Last updated:
Did you know that pet obesity affects more than half of all dogs in the United States? According to a study by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 54% of all dogs in the US are overweight.
As a responsible dog owner, you might be wondering, what about my pet? What is the average weight for your dog breed?
In recent years, many pet parents have tried using treadmills to exercise their dogs indoors. Lack of enough aerobic exercise is the number 1 reason for pet obesity. Many owners do not have the time and energy to make sure their pet gets adequate exercise.
While treadmills should not replace a routine walk, you can use them during cold winter days or hot summer days. Today, we will talk in-depth about the benefits and downsides of treadmills, and how you can make a DIY dog treadmill.
Understand Your Dog’s Exercise Needs
All dogs are different. Your pet’s exercise needs depend on breed, age, and health.
Sedentary Dogs
Pay attention to symptoms like frequent and severe zoomies, a dog looking a little down, or getting too fluffy. These will tell you if your dog has tipped the scale too much. As a responsible dog owner, you should be taking your dog in for regular check ups and getting an accurate reading on their weight. Use this to make sure your dog doesn’t have any excess pounds.
Most dogs need at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. This excludes apartment breeds like a french bulldog, shih tzu, maltese, and similar breeds for which 30 minutes is the recommended duration.
Active Dogs
On the other side of the spectrum, we have active dogs like border collies, german shepherds, labrador retrievers, and some terrier breeds that need between 75 and 120 minutes of exercise per day. Don’t be fooled by size, sometimes, small dog breeds like jack russell terriers might need more exercise than large dogs like great dane.
You can try using an online dog exercise calculator, or check the recommendations for your pet set by the American Kennel Club.
Benefits of Using a Dog Treadmill
- Provides exercise during bad weather
- Aids weight loss
- Improved fitness conditioning
- Provides exercise for reactive dogs
- Assists with rehabilitation
When Not to Use a Treadmill
Treadmills are a great option for exercising dogs, but they do not help all dogs. They are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Always discuss the pros and cons with a licensed veterinarian.
If your dog is overweight, you should not start with a treadmill. Begin with some light exercise to help your dog gain some muscle conditioning, and then use a treadmill.
Some health conditions that can prevent your dog from getting exercise include pulmonary disease, heart disease, and anemia. In such a case, consult with a vet before using a treadmill.
If you have a dog with long hair, keep it up to prevent accidents.
Types of Dog Treadmills
You can find different treadmills on the market, depending on your goals. The two main options are:traditional treadmill, or a slatmill, which is a dog powered treadmill. Sometimes, dogs need to use treadmills for medical reasons. In that case, a hydrotherapy treadmill will help your pet.
Traditional Dog Treadmill
Although this looks like a human treadmill, the traditional dog treadmill is longer in length and has suspension mechanisms made for dogs.
Like human treadmills, you can control speed, and make other adjustments. These treadmills help your dog build endurance and conditioning. Do not use them at speed above a trot or you will risk a fall.
Slatmills
The dog powered treadmill doesn’t use electricity or a computer. Your dog’s movement forward propels the slat deck around. Another option is a carpet mill, where there is carpet instead of slats.
Fun fact: Most DIY dog treadmills are carpet mills.
This treadmill gives more control to your pet over speed and reduces the risk of falling. Another benefit is that you save up on space as these treadmills do not need a long deck.
The downside is that if your furry friend doesn’t want to go, he will not go. You need to train your pet to use the treadmill.
Hydrotherapy Treadmills
Hydrotherapy treadmills help dogs recover from an injury or surgery. They are also a great option for overweight dogs.
The water helps reduce the risk of joint issues and provides resistance. While amazing, a hydrotherapy treadmill is not a cheap option for pet parents.
They need regular maintenance, and their initial price is something most owners cannot afford.
Can Dogs Use a Human Treadmill?
If you already have a treadmill at home, you might think, hey, a win-win option. No, human treadmills cannot do double duty. Here is why:
- The length is too short.
- Suspension mechanisms designed for two-legged users.
- No proper safety measures and support.
Dog treadmills should measure 2 times the length of your dog at least, recommended, 3 times the length. For example, a dachshund measuring 25 inches from his nose to the base of his tail needs 75 inches of treadmill deck. Or a golden retriever measuring 40 inches, needs at least 100 inches of deck length.
See also
How to Make a DIY Dog Treadmill
You can always consider purchasing a treadmill designed for canines. Yet, if it is out of your budget, making one will cost a fraction of the cost.
It is not as difficult as you might think. All you need is some DIY knowledge, a few tools, and materials like wood, PVC tubes, and carpet.
Remember to add safety features including a special belt, side rails, and a protective casing.
Instructions:
- Start by building the frame with wooden pieces. Make sure there is ample space for rollers to spin.
- Prepare the plywood base by cutting the plywood for the top.
- Cut landscaping timber and fit it inside PVC pipes. Drill a countersink, and then screw the pipe into the timber to create the rollers.
- Cut the legs to the desired height.
- Shape them using a coffee mug and sander. Legs will give an incline for the treadmill, so make sure the height is safe and appropriate for your dog.
- Attach the plywood to the frame, and then sand it to remove rough spots.
- Attach rollers and loop carpet. Make sure it is loose for your dog to spin it. You can use a copper pipe for less friction.
- Attach the legs to the frame and make sure the carpet fits.
- Finish off by adding safety features like a frame and harness.
How to Train Your Dog to Use a Treadmill
Making a DIY carpet treadmill for dogs is the first step of the journey. You also have to train your pooch to use the treadmill. This type of dog training can last anywhere between one day and one month. Some dogs pick it up quickly, others need time to get comfortable. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to teach your dog to use a treadmill.
Be Patient
Let your dog approach the treadmill. Do not rush it, allow your dog to get comfortable at his own pace. Encourage positive association by giving treats and praising with “good boy” when the dog sniffs the treadmill.
Teach your dog to get on and off the treadmill. Turn the machine off, and use a treat to lure your pet onto the treadmill. Praise with “yes”, or use a clicker to mark the behavior. Reward when your dog puts all four paws on the deck. Then lure your dog off the treadmill. Repeat several times.
Help Your Dog
Help your dog get comfortable with the sound. Even a DIY dog treadmill will produce noise when your puppy runs on it. If you have a machine-powered treadmill, turn it on to the lowest setting. For a DIY treadmill, find a way to get it moving with your dog off of it.
Teach Them to Stay
Train your dog to stay on the treadmill. If your dog already knows the “stay” command, this step should be easy.
Use Treats
Lure your dog to move while on the treadmill. You can use either his favorite toy or treats, depending on what motivation works better. Mark with “yes” as soon as your dog begins to pull toward the toy/treat.
Start Slowly
Start slowly. It is normal for a dog to act surprised when the ground beneath starts moving. Allow your dog to get off after a couple of steps. Begin with a slow pace, and help your dog push the tempo if he/she likes to.
Final Words
Walking on a treadmill is different from walking outside. Treadmill walking can be more demanding because there is no stopping to sniff.
At first, the process of dog training provides mental stimulation as well. But once your dog gets used to it, the treadmill provides only physical activity. Do not forget to add mental enrichment to your dog’s day. Let him sniff and see the world.
