I'm not going to overexercise my puppy. I just want him to get a nice 20-30 min walk twice a day that right now is impossible to do with the frigid weather. I take him out to potty, and that is it right now. My vet somewhat discouraged it, but I need to really know if this is OK.
2007-03-06 02:47:47 · 6 answers · asked by lagrimosa 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
A basset hound has short legs and a long back .
It may be harmful ( if not impossible )
to exercises a puppy on and excersise treadmill .
A puppies concentration span at that age ,
could mean he is constantly walking or falling off .( and he may get hurt or fearful)
do not worry too much about long walks,
in this weather ,for your puppy just now .
his low slung belly will get frozen
and his paws will be lost in the snow
This will be no fun for either of you .
And the exercises value, is lost either way
my advice is to become couch potatoes,
until normal "walkies" can resume .
However,
you can, join a local puppy/agility class ...
it is excellent for training and socializing your dog
and NOW is a great time to do that !
this you can both enjoy .
And it will soon be Spring
>^,,^<
i love your Bassett hound allready xx
2007-03-06 03:15:34 · answer #1 · answered by sweet-cookie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No it's not. Get down on the floor and play with your puppy - teach him how to fetch. Make up games that get his heart rate elevated. The problem with the treadmill is that you have no idea whats going on in your dogs body and cannot see if he's in pain.
Treadmills are dangerous because you dog doesnt understand that they have to stay on the treadmill - falling off or misstepping will cause strangulation. The thing about a walk with you - if you get winded or tired you slow down - treadmills don't slow down. Your pace is varied - treadmills are not. If you dog wants to smell something or stop they can - not on a treadmill.
I have seen numerous treadmill injuries and have always wondered why someone would use one on their dog.
Wait until the weather is better - or buy your dog some booties and a warm sweater and take him out for a quick walk!
2007-03-06 10:52:22 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Some dogs do great with a treadmill however yours is not one of them.
Their short stature and short legs make them a bad candidate for a treadmill. It puts too much stress on their joints.
If he is getting some exercise in the house by just playing then that will have to do for now. Or you can find a doggie day care and have then join in the fun with other dogs.
Good luck
2007-03-06 10:55:36 · answer #3 · answered by ♥Golden gal♥ 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Since he is only 5 months old dont worry about walking him that much... and dont use a treadmill he's just a puppy....
2007-03-06 11:22:57 · answer #4 · answered by csmutz2001 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO! Bassets are not suitable for treadmills. Just take him for shorter walks if he can't take the cold. Mine were out for 30 minutes this morning, and it was -15F.
If it's you that doesn't like the cold, dress warmer. This is one of the "joys" of dog ownership......
2007-03-06 12:25:31 · answer #5 · answered by DaBasset - BYBs kill dogs 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
tire his mind instead:
fetch the tennis ball in the house
where's your bunny
etc
2007-03-06 11:04:34 · answer #6 · answered by Molly R 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