Craigslist Dog Treadmill (2024)

FAQs

Is dog treadmill worth it? ›

While the process of training provides mental enrichment, once your dog is used to it, it's just physical exercise. A treadmill walk doesn't provide the same mental stimulation as getting out and sniffing and seeing the world. But it's certainly a great alternative, when necessary.

You should avoid it if your dog isn't in good physical condition; has a history of joint or hip problems or is a mature dog. However, mature dogs and cats, like human adults, can lose touch with their instinctive drive to exercise.

Start Your Dog Slow

After a few weeks, your dog will be able to run on the treadmill from anywhere between five to 10 minutes. At that point, you can start increasing the time of each workout by one to two minutes. Build up gradually until you reach 30 minutes.

While it might seem like your human treadmill can do double-duty, it is not recommended to exercise your dog on a human treadmill unless they are a toy or small breed. This is for a couple of different reasons: The length of the tread deck is not long enough for most dogs, causing shortening of their gait.

While dogs tend to run fast (canter or gallop)on non-motorized treadmills, electric treadmills offer more control for the owner which can make them more effective for improving specific aspects of your dog's fitness and health.

There are many reasons to train a dog on a treadmill. At Animal Friends, we use this tool to reduce boredom, stress, and anxiety, increase fitness levels, build muscle tone and strength in rehabilitation and to reduce weight. Dogs require daily physical and mental exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Over time, you can increase the speed and the walking or trotting time period. Start with a few seconds and build up to sessions of 3 minutes. Most dogs will walk at about a 2 to 2.5 mph pace and many dogs will trot at a 2.5 to 5 mph pace.

Consider Your Dog's Tolerance for Exercise

Most dogs in good physical condition can tolerate daily walks between 20-30 minutes. Dogs that are very healthy and fit might enjoy going on hikes for up to a few hours! Then there are dogs with a lower tolerance for exercise.

Manual Treadmills: These are operated by the dog's movement. The dog walks or runs on the treadmill, and it's non-motorized. Motorized Treadmills: These are similar to human treadmills and have a motor that controls the speed and can be adjusted to suit your dog's pace.

Are dog treadmills worth it? ›

Most veterinarians interviewed agreed that there's generally no harm in walking a healthy pet on a treadmill, and some dogs may even benefit from it. However, you should always check with a veterinarian before beginning any new exercise regimen for your pup.

Large dogs have much longer strides than humans when you consider the full reach from the front leg extended forward to the rear leg extended back. For this reason, human treadmills are not long enough for many dogs to move naturally. For a dog, the treadmill should be 1.5-2 times their body length.

Narrow and Short Tracks

While running, dogs float a lot more than humans. Dogs float back and forth as well as side to side. Human treadmills come with a narrower and shorter track which would be too small for a dog.

Human treadmill motors typically have ventilation systems that allow air flow to cool the motor. A good dog treadmill will usually have the motor located in a separate area or tightly enclosed with an internal cooling system.

“Some dogs are naturally curious about treadmills, especially if their owner is using one,” Bonk says. But if your dog isn't naturally revved up to get on the treadmill, they will still need help adjusting.

Regular exercise with your pet is good for both your health and your dog's health and can be great fun. There's nothing like an exercise partner who's waiting by the door with a wagging tail to keep you motivated!

In addition to providing potty breaks and exercise, a visit from your daily dog walker can be an important second set of eyes on your pet. Often times, dog walkers are the first to notice that your dog might be sick or in distress and they can help make sure your pet gets the care he or she needs.