Teach a dog to use the treadmill?

[stacwase]

Has anybody here ever taught their dog to use the treadmill?

I'm trying to think of some creative ideas to exercise Max. He has so much energy that I just can't tire him out. This is the first day we've had him, and I can tell he needs a lot of exercise. The treadmill might work!

[wolfsoul]

I'm going to do this once I get a treadmill lol. I would start out by just keeping Max on the treadmill while it's off and pet him and praise him for a few days while on it. Then, I would tie him up to it while it's on VERY low, so he's not startled, and so he will only have to walk slowly. As he gets more advanced, then I would turn it up to a run, and he wouldn't have to be tied to it ;)

[primabella]

Would a treadmill really be a good idea? I don't know, I would be just worried that they might not take that step and go sliding off. Also, isn't there that oil on the treadmill? I don't think that would be very good for the pads on their feet. Sorry, maybe its alright, I'm just wondering.

[wolfsoul]

I've seen on T.V. how people use treadmills with their dogs all the time. It's even used on racehorses :eek: I don't know about oil? :confused: I used to have a treadmill, it never had oil. I've never heard of that before? If they slide off, I don't think it would hurt them, probably only startle them? I've gone sliding off a couple times when I was little, but it didn't bother me much..

[anna_66]

We've tried that with Roxey......NO WAY!:eek:
She wouldn't have any part of it!

[GoldenRetrLuver]

lol funny, as a matter of fact Daisy uses the treadmill! We started by putting her on a leash and just letting her walk on it. Now i just say treadmill and she hops on!:) :p

[primabella]

Originally posted by wolfsoul
I've seen on T.V. how people use treadmills with their dogs all the time. It's even used on racehorses :eek: I don't know about oil? :confused: I used to have a treadmill, it never had oil. I've never heard of that before? If they slide off, I don't think it would hurt them, probably only startle them? I've gone sliding off a couple times when I was little, but it didn't bother me much..

Okay, like I said, I don't know.

About the oil, I have a treadmill and there is this black stuff that goes on the track, I think to keep it running smoothly. I always called it oil, maybe its not. :confused:

[wolfsoul]

hhmmm, I don't know :confused:

But I dreamt about horses running on treadmills last night lol :p

[stacwase]

That's encouraging, that Daisy uses the treadmill. How did you get her to walk on it? Of course - she's little so you could probably just pick her up and put her on a few times.

Any ideas how I could get Max on it?

[lovemyshiba]

I've seen it on tv, but wouldn't have a clue how to do it. But, it's probably like anything else new that you introduce to a dog--give them some treats and some praise, do it slowly, and only for a little while at first, and he'll probably adjust.

My mother in laws pom, Casey, jumped on the back of her treadmill once when she was using it--I wish I would have seen it:)

[GoldenRetrLuver]

Daisy kind of really taught herself to do it! But, to get her really to walk on it, i guided her with the leash onto the treadmill, she was a little sciddish(sp?) at first, but now, loves to go on it, i just say treadmill and shes on! What i suggst is holding th leash and let them "experiment"with it at first, then as time goes by u could tie the leash to the treadmill or simply take them off it!:) Treats also work too!:)