is it bad to walk my dog on the treadmill?

Answer 1

No, exercises is good for your dog. However treadmills are illegal in some states. They are often used to promote training in fighting dogs.

Answer 2

I use the treadmill to exercise and condition my dogs for show. Shiba's are a muscular breed and they need to have that tone that just walking in the park doesn’t get. Sometimes it can throw off their gait, but I watch really close. I would start with just five minutes at a walking pace and make sure that your dog is not scared. Don’t let the dog go until he is exhausted, once you see the tongue hang out I normally stop the machine (which is the first few minutes on the lazy boy I have right now). Please don't deprive your dog of walks in the park, but if your dog has too much energy for you a treadmill would be a good fit.

Answer 3

All mine run on their treadmill, i purchased mine off of craigslist for $seventy five... When you exit and get one certainly made for a canine your watching at $400, i dont see the factor in paying that a lot, when they're truly the equal. Theres nothing merciless about it, and no official aid is needed. All you have to do is get the canine comfy getting on and off the treadmill earlier than establishing it. After the dog will get on with out a obstacle then the treadmill on a real gradual stroll, after the dog is going for walks excellent on it, pace it up. I dont make my dogs run on it on account that im lazy and so forth. Like these other men and women are pronouncing, its a fine device to make use of while you dont have the time to present your dog the appropriate amount of recreation day-to-day. Lifestyles happens and usually more predominant matters have got to be achieved than taking your dog for a stroll.

Answer 4

Oh, I'm jealous! We've wanted to teach her to walk herself on the treadmill for ages! And then we found out she has bad shoulders and she's not supposed to walk on concrete or asphalt and we should be letting her swim. We live in an urban environment and although we have a dog beach nearby, we do get winter here. Really tough to follow the vet's orders. Of course, she's a Golden and needs lots of exercise. I'm sooo jealous right now!

Now, the question at hand (sorry for the digression!):
I think as long as you do take Fido for regular walks outside and you keep a close eye on him/her while on the treadmill, why not? Just remember it is a piece of machinery and the dog should be monitored and have a close eye kept on him/her. But they, like us, need fresh air, too :)

Answer 5

you know i normally would walk my dogs out side i have never thought of walking them on a treadmill. but that's a good idea if it's raining you can walk dogs on the treadmill but only one at a time lol . now i can but my treadmill to some use.

Answer 6

Yes, if that is the only exercise he is getting. He needs to go out and see the big wide world!

But if it is between treadmill and no exercise... or less exercise... DO IT!!!

Just like with a person, increase time & intensity gradually.

You can increase intensity by increasing speed, higher incline, and adding a backpack with Weights.

If adding weight, divide the dog's weight by 5 and start with that many lbs.

Answer 7

I walk my dog on the treadmill regularly. I live in an area where often during the summer it reaches 100+ degrees with high levels of humidity and in the winter it's below freezing with lots of snow and wind, and it can be dangerous to walk him outside in those conditions - not to mention it's not fun for the human!

It IS harder on their joints and bones, however, so I wouldn't do it with a young puppy, or at the very least go quite slow for short periods of time. Don't run with a dog under a year old as well.

In addition, ALL dogs should start slow, because the surface of the treadmill can be rough on their paws and they will need to build up the toughness of the pads to prevent injury. A week or so of short walks should be enough, and then you can build up to longer and longer times.

Some dogs are scared of it initially - mine was - so leave the treadmill of and lure the dog up to it with a treat. Eventually see if you can get him to stand on it in the correct position - still off - and give him lots of praise and treats when he does so. Then turn it on, but don't have it moving, and repeat that process. Then while he's in the correct position, turn it to the lowest setting and walk next to him if possible. Eventually he'll get used to it and begin to love it. I had to walk next to my dog for almost a month before he'd do it on his own, but now if I'm on it alone he'll come up and try to get on with me!

Answer 8

no it is not. that is how most professionals commanly rehabilatate dogs who hardly get any excersise at all. are for dogs that have just bin healed from a broken bone in the leg. walking a dog on a treadmill helps get there strength and stamina back.

Answer 9

A bit lazy on your side!!! You also make an idiot of your dog by having him walk and not get anywhere!!
Get up and get outside with your dog!!
If you can't meet his/her exercise needs just by walking, Take Him/her to a hill stand at the top and throw a ball?bumper down the hill and have him run back to you!! Or bring him somewhere for a swim!

Answer 10

they sell pet treadmills specifically designed for conditioning sporting dogs - not sure of the safety of a dog on a people treadmill

Answer 11

No it is good for the dog to get exercise on the treadmill just make sure you stay where you can see him! It's good cuz sometimes you don't want to walk your self!