dog running

[Bluepit50]

I just got a treadmill and starting tommorrow I will run each of my dogs on it around 5 days a week, M-F, each time I get home from work as part of an exercise program to keep them ripped up and Basically to keep them healthy and anytime their is show or weight pulling event I can just go with any of them on short notice. Also I have already been letting them hit the spring pole everyday for 30 min each, on 2 legs and sometimes 4.

My question is about the treadmill, does anyone have information on a proper routine for a dog? I'm thinking about giving each one 5 min of warming up on the treadmill at about 2mph then gradually increasing the speed to 4mph and leaving it at that speed for 20min. Then after a week increasing the 4mph to 30 min, and gradually increasing the time each week as their endurance increases. Also at the end I will give them a 5 min cool down period by decreasing the speed back to 2mph before stopping. Would this be a correct routine with dogs? I'm only experienced with conditioning on people, not dogs. Also is their heart rate faster than people?

[DEADGAME14]

i would not use a motorised treadmill jmo,i think they are dangerouse.with a little coaxing my dogs runhard and strong, and when they tire up abit they slow down themselfs,then they get there wind back and you hit hard again.

[El Mexicano]

i wouldnt use one of them crazy things either,my friend ran his dog on of those motorized treadmils and i dont know how it happend but the whole right back foot pad tore off.

[MPD]

I used to use a bike before i got my carpet mill, try that:)

[Bluepit50]

I forgot to mention that I did customize it a bit. I put a flat wood board on each side of the treadmill so that they have to stay on the belt, also I tried it today already with them as a test. They both were alittle confused as to why the groung is moving under them lol, but after a few minutes they each got the hang of it and were running very well. I made sure that they can ride off when they want and that there is'nt anywhere for them to get hurt. When they run it will be while i'm on the comp at night and will be by me the whole time. :) I just don't have time to exercise them as much as I would like, I work all day till 9 or 10 pm, so this way they will stay conditioned. As for the bike idea, if my female saw something while riding one she would throw me off and I would probably break my neck, she's not the average female, she's very strong, just look at her in my gallery, I have pics of her last week. ;)

[rocksteady]

dogs will blow pads on a regualr treadmill...

[El Mexicano]

i would just save up and buy a slat mill

[El Mexicano]

i rather walk them my self,i cant afford the dang slat mill any ways lol

[savage]

anyone got any plans for a carpet mill or slat mill that they would like to share..??over here a slate mill will cost you anywhere from 1,800 to 3k for something that know one has heard of

[Saiyagin]

A modified electric mill is great for everyday maintance conditioning. Just remember you must watch your dog at all times and never leave him even for a second while hes on the e-mill. Your routine sounds great but instead of 20 min. start them off at 5min. then work your way up to 20 min. Also before putting him on the mill make sure your dog is completly empty. I would hand walk them for 5-10 min. untill they empty out then you can put him up on the e-mill. Also every dog is different some work better or harder then others some have natural wind some dont.

[msheely]

How does an electric mill make there pads come off? I was thinking of doing the same thing. Im now moving to a not so nice neighborhood and i really dont want to have my dog out in the "hood". Also if anyone does have any plans for a mill that would be great.

[RHI]

our favorite mills are carpet mills, currently have a belt type mill and electric.....as long as you gradually increase times on the mill, so pads can toughen up also, we never really had a problem with pads on any mill. the only time we've had a problem on an electric mill, is when trying to teach a dog to use it and had a dog refuse and would'nt move which then tore his pads....same as if you road work, especially depending on surface, if you don't start out gradually with times to help toughen up pads, pads will tear also...as far as plans for mills, they have them, we never used any, my husband just saw a carpet mill and then built them from memory.....

Just wanted to add, I would never leave a dog unattended on a mill....

[SWAMPER]

A modified electric mill is great for everyday maintance conditioning. Just remember you must watch your dog at all times and never leave him even for a second while hes on the e-mill. Your routine sounds great but instead of 20 min. start them off at 5min. then work your way up to 20 min. Also before putting him on the mill make sure your dog is completly empty. I would hand walk them for 5-10 min. untill they empty out then you can put him up on the e-mill. Also every dog is different some work better or harder then others some have natural wind some dont.

IF YOU WATCH THEM CLOSE E MILL IS OK ..................

