Who would need/want one?

A while ago 'dog tread mills' came to my attention.

Truly had not a clue such machines existed, I could not picture a pooch, dressed in a Fila tracksuit, sipping from a Fruitshoot, on a treadmill.

But it turns out that there are in fact such things, and therefore, a market for them.

And they are by no means cheap either, often over £700, is the asking price.

I am struggling to think of who would want such a thing taking up so much room in their house, and why?

Are they a big sell among recluses, or those who are too large to leave the house, perhaps?

At that sort of money, you'd need a good reason to want one!

they are mostly used to condition dogs for so called sports but they are good if you have a high tempo dog aswell

giblet wrote:they are mostly used to condition dogs for so called sports but they are good if you have a high tempo dog aswell

Can't you just let it run around outside?

Also, imagine if you spent all the cash, and the dog hated it.

They are not only used for bloodsports. A lot of people use them for high energy dogs in the winter when they can't walk them outside.

CatStina wrote:They are not only used for bloodsports. A lot of people use them for high energy dogs in the winter when they can't walk them outside.

I suppose.

Maybe if a person was disabled or something.

Even then, wouldn't it be more the norm to hire a dog walker?

Why would they be used for bloodsports, just to make the dog fitter, stamina wise??

I've never used one & I doubt that I would, for the simple reason that I can't afford one!

I can see the use if you need to boost your dog's fitness and for some reason you can't put the extra time in to do it conventionally.

I've known a few people that have had them. They are good for days when it's raining too cold outside, extra high energy days or for the days you just don't have 3 hours to tire them out.

jstaff wrote:I've known a few people that have had them. They are good for days when it's raining too cold outside, extra high energy days or for the days you just don't have 3 hours to tire them out.

But does the average staffie even need three hours, each day?

That would seem excessive, albeit it would take it if offered.

Each to their own etc, but £700 for those reasons, seems like a lot of money for not much back.

Is the dog strapped in?

Caryll wrote:I've never used one & I doubt that I would, for the simple reason that I can't afford one!

I can see the use if you need to boost your dog's fitness and for some reason you can't put the extra time in to do it conventionally.

I suppose.

But how fit does a pet dog need to be?

What is the measure?

If it's weight and health are fine.

I don't think they neccessarily need three hours or more every day. IMHO two 45 minute walks are sufficient enough exercise. A pet dog doesn't need to be in great shape just enough to maintain a healthy weight and have mental stimulation.

We exercise Suki alot because it makes her happy and her behavior tends to be better after exercise which makes training easier. I am also a very active person and love to be able to do things outside with Suki so it's easy to get her exercise in. I plan on doing backpacking with her once she is fully devolped and maybe even take her to climb Mt Fuji.

I know some people use the carpet treadmills (generally home made, no electricity required) to condition weightpulling dogs or other dogs that need extra good condition for competitions.

Regular treadmills are more common in th US I think, but I suppose that laziness at some point always come over here, too. It's not uncommon in the US to have hunting dogs or sledding dogs as show dogs (poor dogs) and they require much more exercise than their owner/handler can bother with - so they use treadmills or (just as crazy) walk them behind the car. It's fairly common with the sight hounds, too, I think at least partially because they want muscles from trotting for the show ring and if you let a sight hound off leash it'll mostly be flat out in gallop.

I don't mind using treadmills if you are not able to give enough exercise outside (disabled people or a little extra conditioning on top of regular walks before competitions), but I have no respect for people who get dogs they are not able to provide enough stimulation for and who think of this as the easy way out. It's much better for a dog to walk outside than inside, obviously, as they get so much more stimulation from smells and seeing other dogs and people. And, obviously, isn't one of the benefits of having a dog that you get exercise, too?!

seen one on tv with a fat little dog on it
it was very funny to see
not for me

Some greyhound owners use them to condition their dogs..

But think of the joy your average doggie gets out of his walk.. all those sights and sounds .. and smells!!... how boring for him if he was just tied to a treadmill and it was turned on. It would drive ME bonkers if it were me!!

Not at all a substitute for walks and exercise outdoors. If I had the space I would get one for me and Suki to use. A bit boring but for the days you can't get out they are great.

I have used one like this in the past.http://www.grandcarpetmill.com/smalldog.htm I live in New England and have thought about getting one of these again.It works great for those winter storms and rainy days when your dog still has all there energy.I have never used a power version and I'm not sure I would.The one I linked here is doggy powered and gives a great workout for a reasonable price.I don't think it is for lazy people you cant be too lazy if you can afford one of these.I agree that it is best to run/walk your dog outside but it is not always an option and this is a great alternative for those times you can't.

