Treadmills for dogs. How to use them?

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

In the modern world, physical inactivity, that is, a lack of physical activity, affects not only people, but also their pets. Treadmills for dogs are becoming more and more popular. Let's figure out how justified their use for training animals.

Why do you need a treadmill

For various reasons, many owners cannot provide their dog with sufficient physical activity. Sometimes a person, due to a he alth condition, cannot take long walks or simply does not want to go outside because of bad weather.

If a pet runs a little, then he is threatened with excess weight, decreased body tone, metabolic disorders, muscle atrophy, problems with the cardiovascular system and the musculoskeletal system. In addition, a dog that is bored begins to splash out the accumulated energy at home - indulges, demolishes things, spoils them, gnaws. Treadmills for dogs will help to avoid negative consequences.

What benefits can exercise on the simulator bring? Treadmills for dogs help keep you active,good physical shape, develop endurance, form a beautiful step, which is important at exhibitions. The track is great for rehabilitation after injuries or surgeries.

Mechanical tracks

Dog trainers can be mechanical or electrical. A mechanical treadmill is driven by the force of the runner. The use of this type of simulators causes controversy among the owners. Some handlers deliberately use mechanical tracks to give extra stress and teach the dog how to push. This feature makes the mechanical treadmill the best choice for training sled dogs.

However, many owners find that the mechanical trainer is not as convenient as it is more difficult to teach the animal to use it. In addition, it is difficult to accelerate on the mechanics, although the level of load can be adjusted on the magnetic mechanical tracks.

Electric tracks

The electric treadmill is powered by a motor. Even budget options have an electronic display that shows the current speed, distance traveled, and training time. It is important that the length of the running belt is sufficient so that the dog can fully extend its paw.

If inexpensive treadmills are short, the animal will have to mince in small steps. Human trainers may not be suitable for large dogs due to the length of the belt. Devices designed for animals are sold in pet stores.

Electric treadmill can make dogs go fasterup to 12 km/h. In large cities, these simulators are installed in handling halls and zoo centers. There you can also use the services of an instructor who will help the owner and the dog master the path.

How to teach a dog to run on a treadmill

Don't expect your dog to learn how to use the treadmill right away. How to teach a dog to a treadmill so that she is not afraid and understands what is required of her? Be patient. Give the animal the opportunity to explore the simulator, sniff it, walk along the canvas, lie down on it. Lure your dog onto the path with a treat.

The next step is getting to know the moving simulator. Have your pet sit next to you and turn on the treadmill at the lowest speed. Let the dog get used to it. You can put treats on the moving canvas.

If the dog behaves calmly, then take him on a leash and bring him to the path so that he is on the canvas. Reassure her, praise her, walk beside her. Hold the leash firmly so that the pet does not get scared and break free, otherwise injury may occur. Do not rush, increase the speed gradually. At first, workouts should be short, 3-5 minutes.

How to exercise

Before starting training, familiarize yourself with the operation of the simulator, read the instructions. Start at low speed. Hold the dog by the leash, give the command "close". She should not spin, indulge, play. To make it easier for your dog to get used to the exercise, walk in place at first so it looks like you arewalk beside.

Increase the speed gradually, over several weeks bring to running, that is, 5-6 km / h for medium-sized dogs. While the dog is learning and not used to the track, be prepared to stop the simulator at any time. Even inexpensive treadmills have an emergency stop button or safety key.

At the end of your workout, slow down to the minimum speed and bring the treadmill to a complete stop by giving the command “close”. Let the dog sit. After that, you can give the command "walk" and reward the dog with a treat. It is important that the pet does not leave the simulator without command and never do this while moving.

Disadvantages of machine work

Treadmills for dogs are becoming more and more popular, but there are both supporters and opponents of their use. The benefits of the simulator are obvious - it makes it possible to give the animal a good physical activity when the owner cannot provide sufficient walking.

But what do opponents of the use of simulators say? Puppies and dogs that have problems with the heart, spine, and musculoskeletal system cannot be engaged on a treadmill. During training, the animal cannot choose the pace that suits itself. A dog on a walk changes its running speed, its movements are varied, the load is natural, all muscle groups are involved.

On the track, the dog cannot stop if he feels unwell, tired or injured his paw. He also cannot explicitly show that a pause is needed, since he is forced to run with the givenpace. Some paths are fenced with a net, and the dog simply cannot leave the distance without the help of a person. Unscrupulous owners can tie the leash to the trainer while holding the dog.

During training, you need to constantly be near the dog, you can not leave it alone. A window or door to the street must be open.

A treadmill can be a great help to train your dog, but it will never replace regular outdoor walks. Use this tool thoughtfully and carefully, only then it will benefit the animal.