Dog on a Treadmill?

We say yes, YES, YES!!

Chelle & Miss Polly Pocket

Treadmills are a great energy re-leasers! Not only will the treadmill kick some of the extra energy your dog may have but it is also a great mind stimulating exercise! When your dog is on the treadmill they have to think for themselves to stay in time with the treadmill as it moves. Treadmills come in extremely handy during the cold weather months or if you are a rescue/foster and have to rotate a few dogs to make sure they get the attention and exercise they need for the day.

When you start your dog off on the treadmill you want him to get used to the surroundings and this new "thing" in your home. Let him/her walk on  and off of it, let them sit on it and even ask them to lay down so they know there is nothing to fear.  

Guide them by it and reward them for accepting it.

Some dogs take longer then other to get used to this machine, so when you aim to teach your dog to use the treadmill make sure you have about 2-3 hours set aside at first. No distraction in your home, and make sure your pup has done his or her business before you get started. You do not want to rush your dog, let him/her get comfortable at their own pace. In return your dog will accept this new training exercise and will look forward it.

Below are two of the mk9 rescue dogs.
Joey & Polly Pocket. Both dogs have taken to the treadmill in very different ways.

Joey was not to sure what this thing was.
The sounds it makes when its on and the different texture of flooring
.
He would get on it when we asked but you could tell how uncomfortable he was, so we allowed him to get on and off at his own will. We sat on the treadmill and guided Joey over with treats. We praised him for walking up to it, stepping on it and then sitting on it.

After about a 40 minutes we faced Joey in the right direction with Chelle standing over him making sure he wasn't going to jump off or get too overwhelmed when we started it up. Holding her hand at his side so he knew not to jump off, it reassured him everything will be ok and he is doing a GREAT job!!

Keep your hand on your dog if he is uncertian of the movement.
This will guide him/her into place.

 We started him off at the lowest setting letting him get familiar with it moving on its own. At first he wanted no part, trying to lay down but Chelle stayed in place talking to him, telling him good boy and helping him with the aid of some of his favorite treats.

Treat your dog for doing a good job.
Treats should be small & soft.

 Joey is at a slow trot on a low setting and we will keep him at that pace for the next week until we start to see him relax when he is on the treadmill. After he is set we will move the speed and time up to give him a better work out.

Hold the least snug will keep him in place and moving forward.

Polly Pocket picked up much faster then big Joe.
After about 15-20minutes she was walking at a fast pace with non stop tail wags.
Polly and treats go very very well together. Along with praise. She LOVES to be told what a good girl she is.

Polly goes for about 15-20minutes a day, trotting at a fast pace getting up to 2 miles.
We will be increasing her as the days go on. 

 Please note: When your dog is doing more activity then normal you have to monitor their food intake. Make sure they are getting what they need for the exercises they are doing!

NEXT ON OUR LIST: 
Miss Macy, Bella Vita & Lucy!! keep an eye out for their updates on the treadmills.

Treadmill donations are still needed for our other main modified k9 home. 

If you can spare a treadmill for the mk9 rescue dogs please email mk9karen@hotmail.com 
We are located by Philadelphia & Scranton/Wilke barre areas.