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Treadmill question

Discussion in 'Sports & Activities' started by IHAVE3PITBULLS, Sep 20, 2013.

  1. IHAVE3PITBULLS

    IHAVE3PITBULLS Pup

    Hey so Im looking to purchase a treadmill to start exercising my dogs on. any tips and pointers would be great. I dont want to go through the hassle of making a carpet mill although it doesnt look to hard.

    so if Im ganna buy a human treadmill and use it for my dogs, would I be better off getting a manual one or electric? I was thinking manual but they look pretty small, length wise. im starting to think i might want to get the largest electric I can find.

    anyone have any experience using a human treadmill for their dogs and any advice to give?

    thanks.
     
    IHAVE3PITBULLS, Sep 20, 2013
    #1
  2. IHAVE3PITBULLS

    IHAVE3PITBULLS Pup

    IHAVE3PITBULLS, Sep 20, 2013
    #2
  3. IHAVE3PITBULLS

    IHAVE3PITBULLS Pup

    ok i have another question. i dont want my dogs to be afraid of it and have it be useless. I found another thread about how to get them used to it.

    today was the first day they saw it. i put a trail of treats along it, and i eventually got them to get on it and run right through it over and over again, and then give them a treat. also got them to get on it,and then sit on it and give them a treat.

    how soon should i try and turn it on and put them on it?
     
    IHAVE3PITBULLS, Sep 21, 2013
    #3
  4. St. Ides

    St. Ides Big Dog

    I walked mine through it to give them the idea that it's what they should do, but as soon as I turned it on they jumped off the side. Luckily, mine were already used to a slatmill so I built a wooden frame around it and it worked instantly.

    Maybe turn it on low and keep walking them through it like you were so they get used to the feeling of the ground moving beneath them.
     
    St. Ides, Sep 21, 2013
    #4
  5. IHAVE3PITBULLS

    IHAVE3PITBULLS Pup

    good suggestion, i got him to go a slow walk on it for about 10 minutes today. i guess the idea will be to cont to slowly build it up. i should probably make some mods to it to secure him in place as well.
     
    IHAVE3PITBULLS, Sep 21, 2013
    #5
  6. slim12

    slim12 Super Moderator Staff Member

    Slow is the key. No need to rush. It is a good idea to fab a method to secure the dog. Even a barrier along the sides. Half on and half off will lead to injury. Mostly just be patient. Best of luck. S
     
    slim12, Sep 22, 2013
    #6
  7. IHAVE3PITBULLS

    IHAVE3PITBULLS Pup

    yeah i used a peice of ply wood on one side and just put the treadmill up against the wall on the other side. I can get him to walk a slow pace on it, but im starting to realize that i think a carpet mill or slat mill is best, and safer. if the dog want to stop he can, and it will stop. Im just going to build a carpet mill.
     
    IHAVE3PITBULLS, Sep 23, 2013
    #7
  8. SteelyDan

    SteelyDan Big Dog

    Electric treadmills are fine if used properly. You should never leave your dog unattended on any mill. They all take getting used to and the length of time that takes will depend on the handler and the dog.
     
    SteelyDan, Sep 23, 2013
    #8
  9. slim12

    slim12 Super Moderator Staff Member

    Just like any tool in the shed, when used correctly each will do wonders. Be patient and stick with it, patience and consistency. The dog will not run a carpet mill or slat mill any better than a electric mill in the beginning. Being on a mill is as unnatural for a dog as all get out.

    Granted some dogs hit the belt flying and never let up, but most have to be taught or conditioned to run a mill. For most, it is a learned activity and like all learned activities different dogs learn at different paces. Get the dog accustomed to the e-mill while you build the carpet mill, and then that switch will be a lot easier. And the bonus to that is that you will then have two tools in the shed. S
     
    slim12, Sep 23, 2013
    #9
  10. IHAVE3PITBULLS

    IHAVE3PITBULLS Pup

    yup good advice, and i wont leave them unattended, i just dont like the fact that there is a possiblity of them hurting themself on the e-mill. the carpet mill just seems much safer IMO.
     
    IHAVE3PITBULLS, Sep 26, 2013
    #10

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