Dog Treadmill Training: Is it for Your Dog?

Guest post by Jt Clough

© courtesy Dog Treadmilling
My Name is Rowdy
Join Me for a Some Treading? 

Training dogs over the years brings with it the same statements made by many people. This is one of them:

“Even when I take my dog for an hour walk

 he still has soooo much energy.”

Most people wish they had just some of the energy their bouncy happy-go-lucky dog naturally possesses. Unfortunately for many dogs bad behavior happens because the energy level the dog mom or dad has simply does not match the energy level of their dog.


Just a few years ago the idea of treadmilling your dog was not a consideration often thought of. In fact when first beginning to treadmill dogs for various training purposes, people generally commented, “Wow, I would have never thought of that. Do they make treadmills for dogs?”


A few years ago they didn’t make treadmills for dogs. In the recent few years the use of treadmills has been such a success that specialized dog treadmill companies have addressed certain issues specific to dogs making it the perfect exercise equipment for any size dog with any temperament.


What are the reasons your dog would benefit from dog treadmill training?

© Dog Treadmilling
Rowdy Loves
to Tread!

Dogs need exercise. Some dogs need a lot of exercise and end up in some sort of trouble because of something they’ve done that was bad simply because they have energy that needed to be burned. Chewing on the house and all the things in it, barking, jumping up on people or pulling on the leash so hard while walking or running feels like a really frustrating task are a few of the reasons to think about adding a treadmill to your dog’s life.


Leash aggression has become a common problem in the dog world. Treadmill training has proven to help most dogs who suffer from this problem no matter how the issue started. It is difficult for most people to feel comfortable taking their dog out to get the proper exercise when the fear of lunging at other dogs, barking, growling and even going to the point of biting is a real possibility.


Many people feel like this option is one that will stop them from going outside and enjoying time with their dog and so never consider the idea, when in fact the treadmill can open up the world to a dog who has bad leash manners. Exercise takes the edge off the nervous system in people and it works for dogs in the same way. The treadmill has become a success bridge to getting leash aggressive dogs to the outside world leaving all the fear behind.


Weather conditions is another huge reason for treadmilling your dog. Too hot or too cold, too windy or raining, the treadmill is a great way to get your dog the exercise needed to remain a happy healthy, well behaved dog. Lack of activity during winter months can not only put added pounds on your dog cutting years of their life but add to the misbehaving aspect of daily living as well.


What kinds of dogs do well with treadmill training?


All dogs. Honestly. From big dogs to little dogs to anything in between treadmill training can benefit any dog for a variety of reasons. The training program can vary depending breed, what kind of energy level and behavior you’d like to address with your dog or for training specific dog sports like agility or herding.


Treadmill training programs can go from very basic to quite specific. As a DogTread Pro training expert, I always recommend when starting a training program with your dog, start with short periods of time--10 minutes or less. This is true for dogs that are already fit or need to lose a few pounds. Once your dog has become familiar with the activity and had time to loosen up muscle tissue and ligaments you’ll be able to build the workout time and find variations of speed and incline.

Another bonus that has come with this new activity to do with your dog is the number of people who end up catching the training endorphins from their own dog, and find themselves exercising more. Even those who use some of the time to sit and answer e-mails while in the same room with their dog treadmill, get the benefit of a stronger bond with their dog.

© Dog Treadmilling

Jt Clough, has studied, applied and taught others how to create a balanced life with calm dog training techniques through her life time commitment to health and fitness. Clough is also the creator of dog wellness programs, further inspiring people to introduce playtime in life through the eyes of a dog, changing unwanted behaviors to practicing a healthy lifestyle.


To learn more about dog treadmill training you can visit DogTread.com or visit her Blog.

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