Comments on: Is Dog Treadmill a Must-Have?

By: Bonnie

Bonnie — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 19:47:27 +0000

Goodness! Please! go outside and walk your dog! There’s no substitute for it. Take it from a former gym rat, treadmills can be dreadfully boring. Dogs really need outdoor play (ideally offlead) throughout the day. I’ve seen people who never give their dogs enough exercise. I feel sorry for the dogs. Well, I have a 7yr. lab who requires that I awake at 5:30 AM to take him out for about 45 min – 60 min. He then gets a mid afternoon walk and an evening walk of 30-60 min to 2 hr. I’m not religious about the walk times but my dog gets to burn off steam at minimum 2x/day (30-40 min. minimum each time). A little walk around the block doesnt work. And, dogs go crazy or get depressed if they’re stuck inside all day (dogs weren’t meant to be house ornaments – they need activity!). Just walk the dog! You have to supervise them on a treadmill so you might as well go outside.

But, if you want a treadmill for your dog – just get a human treadmill – but use it sparingly. Dogs can be stoic. They can be trained to exercise on the treadmill and they’ll keep up because you insist (watching your dog play outside offlead really lets you assess their fitness better). I admit I’ve had my lab on my treadmill. It’s pretty funny entertainment. I have a friend who has cats that think the treadmill is a great toy.

By: Renée

Renée — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 02:57:57 +0000

Hey Debbie,

I’m so glad to hear you found the winning combination for both you and your dogs. It’s my pleasure to be of service.

By: Debbie

Debbie — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 19:15:00 +0000

Thanks! I have been trying to find a way to help with exersicing my two cane corso mastiffs, Zeus and Aphrodite. I have a chronic pain condition in my legs so walking alot can not only be paiful but sometimes impossible. With my husband in the military often he is gone. I began trainning Zeus as a mobility dog for me but when he hasn’t been walked alot he is a puller. the treadmill is a lifesaver! it allows them to get the exersice they need, I can put Zeus on about a half hour before going to leave so his energy isnt so high and doesnt try to walk me. I was so hesitent cause you hear so much of both pros and cons but it is the best thing for all of us, them and me. Your article really helped me make the decision and just wanted to say thanks a lot

Blessed Be
Deb

By: Renée

Renée — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 10:21:04 +0000

Hi Donna,

I totally agree with you! It is insane to see such prices for a dog treadmill. I’m sure the manufacturers have good reasons for their pricing. Unfortunately, the cheapest that I come across is around $425 for a non motorized dog treadmill. I’m not sure if a Chihuahua can handle this type of dog treadmill.

I do not own one myself and most likely not in the near future. My dogs and I share the same treadmill (human). If you are into using a treadmill for your own fitness reason, then getting a regular treadmill would be your best alternative.

I’m sorry that I can’t offer much help here.

Thanks for dropping your comments.

By: Donna

Donna — Sun, 25 Feb 2007 21:32:51 +0000

My chihuahua loves to go for walks, but I don’t often have the time to do this as frequently as she would like, nor does the weather cooperate. I thought of the idea of a “doggie wheel”…just like a hamster might use, but bigger…small dog size. So, I started looking on the internet to see if such a thing exists. Well, after much looking, I did manage to find, not a wheel for dogs, but a treadmill…but it costs something like $575.00!!! That’s ridiculous! PLEASE…can you tell me WHERE I can buy a treadmill for my dog that won’t cost me an arm and a leg?? Seems like it’s a simple enough invention, that SO many people would want to buy, that it could become a goldmine for someone willing to come up with an AFFORDABLE version!! Any info, please?

By: Renée

Renée — Tue, 10 Oct 2006 04:37:07 +0000

Hi Valerie,

Thank you for your question.

I might, since you asked , however it won’t be any time soon. I personally do not have extensive experience with dog treadmills so I do have to do more research on it.

I’m glad that my articles helped clear some of your concerns over dog treadmill.

Cheers

By: Valerie Goldstein

Valerie Goldstein — Mon, 09 Oct 2006 22:15:47 +0000

I am considering buying a treadmill for my two dogs to use as a part of their overall fitness routine. However, deciding what type of treadmill to buy (dog-powered or motorized) has been very difficult.

I just found your two very helpful articles on dogs and treadmills and was wondering if you might do an article on choosing a treadmill for your dog.

Thanks for any help or advice you can offer!!!