The History of Animal Treadmills

The History of Animal Treadmills

A lot of people think that treadmills for animals is a relatively new concept, whether it be an electric treadmill, slatmill or carpet mill. The truth is that horses were used to power machinery as early as the 16th century.

In the early 19th century, treadmills for horses were mostly stationary and fitted with low speed gearing.

Since the treadmill derives it's power from the weight of the animal versus the draft, they were particularly useful with smaller animals such as, goats, sheep and dogs. In cases where the animal's weight was being used, the power could be controlled by adjusting the incline of the track. For heavy work, horses were hitched so both weight and draft contributed to the power output of the treadmill.

In 1834, the first horse treadmill was patented. This treadmill featured iron chain links and hardwood rollers to support the entire tread and to prevent sagging.

In 1835, M. Davenport, patented a wooden cog belt treadmill.

As treadmill development continued, the "level tread" design had an important improvement. The tread remained horizontal rather than on an incline. This provided better footing for the horse and less leg strain.

The smaller treadmills for sheep, goats and dogs provided rotary and reciprocating power. These treadmills operated butter churns, grind stones, fanning mills, corn Shelley's and cream separators.

In 1868, Thomas Starr, patented a treadmill in which the track tension was adjusted by placing the rear shaft in different notches on the track frame. The incline was adjusted by securing the track frame at different points in the vertical frame. These treadmills were made almost entirely of wood.

In 1885, a new treadmill was patented. This treadmills incline was adjusted by a lever and notched brace.

Over time, these designs have evolved and have been refined to what we see today. While we do not require them for their original purpose, they remain as safe and effective exercise tools for our canine companions.

 

A guy had one similar to that at our state fair some years back. He had a Blue Heeler type dog spinning rather smoothly. The butter churn rod pumped up and down like a well oiled machine.

I stopped and looked, pretty much admiring it.

My wife looks over and says, "I can't go anywhere without you seeing a fucking pit bull".

She is not the dog's biggest fan.

S

 

Yep.

I have a way with words.....Once we were at the beach and she was interesed in buying a beach house as an investment property. I was staring at the sand and dunes and she said, "What are you looking at? , the house is this way". I told her I was trying to figure out to get the axles to stay in the sand.

That went over like a lead balloon.

S

 

Glad it is working for you.

Thanks.

S

 

Cool ad. Imagine running that ad today.

S

 

I look up stuff like that a lot. What it cost then and what that money would be today.

Especially collector type cars now and what they sold for off the lot way back when.

S

 

I think a lot of the myths and old wives tales about the dogs and equipment have steadily been de-bunked over the past decade or so. Maybe (and I know I will get my card pulled) the internet and social media had had at least one positive effect on the dogs. (ducking as the insults, rocks and bottles are thrown my way).

People are learning that as long the as the dog is moving good things can be found. There will be adjustments per dog and per piece of equipment but they all can 'work' if used appropriately.

S