Dog-walking creates a special bond between owner and companion, keeping both active and healthy. But some times the outside is just too hostile for a walk. On those occasions, you can choose to walk your pet on a dog treadmill. Dog treadmills are similar to human treadmills with a rotating floor that encourages your animal to keep a pre-set pace. It is on a smaller scale from a human treadmill and has straps that keep your pet within the bounds of the treadmill.

It is actually surprisingly easy to train a dog to use a dog treadmill. Set the machine to the lowest speed and then pretend to walk along with the dog, so that it will not become afraid of the movement of the belt. It may take several attempts for the dog to understand that the machine is meant to be walked upon but after a relatively short period of time, you will see that the dog will actually enjoy itself on the machine. Don’t rush the process, introduce the dog slowly to the idea of treadmill walking or running. Small dogs are not really good candidates for treadmills, but, they are safe and enjoyable for larger dogs. Remember; never leave your pet unattended while working out.

Posted by Paula.