Treadmill

Just like their owners, dogs need exercise too. But in today’s fast paced world, finding the time to exercise your dog isn’t always easy.

Walking 45 minutes a day is all it really takes to get your dog in shape. But for most people, finding even 30 minutes a day is nearly impossible. So what do you do? The answer may surprise you.

Teach your dog to use a treadmill!

More accurately, find an experienced trainer, like Dawn here at Zone Dogs, that can teach your dog to use a treadmill. Once your dog has been professionally trained, the trainer can then teach you what to do at home! You’ll be amazed at how easy it really is. While your dog is on the treadmill getting their daily workout you could be getting ready for work, getting the kids ready for school, even getting some chores around the house done. The only time you’ll have to spend on this routine is getting your pooch on and off the treadmill and the occasional check in to make sure everything is going well.

How it works

Training your dog to work on a treadmill requires patience, understanding, and maybe a few treats to start! Some dogs take to the program quickly, while others are fearful and require confidence building. In the beginning, your dog may jump off the treadmill when the belt starts moving. This is a normal reaction and one that is corrected with patience and consistency. Once your pet gets the hang of it, they will LOVE it! At Zone Dogs, your pet will receive the individual attention needed to ensure a safe and positive experience.

Why it works

Dogs like to work. In fact, some breeds NEED to work. This is particularly true of several dogs from the Herding, Sporting and Working groups. Since most dogs in this country are owned as family pets and do not have actual jobs to do, they not only get bored, they get fat! Using a treadmill is an excellent way to keep your active dog happy and healthy even when you don’t really have the time to spend exercising them.

The benefits

Dogs are like humans in many ways. We all know how important exercise is for us to lead a happy and healthy life. Dogs reap the same benefits from regular exercise that we do. It helps them become not only physically fit, but mentally too! Dogs are happier because when they are fit they can play ball, catch a Frisbee, hike for a mile, swim in the pool…all without excessive panting or stress to their bodies.

But that’s not all. A tired dog is a happy dog. Pet owners that have used treadmill training have seen a reduction in their pet’s negative behaviors that have resulted from boredom, such as digging, excessive barking or destructive chewing.

We know you love your pet. Let Zone Dogs help you keep your pet happy, fit and sane. Give us a call and get Fido in enrolled today!

We recommend you consult with your veterinarian a professional trainer before you start this type of fitness program. Dogs do need to be monitored to ensure their safety while using a treadmill. Also, same rules apply to dogs as humans. They are vulnerable to muscle injuries and can become fatigued while using the treadmill causing them to fall. Never leave a dog tied to the treadmill when not supervised. Speeds and length of times vary from dog to dog.