Treadmill Instructions for Overweight Beginners

Treadmill Instructions for Senior Dogs

Treadmill Instructions for Puppies 

Establish a Regular Exercise Routine for your Best Friend. A dog exercise treadmill can give a dog a great workout regardless of weather or environment, allowing owners to maintain a consistent exercise regimen. Dog treadmills provide increased muscle definition, toning, improves vitality, increases life span and can help curb destructive behavior or excess energy often associated with the lack of regular exercise.

Most Frequently Asked Questions Answered

How Must Time Will It Take To Train My Dog?
It really depends on you and it depends on your dog. Every dog is different and so is every human. However, we have found that  if an honest effort is made, training guidelines are followed and the training is consistent most dogs are easily walking on the treadmill within the first week. Each DogTread^TM is shipped with easy to follow Training Guidelines to get you and your dog up and running quickly.

Why Buy A Dog Treadmill?
Show dog owners, breeders, handlers, dog trainers and eveterinarians have used and understood the physical and mental benefits that can be actieved with dog treadmills for years. They use them for rehab, focusing energy, toning muscles, behavior modification and improving oversall vitality. In the past, the only dog tradmills available were big, bulky and expensive. Our DogTread^TM dog specific treadmills are reasonably priced, durable, portable in design, and best of all -- we make them easy for any pet owner to learn to use.

What If My Dog Won't Use The Dog Treadmill?
In our experience, and in our discussions with other trainers and dog treadmill professionals, we have found that all dogs can learn to walk on a treadmill. If a dog has a problem learning to walk on a treadmill it is usually because the time spent introducing the dog to the treadmill was too short, or the owners did not provide consistent and adequate time training. If you are concerned about whether your dog will use the treadmill we are happy to talk to you, or refer you to a network of trainers that can provide additional treadmill suggestions. Mostly, it is all in the approach and the energy behind any exercise program.

Can I Just Use A Human Treadmill?
You can and some do but they were designed for humans, not dogs. Generally, teaching a dog to use a human treadmill is harder as they do not have dog-specific features, such as side enclosures that help to keep your dog focused and moving forward. The console position is also not ideal while you are in the initial stages of training. The belts on human treadmills are much wider and in some cases have end caps that stick up and can cause foot injuries if not properly monitored. People treadmills are also not designed to handle the piles of dog hair, dust, slobber or urine that may invade the electronics and sensors. If the treadmill were not serviced frequently the result would be that both you and your dog lose the ability to work out and often will void your warranty. Our electronics are safety tucked away in an external box that is separate from the treadmill. The console is placed conveniently for easy access and control and the various sizes allows you to purchase the right size for your dog to give him/her full range of motion. Human treadmills are not the ideal length for larger dogs much over 60 lbs.

Also some people in smaller living quarters are not able to accommodate the size of a human treadmill. The Small DogTread^TM - PZ1701 measures 44"x21"x20",weighs only 47 lbs and is very convenient for small spaces. It has a space-saving feature that allows you to rest it on its nose for easy storage and the wheels make it convenient to move on your own. Plus if you are traveling the small doggie treadmill fits in the back seat of a Toyota Corolla or an RV with plenty of room (yes, we have tried this)

Should A Dog Treadmill Be The Only Source Of Exercise I Give My Dog?
The dog treadmill provides versatility, control and a mental stimulation that is not always achieved with a run on the trail, or a game of fetch. It takes mental concentration (focus) to stay on the treadmill and adjust to the various speeds. So you will see a noticeable difference in your dog's energy after a treadmill workout vs. an outdoor run on the trail. That is why so many dog professionals use it in their training or rehab regimen.

That being said - it should not be the only activity you provide your friend. Dogs still need to get outside and exercise their hunting instincts. Would you limit yourself to only one activity over and over again? The goal is a well-adjusted dog. Mix it up - get outside, play fetch games, socialize at the dog park, go swimming. There are many activities you can enjoy with your dog. The DogTread^TM is just one of them.

What is the Warranty?
DogTread^TM treadmills come with a one year Manufacturers Warranty on parts and craftsmanship. A lifetime warranty is provided for the frame. An additional lifetime warranty for parts and craftsmanship is also available for purchase if you choose.

Credits: Thanks to the DogTread website (www.dogtread.com) and PetZen Products for permission to reprint this article "10 Most Common Dog Treadmill Questions Answered"