dog fitness

Treadmills are considered the most popular exercise equipment out today…for humans. The reasons for this include ease of use; efficient calorie burn, convenient location indoors and they create less impact on your body compared with walking or running on hard surfaces. Those same reasons apply to your dog. Have you thought about turning your dog into a treadmill dog?

A treadmill is easy to use for both humans and animals because it allows for the natural movement as walking or running outdoors. There are treadmills made especially for pets, but they work similarly to regular treadmills. Training your pet to walk on a human treadmill is just as simple as training them to walk on a specialized dog treadmill. When you have the equipment already in your home, there is no need to be out the expense on doggie equipment.

Conveniently located in your home, you are only steps away from helping your treadmill dog maintain a health fitness program. Fluctuations in weather conditions as well as daylight or darkness have no effect on his daily workout. Rainy or snowy weather and unsafe traffic conditions are also eliminated.

The first step in the training process is always safety. Make sure you have a harness with a place to attach a leash in front of the chest. This way it’s easier to control the dog while you’re in front of them, and it will prevent unnecessary tension on a neck collar.

Another thing to keep in mind while you exercise your dog on a treadmill is that they are doing all the work, and we’re not. Treadmill activity can be a big workout for dogs because it requires a steady pace. Make sure to watch and listen for signs that your dog is getting tired or overheated just as you would for any activity.

Now, make sure the treadmill is at its lowest setting. A dog can become frightened by the intensity of the ground moving too quickly beneath him. Get yourself comfortable in a spot in front of the machine so that you will be close to your pet. If you get up and leave your dog in the middle of the training, he may become anxious. Never leave your dog unattended on a treadmill. He could lose his footing and become choked.

Next take and offer your dog a treat to lure him onto the treadmill. You will want to make this a positive experience for your dog. Once your dog is positioned on the platform, thread the leash in through the front of the treadmill and turn the machine on low. Use the treats to lure your dog forward and keep them just beyond his nose until he willingly moves forward with the machine. Don’t forget to reward the behavior with a treat.

Dogs respond positively to words of encouragement, so call to him and tell him how great he’s doing. Make sure to always start out slow and progress until your dog reaches an easy trot. Do this for five minutes a day until he moves smoothly even without a treat for a lure.

Treadmill use has grown over the years due to how simple and effective they are to get a thorough workout. There is no reason why your dog can’t benefit from the same principals as you do. With a little training and reassurance, a treadmill gets results, whether for you or your treadmill dog.

Walking is the number one exercise performed by people daily. If you are a walker then you know how important a role the weather plays in your exercise schedule. Stop being a slave to the weather. Treadmills are the ideal way to stay in shape. You do not have to worry about walking in inclement weather and you can exercise in the comfort of your own home. This will help influence you into exercising more and getting into the best shape possible. Stop using the weather or time as an excuse. Get on that treadmill and start walking to a healthier new you. Click here for more information: Definition Of Physical Fitness also Fitness  Program and at Fitness  Model