Millwork routine

Can anybody recommend a good schedule to build a dog up to millwork? Is it okay to run a dog in a few small sets each day, rather than one long one? Which is preferable? How long each time, or should I just play it by ear?

If it makes a difference, I'm talking about a carpet mill. Thanks in advance.

 

I have had my mill for over a month and my dog is still learning to use it. He will only work it for 5 min and then stop. I think the goal is to achieve a steady 20 min workout, but a couple of 5-10 min workouts are not bad either.

-Mason-

 

I'd assume your training for weightpull with Loki? In which case, frequent bursts and rest periods may be better then one long run, with the type of activity I assume you are training her for.

 

Yeah. I had thought I'd get the mill to condition her for an ADBA show, but after hearing that it builds bulkier muscle as opposed to lean, I think it'd be better used for conditioning for weight pull. Right now she'll run the mill for maybe a minute at a time -- we've only had the mill for a few days -- as long as I sit in front of her and encourage. I've been having her run it twice a day. I think she has a hard time keeping it going; I'm going to invest in some silicone spray once the ice melts and we can get out to a store. We've got a pull in April, so I wanted to slowly build up her strength and stamina. (Hoping I can get her to the point where she can get the last points she needs for her UWPCH in one weekend, since UKC pulls are so scarce down here.)

Thanks for the advice, both of you.

 

Use your eyes also. 10min each set is ok. Too much food will make the dog bulk.

 

I've only upped her food slightly. Like the difference between maybe 3/4 of a cup to a full cup per meal. She's not up to running 10 minutes yet, but I work her until she's panting hard, then I push her a bit farther and stop. I'm hoping that buying the silicone spray will make the mill easier for her to turn.

I got to watch her from a distance yesterday while my friend took her and ran her on the agility course. I can definitely see an improvement even in the short time I've been working her.

 

not nessacarly carpet mill builds bulky muscle and slat mill helps with lean muscle

 

I know.

 

With a carpet mill I would not go over more than 3 10 to 20 sets. Carpet mills can be a little hard on the Kidneys. I suggest you get a slat mill.

 

What brand of carpet mill is it?
We work up to 10 minutes max - make sure she is emptied out before working.

 

Slat mill is out of the price range, and right now we have nowhere to put it. I basically traded my copy of Bob Stevens' book for the carpet mill we have, or I wouldn't have been able to get it.

Dtwo, its a grand carpet mill, the deluxe model I believe. She's doing a lot better running it now that she's got a more comfortable harness.

Just wanted to point out, and not in a smart-ass way, that the original post was in January. I've had 5+ months of trial and error, and have worked out a good routine that's fairly similar to what's being recommended. I decided not to go with anything hardcore since too much bulk is going to work against her in sports like agility. But I feel like she's gained a nice amount of tone due, in part, to the millwork. Thanks everybody for advice, though.

 

There really is no set time you can say to work each dog..All dogs are different and can take different types/times/strenuous workouts..Its important to watch your dog carefully as he works to be sure you are not overworking him..I don't like to do multiple sets throughout the day, I think that is not benificial at all. I do however vary the intensity of work during the workout..I like to do bursts of high intensity followed by slower more relaxed work..Like I said each dog is different, where one dog may be able to work a mill for an hour another may only be able to work for 30 min..Just watch and pay attention..Also you want to start with short work outs and build up to the longer sessions, and don't forget to empty out before and also handwalking should also be a major part of your workout regimine..I am talking about slat mill work, I do not use a carpet mill, I use other methods for stregnth training..

 

I guess I should update. I decided that the carpet mill wasn't giving my dog the kind of workout I felt she should have, plus I just feel like having it around draws too much attention. So I'm selling it and probably going to buy an e-mill and convert it for canine use. Thanks everyone who gave advice.

 

I use an electric human mill......we yes we (i work out beside her on my exercise bike) stop twice for a pee break.....we work for about half hour...including a warm up and cool down...she gets an ointment rub after for half hour......eww ointment is such a nasty word....she gets a little protien before hand and after her rub down....havent upped or decreased her food i guess just a little snack to keep her going......ive seen great results.....carpet mills are expensive to ship here to canada...so i opted for an electric one.....she loves it.....she runs at about anywhere from 4.0 - 6.5 km/h.

Here are the results...havent noticed any bunchy muscles yet......




After



Nice shoulder muscles i believe...i know kinda hard to see










Hope you enjoy.....


Id say depending on how your dog is id think that 1/2 hour on the mill on an intense work out is sufficient.....brisk walk maybe an hour with 4 breaks atleast and a very good rub down. But it hasnt bunched her muscles at all and i have her at a 6-10 inch incline !

 

Clip those nails

 

Her nails dont get clipped before the show....just filled a little if they need to be....if the paws arent splayed from it i think she is ok. There really not that long

 

Coat should be glossy with short, trimmed nails.





the standard!

 

Pssst... pulldogs use those nails.

 

"Coat should be glossy with short, trimmed nails."





And we show in the grass so i dont even think the judge can see her nails....she hasnt placed in confo anyways...the comp is just too stiff up her with her faults ( she has a broken canine ) so im not worried about the nails being long.....i enter to support our club !!! But thanx again for the standard