How to Train Dog on a Treadmill

A treadmill is not a natural piece of equipment for dogs. It doesn't have a grassy smell, or the fun of a hike in the woods. It is good, however, for a dog who is overweight and can't get out much, to do a little walking on the treadmill. It also can be funny to watch your dog walk on one, and you might wonder if he'd actually do it. The trick is to accustom the dog to the treadmill way before you actually turn it on, to make him calm about the experience when you do decide to get him walking on it. If you start him out gently, and make it fun for both of you, you could have him going on treadmill walks by the end of the first training session.

Things You'll Need

• treat

Instructions

How to Train a Dog on a Treadmill

1. Put your dog on a leash, and take him over to the treadmill. Put a treat on the treadmill. Let him find it. Praise him. Give him a few more to look for and find on different parts of the treadmill.

2. Repeat step 1 with the treadmill turned on, but not moving. Then he'll get used to the sound. Make sure he walks up onto the treadmill walking path while eating his treat.

3. Turn the treadmill on to its lowest setting. Set a treat on the treadmill. Let your dog find it.

4. Get up on the treadmill, and bring your dog up on it with you. It should be moving so slowly your dog doesn't really notice it. When he's on it, walking with you, give him a treat.

5. Move yourself up to the very front of the treadmill, with him behind you. He should be walking on it. Slip off the front so you're still in front of him, but you're on the ground, holding the leash. He'll be walking on the treadmill! You can slowly turn the speed up so he's walking naturally.Repeat steps 1-5 during each session until he gets the hang of it, and you can remove the leash.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't turn the treadmill up so high that he's running. If he trips, he can get his foot caught at the end of the treadmill, and you could cause an injury and fear of the treadmill!