Since we got Brucie, our winter walking has been drastically reduced, so I decided to try them on the treadmill...And I just have to brag b/c they picked it up right away. Jersey goes first, and as soon as I get her speed up to running, her tail starts to wag. Then goes Brucie, and he trots along happily, knowing a cookie is on the way. Marlee goes last, and while she enjoys it, she makes it clear that exercise is not on the top of her list and occasionly sits and rides to the back, always looking at me with her big grin! Anyone one else treadmillin' it this winter?
My dogs new hobby!
- Thread starter Kathy74
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I think Mary would be the sit and ride it to the back kind of dog. I can't imagine getting Pepper interested, and VIc who knows, but i don't see it being his cuppa tea tho i could be wrong.I have always wondered how dogs would react to them, especially non food motivated dogs so will be interesting to follow this thread.
Well, we still do our outdoor walk at lunchtime, I just want to have them ready to go on it so when it's -40 C + windchill and even the big dogs can only handle doing their business outside! It's going to be nice for rain days next summer, too, as Marlee and Brucie HATE getting wet and will only frolic under the covered part of our deck!
Exactly!
I should clarify, our treadmill is NO replacement for our outside walks...WHEN weather permits, but I have a princess dog.
She dislikes bad weather. I have to lure her outside to go pee in the rain.
Maybe I'm a bad owner or whatever, but I'm NOT walking Ella out in the crappy Chicago winter. Sorry. Guess I'm a bad owner.
But, what I WILL do, is put her on her treadmill (which will be right next to mine) and walk with her on my own treadmill, side by side.
I should clarify, our treadmill is NO replacement for our outside walks...WHEN weather permits, but I have a princess dog.
She dislikes bad weather. I have to lure her outside to go pee in the rain.
Maybe I'm a bad owner or whatever, but I'm NOT walking Ella out in the crappy Chicago winter. Sorry. Guess I'm a bad owner.
But, what I WILL do, is put her on her treadmill (which will be right next to mine) and walk with her on my own treadmill, side by side.
Today's a great example...First thing this morning it was freezing, so everyone had a short jaunt on the treadmill before breakfast. Gorgeous by lunch, so we ran down the country road behind our place. I'm a firm believer in fresh air, but when schools are closed b/c of the windchill, and being outdoors is not recommended, none of us are happy out there!
I'm pretty sure I didn't say that I thought anyone was a bad owner for using one. I just said (and still say) that I don't think they are stimulating for a dog. My dog (maybe she's the exception?) needs mental stimulation far more than she needs mindless exercise. She is a wuss about the cold as well, but on really crappy days, she goes outside to go to the bathroom, and we do training in the house. It keeps her more quiet and content than just walking would.
Treadmills don't give the mental stimulation of outside walks, but they sure do burn off some of that excess physical energy, lol . . . I'd love to have one for Tallulah. With her, sometimes you HAVE to burn off some of that physical energy before she will focus on anything mentally.
And she LOATHES damp, chilly weather
Kharma's not really enthusiastic about cold with a heavy wind. We were out one night, probably in the 20s, but there was a STRONG north wind. She couldn't get home fast enough once we headed back and were facing into the wind.
And she LOATHES damp, chilly weather
Kharma's not really enthusiastic about cold with a heavy wind. We were out one night, probably in the 20s, but there was a STRONG north wind. She couldn't get home fast enough once we headed back and were facing into the wind.