[Bluepit50]

I was thinking the same thing when I got it, but with the 2 boards on the sides it seems safe now. They also can go off it if they want to but they did'nt want to after they got the hang of it. At first they tried to attack the treadmill when it started moving but then I just gave them treats when they stayed on. Now they stay running at whatever speed I put it on, and they are beside me when using it. The only reason I went with this is because it's around a $600.00 treadmill and someone gave it to me because they did'nt want it. It goes to 10 mph and has an incline option that I will use sometimes to build their back legs more as if going up a hill.


Could someone elaborate on the pad issue. Are the slat mills made with a different type of belt then the electric ones? I was thinking that their pads would get tore up if I ran them outside since their is alot of debris on the roads and what not that's why I went with the treadmill option, plus it's alot more convinient. I noticed that I don't have to put the speed high at all for them to come to a steady run, at 4mph its a good jog and at 5-6 mph it's a steady run. Another question, are dogs heart rates higher than people?

[SWAMPER]

We Put A Lil Oil With A Brush On The Pads B4 Any Work Any Hard Work,,i Believe Pads Can Be Tore With Any Work Out ................

[Bluepit50]

We Put A Lil Oil With A Brush On The Pads B4 Any Work Any Hard Work,,i Believe Pads Can Be Tore With Any Work Out ................
Good idea! Any particular type of oil?

[RHI]

have heard of people using corona hoof cream, or tuff pad ? I think thats the name ,have never tried them though....or have never tried oil.....

[Rocky H. Balboa]

I have also started conditioning my dog and began running him about two weeks ago. Although I do not treadmill my dog, I think it can be of benefit if used carefully. In my opinion, this practice would be more beneficial to your dog if you decrease the speed and increase the distance. This will help your dogs acclimate to "working" longer rather than expecting (or being able) a quick start (work). If I were in your position, I would increase the time to 30 minutes at a "speed walk" rate. Speed walk being if you would be walking the dog. I am unsure of what the speed would be but if unsure, try walking your dog, speed walk, and notice how the dog looks while speed walking.

I exercise my dog utilizing a bike. Because our breed is naturally strong, I use a small bike and tie the leash around my waist. The leash was self-made by using nylon rope easily bought anywhere. I shorten the leash enough to keep him from going around the bike.

I started making him run 2 miles in 15 minutes, 20-30 second rest and then 2 more miles in 15 minutes. Currently, he is running the first 4 miles in 20 minutes resting him for 1 minute (or a bit less) and running him 4 more miles in 30 minutes. My short-term goal is to have him run 8 miles without rest in 40 minutes.

Do not forget, if you are increasing their activity, food quality and amount should be changed accordingly.

[germsalot]

What can i do make my dog strong with out making it agressive?

[Diesel]

ALL THIS TALK OF BLOWN PADS!!!
I am never getting a mill. I will handwalk and bike forever, LOL.

it just sounds really painful for the dog.

[Rocky H. Balboa]

Your confusing the two. They are different things you know! I have a skinny chihuaha that is very aggressive and have my APBT that is very strong but not aggressive. Get it?

Running, walking, tug-o-war, etc. are things you can do with your dog to make him stronger. If it is a pup, you can blow bubbles for him to pop. That will make them agile (trying to pop all of the bubbles coming to him from every direction).

What can i do make my dog strong with out making it agressive?

[Diesel]

LOL< all this time I thought it was cute and funny to twatch the dogs run after bubbles... and it was really an agility builder. Working out and not even knowing it.

[SWAMPER]

ALL THIS TALK OF BLOWN PADS!!!
I am never getting a mill. I will handwalk and bike forever, LOL.
it just sounds really painful for the dog.

YOU CAN TEAR PADS ON A ROAD WORK TO,

[Bluepit50]

I have also started conditioning my dog and began running him about two weeks ago. Although I do not treadmill my dog, I think it can be of benefit if used carefully. In my opinion, this practice would be more beneficial to your dog if you decrease the speed and increase the distance. This will help your dogs acclimate to "working" longer rather than expecting (or being able) a quick start (work). If I were in your position, I would increase the time to 30 minutes at a "speed walk" rate. Speed walk being if you would be walking the dog. I am unsure of what the speed would be but if unsure, try walking your dog, speed walk, and notice how the dog looks while speed walking.

