .

I do not let any of my dogs regardless of expirience run without being secured to the treadmill and never leave them un attended !   My TM  came with an arm but I found it is better to use a side anker . I use 2 short leads attached to the side rails that I can adjust according to my dogs, this comes in very handy with newbies :) Some like to run towards the front edge  not enabeling them to reach with their front  I back them up  others like to fade to the rear which makes them kick off short and soemtimes fall off with the rear paws and need to catch up if they do :(  I also do not allow a pace stride I only had one dog that fell into a pace stride I find that this stride is not effective in the GSD and if allowed the dog will  not use it's body and step sequence efficiently  .

Ran  mine tonight and took my laptop with me  :) Works good for me  I watch the clock on the LT and play a game to pass the time .  I also live in New Engalnd and know how hard it is to keep our dogs conditioned during winter months.

Your pup is 11 months old  I would suggest  building her up  running on a treadmill is different then running in the yard  where the dog can stop sniff and make it's own short breaks  at 11 months  first session keep it short  due to the stress factor  it will tire her out  much faster then you are used to :)

hey Ravi :)

just watched the video  :))  

Pia

Zukeeper, treadmills are good, but your rescue femalel is only 11 months old.  Be careful because she has immature bone structure.  Use the treadmill in moderation. No jogging for miles and miles. 

What happened to the good old "walk",?????  there is no such thing of bad weather just bad clothing....

I don't know about your dog, but mine enjoy a good run in cold weather, a nice walk, and if there is lots of snow even better....

And for a young dog there is nothing better then lots of exposure to the outdoors.....

At their peak my dogs were able to run a brisk trot on the jog-a-dog for 30 min, easily, with a 10 min slow walk to cool down. I cannot run for 30 min straight. No way. Even when I'm in great shape (which I'm not) I'm not a runner. It doesn't mean my dogs don't go outside or play or get socialized. In fact, in the summer, I bike with them, in the winter, I'd rather not end up sprawled out on the ice.  Nothing wrong with wanting your dog to be in great shape.

I gotta admit I need the excersise worse than the dog ..lol

But I couldn't jog for 30 minutes either.

Here is an article from our website, a picture & some vidieo. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ty2ZOh0l7Js

The treadmill is not a substitute for outdoor exercise time but rather an additional outlet for physical release and mental stimulation.

Treadmill Training Your Canine

By Josiah Neuman CMT
Neuman K-9 Academy, Inc.

Dogs and treadmills go back to the early 1900’s. Back then they served a dual purpose; for instance the slate mill (animal powered treadmill) was used to churn butter, ice cream, and helped with lots of other tasks.
The benefits of using treadmills and dogs are endless. Canine professionals incorporate them for show ring practice, gait analysis, physical therapy (recovering from an injury), behavior counseling, and year around physical conditioning in harsh climates (MN!).
There are a wide variety of treadmills available for dogs. Generally speaking they are broken up into two categories:

* Motorized (electronic)

* Animal Powered

The animal powered treadmill is usually referred to as a carpet mill. These treadmills have varying options like resistance control, incline adjustments, etc., these are non-electronic (manually) dog propelled treadmills. They range in price from $300 - $600 depending on the make and model.

Motorized treadmills are what you would buy at a sports or fitness outlet. They can range from $500 - $5000 depending on the bells and whistles. These are electronic motor driven treadmills with speed control, powered incline, timer w/intervals, and distance tracking.

Regardless of the style of treadmill (animal powered or motorized) I recommend some key features that will ensure the best workout for your canine companion.

1. Incline Control
2. Speed Control
3. Track Length - In proportion to your canine
4. Time and Distance Meter

Incline control enables the handler to increase the grade of the walking surface to simulate walking up a hill. This is an important feature for dogs that are overweight, prone to hip displaysia, or dogs going through physical rehabilitation (physical therapy).
Speed control is a big benefit and the main reason we use a motor driven treadmill. We start dogs very slow (walking) to help get them become acclimated to the treadmill and work them into faster speeds. For some dogs a brisk walk is a better work and more difficult than a trot or fast jog. Higher speeds might be used for conditioning a hunting dog in the off-season or for building muscle tone in the sport competition dog.
Track length can impact the gate of the dog. What size is right for your dog? Measure the dog fully extended (in a down position) and look for a treadmill that is at least this size. At Neuman K-9 Academy we use a motor driven treadmill with a 60” deck which covers a wide variety of breeds / sizes.
Time and distance meters allow you to gauge the intensity of the work out – how long and how far your dog has been running/walking. I recommend developing a fitness or work out plan and the ability to monitor the time and distance is important.
A feature that didn’t make the top four but is worth mentioning is low impact shock absorbers. They provide a healthier workout for your dog and are worth paying the extra $$.
As stated previously in this article, we use a motorized or belt driven treadmill (electronic). If you keep the treadmill clean, greased and maintenance it according to the manufacturer&r

.....sorry long post, here is the rest...

If you keep the treadmill clean, greased and maintenance it according to the manufacturer’s specifications you will get several years of use with no problems. Dogs disperse their weight on 4 paws instead of two feet and in general there is less wear and tear than a human running on it.

Remember:

Do not feed or water your dog before or after a strenuous work out. This can cause bloat and can also result in bathroom accidents on the treadmill (not fun to clean up).

Have the dog on leash with a flat collar to ensure control of the exercise. DO NOT tie the dog to the treadmill and leave them unattended. The possibilities for injury and/or death are most certain.

At the beginning of the exercise I like to do a warm up and after a cool down. Just like athletes your dog can get muscle cramps and needs both.


You will find that after your dog becomes familiar with the treadmill, they absolutely love it. The positive impact it has on the dogs health (physical and mental) is significant. Each and every boot camp dog that graduates our program goes through physical conditioning which includes daily work-outs on the treadmill.