The treadmill is one of the best exercise machines not only for us but also for dogs. Teaching your dog to exercise on a treadmill will enhance muscular strength, help in weight loss, and avert obesity.
If you are looking for a way to calm your aggressive dog, treadmill training for your dog could be the best option. Exercising will significantly improve your dog’s behavior and calm him down.
There are plenty of fitness equipment stores that provide different types of treadmills if you are wondering where to find treadmills for sale in Toronto. Be sure about the features you want in your treadmill that will provide effective workouts to your dog.
If you have a treadmill at home, you can utilize it to teach your dog treadmill exercise. It is best to get your dog to exercise at home, allowing them to get the zoomies out within the home environment.
If you are clueless about how to begin training your dog on a treadmill, here are some tips you should follow to do it effectively.
- Get Your Dog Comfortable On The Treadmill
As you begin, the first thing you should focus on is to make your dog feel comfortable on the treadmill. Give your dog the time and space to get accustomed to the machine and how it operates. Avoid forcing your dog to do anything against his will.
You may place your dog’s favorite toys or treats around the treadmill to get them on the machine. This way, you would not have to force your dog to step on the treadmill.
As your dog starts getting used to the treadmill’s track, you can use the treats to get your dog in the right position. Remember to reward him for every breakthrough he makes during the training. Continue repeating it a couple of times until your dog gets comfortable on the track.
- Put On A Dog’s Harness
Once your dog gladly steps on the treadmill, it is time to move on to the next step. In the beginning, put a robust harness around your dog and attach a leash onto it. Make sure to hold the leash while your dog is on the treadmill.
At this stage, you must not tie your dog to the treadmill alone. Hold the leash and start the treadmill at the lowest speed.
- Begin Slow And Steady
Start the treadmill at low speed to make your dog walk comfortably. Allow him to walk at the normal pace and gradually pick up speed.
Rushing your dog may scare him away and make him lose interest in the exercise. You must monitor your dog’s progress before increasing the speed of the treadmill. Let your dog stay on the treadmill for three to ten minutes. Remember to reward your dog for good behavior.
- Be Aware Of Your Dog’s Needs
After your dog learns to walk on the treadmill, you can increase the speed to make him jog and run. Bear in mind some dogs find it difficult to move from a trot to a gallop. Set the pace in a way that meets the requirements of your dog’s gate.
Start exercising at five minutes and increase it to 20 minutes as your dog progresses. Be sure to monitor your dog during the exercise. If you observe any signs of exhaustion or dehydration, turn off the treadmill and give your dog some rest.
During training, make sure to provide your dog with sufficient water to keep him hydrated. If he seems fatigued, stop the training and resume the next day.
- Give It Some Time
It takes practice and some time for dogs to enjoy exercising on the treadmill. Be patient with your dog, and let him learn at his own pace. Rushing the process may make your dog uninterested in the training.
Once your dog starts loving treadmill time and makes it part of his routine, he would exercise without a harness and with little to no instruction from you.
The Bottom Line
Training your dog on the treadmill will become much easier if you follow our tips. Do not expect your dog to get trained overnight. It may take some time for your dog to get along with the machine and actually enjoy it. It is crucial to understand your dog’s needs during the training. Thus, keep monitoring your pup’s progress and pause the training if you observe anything unusual in his behavior.