Saturday, September 20, 2008

Treadmill Dog - Treadmills Are For More Than Just People

dog fitness

Far and away the most popular exercise equipment on the market for humans is the treadmill. Treadmills are preferred because they are easy to use, they are conveniently located indoors, they burn calories and they create less impact on your body when compared to walking or running on hard pavement. Have you thought about applying those same principals of health and fitness with your dog? Trained properly, you can turn 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.

A treadmill for your dog is a convenient health and fitness tool to have in your home. Weather fluctuations, daylight or darkness and unsafe traffic conditions are eliminated when your treadmill dog uses equipment available in the safety of your own home.

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.

The growth in the popularity of treadmills has become enormous due to their ease of use. That same principal can be applied when thinking about your dog's exercise habits. By putting forth a little effort on your part, you can train your dog to use a treadmill in no time. You may just have a treadmill dog on your hands.

Obesity is on the rise and it seems as if it is not slowing down. A sedentary lifestyle has led many people to pack on those extra pounds. Each pound adds pressure to the joints and heart. Over time these pounds add up and before you know it, you have tipped the scales into obesity. The problem is that many people are embarrassed to go to a gym and work out with others. There is a solution: treadmills. A treadmill is used in the comfort of your own home and you can use it anytime. Click here to find the model you want: 24 Hour Fitness also Aerobic  Fitness and at Muscle  And  Fitness

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