Reg: 06-27-2007
Posts: 547
Loc: Orcutt, California
Offline
I have seen several references lately to dogs using treadmills. I have tried to get my dog to do this for those weeks of constant rain. He will stand on it no problem. He even shows great interest in watching us walk. But as soon as it comes on, no go. If I try to turn it on while he is on it, he jumps off. If I try to get him to get on it while it is running, he touches it with one paw, then forget it. I have been trying to lure him on with treats. Is there a trick or something I don't know about? How have you guys gotten your dogs to do it? Are some dogs just not going to do it, or can any dog be taught to walk on one? Do I just need to keep trying until he gets it?
Lucy was absolutely terrified of it at first, off or on. I just kept taking baby steps with her marking and rewarding for each little thing she did. It took a few days for her to just stand on it for more then a few seconds.
Before actually turning it on I walked on it with it off and manually forced it around to get her used to the movement without the noise of the motor.
When turning it on for the first time I tied her leash to the handle so she couldn't get off and lured her forward with a treat and started it up. She fought it for a few seconds but finally gave in and started walking.
Now when I get on to workout she get's on right next to me and walks, no leash needed even. Good thing she's small or she would push me right off. She loves it!!
What worked for my bigger dogs and me is similar to what Keith mentioned. The only difference is that I did not use a leash tied to the bars.
I stood over them in a straddled position holding the collar or harness. (Leo’s tall so maybe that won’t work for you as easily.) I let them take one step at a time while holding them physically in place with treats if they will take them and a lot of praise! It took a while, but it worked, and they do enjoy it now.
This is what I did. Like you at first I just rewarded them for standing on the treadmill. I did this for about a week or more.
Then I would put them on it, with a leash, and hold them on turn it on to the lowest setting, and of course Praise! Praise! Praise! all the while giving them treats. As soon as they walked on it without struggling, I would stop the machine, even if it was only on for a few minutes. (tryint to build on the positive experience of being on it) I have done this for a while now. Now my cody loves it and will go on for about 4 minutes. My other dog Bindi isn't sure of it still so we are still on low setting with treats for short times. When she feels comfortable there I will increase the setting. I am always so excited and animated when they get off. Praise and Treats abound.
Don't loose hope, take your time, you will see they will get used to it before you know it.
When purchasing any product from Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. it is understood
that any and all products sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. are sold in Dunn
County Wisconsin, USA. Any and all legal action taken against Leerburg Enterprises,
Inc. concerning the purchase or use of these products must take place in Dunn
County, Wisconsin. If customers do not agree with this policy they should not
purchase Leerburg Ent. Inc. products.
Dog Training is never without risk of injury. Do not use any of the products
sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. without consulting a local professional.
The training methods shown in the Leerburg Ent. Inc. DVD’s are meant
to be used with a local instructor or trainer. Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. cannot
be held responsible for accidents or injuries to humans and/or animals.
Copyright 2010 Leerburg® Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. All photos and content on leerburg.com are part of a registered copyright owned by Leerburg Enterprise, Inc.
By accessing any information within Leerburg.com, you agree to abide by the
Leerburg.com Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
How to teach a dog to walk a treadmill
#178411 - 02/01/2008 10:27 AM 
Top
Previous Topic
Index
Next Topic
.jpg)