I exercise my dog utilizing a bike. Because our breed is naturally strong, I use a small bike and tie the leash around my waist. The leash was self-made by using nylon rope easily bought anywhere. I shorten the leash enough to keep him from going around the bike.

I started making him run 2 miles in 15 minutes, 20-30 second rest and then 2 more miles in 15 minutes. Currently, he is running the first 4 miles in 20 minutes resting him for 1 minute (or a bit less) and running him 4 more miles in 30 minutes. My short-term goal is to have him run 8 miles without rest in 40 minutes.

Do not forget, if you are increasing their activity, food quality and amount should be changed accordingly.
8 miles is very impressive, 4 miles in 20 min would put your dog at an average pace of 6 MPH which is fast. Mine just did 20 min at 4 MPH for their first night so I will bring them to 6 MPH within the next 2 weeks. Should I start feeding them twice as apposed to one time a day?

[Rocky H. Balboa]

Believe it! My dog doesn't do it but if you start young they will take it as play. What better exercise than that which integrate play? It helps the quick twitch muscles.

LOL< all this time I thought it was cute and funny to twatch the dogs run after bubbles... and it was really an agility builder. Working out and not even knowing it.

[SFK]

ALL THIS TALK OF BLOWN PADS!!!
I am never getting a mill. I will handwalk and bike forever, LOL.
it just sounds really painful for the dog.

YOU CAN TEAR PADS ON A ROAD WORK TO,
Yep, it does'nt take much. Wet concrete, to much work to fast, Over sprinting the key is to take your time. The younger you start working them the better condition their pads will be in.

[bam-bam's mom]

speaking of pads. my boy is getting really rough feeling pads. we go joggin everyday, but it is around my farm, in fields, not pavement or gravels. but they feel really rought, and i been putten coco butter on them to keep them soft. should i just let them alone and let them feel rough, or keep putten the coco butter on them?? i massage it in really good so he isn't licken it off or anything like that.

[Big Papa]

which mill is better???

[RHI]

speaking of pads. my boy is getting really rough feeling pads. we go joggin everyday, but it is around my farm, in fields, not pavement or gravels. but they feel really rought, and i been putten coco butter on them to keep them soft. should i just let them alone and let them feel rough, or keep putten the coco butter on them?? i massage it in really good so he isn't licken it off or anything like that.
you want them to be rough and tough feeling and looking, however, if they get to dry etc. they might crack also, so would just want to keep an eye on them and have to use your best judgement if they need to have some moisture put on them....if their soft, I would'nt put anything on them to keep them soft, you want them to be tough and a ruff texture ...

[bam-bam's mom]

thank you rhi!!! just want what is best for my baby boy!!!!

[SFK]

which mill is better???
IMHO The Slatmill is the best for overall conditioning a dog.

[CRD]

Before you put your dogs on a mill, make sure to walk them first for around 15-30 minutes.

[yellaman420]

Slat mills are the best for total conditioning. Carpet mills are good for building endurance. E-mills are good for building long wind. Pads wont blow if you build your pup up and Vaseline will help soften up the rough spots.

[Saiyagin]

Slat mills are the best for total conditioning. Carpet mills are good for building endurance. E-mills are good for building long wind. Pads wont blow if you build your pup up and Vaseline will help soften up the rough spots.

In my opinion

1. Slat mill is for high aerobic endurance

2. Carpet is for strength or muscular endurance

3. e-mill is for low aeorbic endurance

[Bluepit50]

Even though my dogs never ran before, they easily did a 30 min run on their 2nd day today and did'nt seem tired at all. I can't wait to see the difference in them in a couple weeks. Now that i'm running them I should probably get them a different type of food soon. Would 30 min a day be enough to switch their food to a higher preformance type? I feed them Diamond adult food but they do have an active dog type for more money, should I get this or stick with the normal kind? One thing I did notice from feeding them Diamond is that their coats are not as nearly shiny as when I used to feed them Nutro a few months ago. Any suggestions?

[Big Papa]

ah....ok slat mill it is....but i prefer to run with my dogs hehe

[yellaman420]

I like running with the dog the best, but they get too good to fast. This is when the bike comes in handy. I started using the bike and an arm made of pvc pipe. This is cool because it keeps the dog on one side, outta the tires and lets you keep an eye on him/ her as they run. You do catch some odd looks from people, but what do they know?!!

[Big Papa]

i was riding with him once and he pulld into a hole ahha