How to Buy a Dog Treadmill
Your dog deserves as much exercise as she can get. Unfortunately, that often means you need to take her for a walk or for a run around the block. If you're strapped for time, this isn't always feasible. Hiring a dog walker is an option, but a costly one over time. If you want to keep your dog well exercised, you can buy a treadmill.
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Instructions
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Find a treadmill that can comfortably support your dog's weight, but one that isn't overly large. Treadmills for dogs typically come in a range of sizes to suit different breeds.
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Buy a treadmill for your dog that has controls allowing for variable speeds. This allows you to tailor your dog's workout. Breeds that need to run or let off a lot of energy can be set for a brisk jog, for example.
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Choose a treadmill that comes with a timer so that the device operates for a preset period. You can increase or decrease the time, based on your dog's progress.
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Consider a manual treadmill. Your dog can set his own pace and you won't have to be as watchful since the treadmill stops moving when he does.
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Visit Jogadog.com, a manufacturer specializing in treadmills for dogs (see Resources below). There are several different models available, each of which accommodates different dogs. These devices include functions and features you can customize to your dog's tastes.
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Tips & Warnings
It's possible to use a standard treadmill for your dog, but the standards won't include attachments that allow you to comfortably secure the harness, and they probably won't have the thinner running surfaces that let your dog dismount safely.
Never use a leash and collar combination when you put your dog on a treadmill. Should the dog trip or fall, a leash may choke him. Always use a body harness which can be attached to the arm guards or the forward structure of the treadmill.