Aniemother wrote:so they use treadmills or (just as crazy) walk them behind the car.

Pulling a dog behind your car is A LOT more dangerous and crazy than using a treadmill!!!!!

While I have never used a treadmill to walk my dog, I can see how they could be useful in the winter time when there are crazy ice storms and snow storms here in New England. It can be dangerous to go out during that weather, but the dogs still have their usual energy and need to get it out somehow! Otherwise they turn destructive! Also think about people with injuries who just can't walk their dog while they are rehabilitating, or people with permanent disabilities. I don't see why everyone is hating on this idea and calling it crazy...

wow that would be crazy to walk your dog behind the car... and what about all the fumes the dog would be breathing in!

I have seen on The Dog Whisperer that he used a treadmill on a dog that was out of control with just far too much energy for it's own good. It certainly worked on that dog !

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E39c-LX6Tvk

i have no idea who this is, its just a random youtube vid, but the staff certainly seems to enjoy it ! it seems very excessive to me, but i must have 2 of the laziest staffs in the world xx

£700 or more though.

That is a LOT of money, sometimes more than the person paid for the dog!

Would a normal electric treadmill not do the same job, and be a lot cheaper, if you do want to use one?

*Which I don't*

Ti Amo Edinburgh wrote:£700 or more though.

That is a LOT of money, sometimes more than the person paid for the dog!

Would a normal electric treadmill not do the same job, and be a lot cheaper, if you do want to use one?

*Which I don't*

A standard human treadmill does not have blinders on the sides or a harness system to keep the dog on the machine.The one in that video is a standard treadmill.I personally wouldn't use a powered treadmill for my dog because he can't stop when he wants to and you would run the risk of over working your dog.The non powered carpet mills are great for this reason and there half the cost of the powered mills.

giblet wrote:they are mostly used to condition dogs for so called sports but they are good if you have a high tempo dog aswell

Whats that supposed to mean?

CatStina wrote:They are not only used for bloodsports. A lot of people use them for high energy dogs in the winter when they can't walk them outside.

I'm out & about with Dempsey no matter what the weather!

Caryll wrote:

CatStina wrote:They are not only used for bloodsports. A lot of people use them for high energy dogs in the winter when they can't walk them outside.

I'm out & about with Dempsey no matter what the weather!

We have really crazy storms in the winter here in New England. Terrible ice and snow storms in the winter and sometimes we've had some really bad windstorms this summer. In that weather it is dangerous to take the dogs out for more than a potty break.

Anther great debate topic which is why I like the forum soooo much. If I had the space at home I would buy a treadmill right now. Not just for me to use but Suki as well. There are days where the weather is bad or we are just to busy to give her the daily exercise that she needs. A treadmill offers a great alternative and if they get tired most of them will just jump off. If not then they just need to be supervised to aviod over exerertion IMHO. There are also older or physically disabled handlers that just can't exercise the dog properly but have a love for the breed.

The treadmill is an investment but well worth it if you have the space and can afford it IMHO.

can I ask a really dumb question..

what does IMHO stand for??

I see it written everywhere!! DER!!!!! Thanks !!

In My Humble Opinion.

CatStina wrote:

Caryll wrote:

CatStina wrote:They are not only used for bloodsports. A lot of people use them for high energy dogs in the winter when they can't walk them outside.

I'm out & about with Dempsey no matter what the weather!

We have really crazy storms in the winter here in New England. Terrible ice and snow storms in the winter and sometimes we've had some really bad windstorms this summer. In that weather it is dangerous to take the dogs out for more than a potty break.

I can understand that!

I'd imagine, in the main, that these are used outdoors, a garden or some such. Otherwise I think they could be helluva noisy when in use, not to mention that they look pretty large.

Pittboss wrote:

Ti Amo Edinburgh wrote:£700 or more though.

That is a LOT of money, sometimes more than the person paid for the dog!

Would a normal electric treadmill not do the same job, and be a lot cheaper, if you do want to use one?

*Which I don't*

A standard human treadmill does not have blinders on the sides or a harness system to keep the dog on the machine.The one in that video is a standard treadmill.I personally wouldn't use a powered treadmill for my dog because he can't stop when he wants to and you would run the risk of over working your dog.The non powered carpet mills are great for this reason and there half the cost of the powered mills.

Yeah, I have seen a couple on You Tube that looked almost home made, and I have seen one on that net that was about £400.

Still a fair wedge.