In the modern world, not only people, but also their pets are suffering from physical inactivity, that is, a lack of physical activity. Treadmills for dogs are becoming more common. Let's see how justified their use for training animals.
Why do you need a treadmill?
For various reasons, many owners cannot provide the dog with sufficient motor activity. Sometimes a person himself, due to his health condition, cannot take long walks or simply does not want to go outside due to bad weather.
If the pet runs a little, then he is threatened with excess weight, decreased body tone, metabolic disorders, muscle atrophy, problems with the cardiovascular system and musculoskeletal system. In addition, the dog, which is bored, begins to pour out the accumulated energy at home - indulges in, takes down things, spoils them, nibbles. Treadmills for dogs will help to avoid negative consequences.
What are the benefits of simulator training? Treadmills for dogs help maintain activity, stay fit, develop stamina, and form a beautiful step, which is important at exhibitions. The track is great for rehabilitation after injuries or surgeries.
Mechanical tracks
Trainers for dogs can be mechanical and electrical. A mechanical treadmill is driven by the power of a treadmill. The use of simulators of this type causes controversy among owners. Some experts intentionally use mechanical tracks to give extra load and teach the dog to push. This feature makes the mechanical track the best choice for training sled dogs.
However, many owners believe that a mechanical simulator is not so convenient, since it is more difficult to teach an animal to use it. In addition, it is difficult to accelerate on mechanics, although load levels can be adjusted on magnetic mechanical tracks.
Electric tracks
The electric treadmill is driven by a motor. Even budget options have an electronic display that displays the current speed, distance traveled, and training time. It is important that the length of the running belt is sufficient and the dog can completely throw out its paw.
If inexpensive treadmills are short, the animal will have to be minced with small steps. Simulators for people may not be suitable for large dogs because of the length of the canvas. Devices designed for animals are sold at pet stores.
An electric treadmill can allow the dog to develop speeds of up to 12 km / h. In large cities, these simulators are installed in handling rooms and pet centers. There you can use the services of an instructor who will help the owner and the dog to master the track.
How to teach a dog to run on a simulator
You should not expect that the dog will immediately learn to use the simulator. How to train a dog on a treadmill so that she is not afraid and understands what is required of her? Be patient. Give the animal the opportunity to study the simulator, sniff it, walk on the canvas, lie on it. Lure the dog to the track with goodies.
The next step is getting to know the moving simulator. Put your pet nearby and turn on the track at the lowest speed. Let the dog get used to it. You can put treats on a moving canvas.
If the dog is calm, then take him on a leash and bring him to the track so that he is on the canvas. Calm her, praise, walk with her next. Hold the leash firmly so that the pet does not get scared or break out, otherwise injury may occur. Do not rush, increase the speed gradually. At first, workouts should be short, 3-5 minutes.
How to train
Before starting workouts, familiarize yourself with the operation of the simulator, read the instructions. Start at a low speed. Hold the dog by the leash, give the command "nearby." She should not spin, play, play. To make it easier for your dog to get used to training, first step on the spot to make it seem like you are walking nearby.
Increase the speed gradually, over the course of several weeks, bring it to a run, i.e. 5-6 km / h for medium-sized dogs. While the dog is studying and not used to the track, be prepared to stop the simulator at any time. Even inexpensive treadmills have an emergency power button or a security key.
At the end of the workout, reduce the speed to minimum and completely stop the track by issuing a command “nearby”. Let the dog sit down. After that, you can give the command "walk" and award the dog a treat. It is important that the pet does not leave the simulator without a team and never does this while moving.
Disadvantages of working on the simulator
Treadmills for dogs are becoming increasingly popular, but there are both supporters and opponents of their use. The use of the simulator is obvious - it makes it possible to give the animal a good physical load, when the owner can not provide sufficient walking.
But what do opponents of using simulators say? Puppies and dogs that have problems with the heart, spine, and musculoskeletal system cannot practice on the treadmill. During training, the animal cannot choose a pace suitable for itself. A dog on a walk changes its running speed, its movements are diverse, the load is natural, all muscle groups are involved.
The dog cannot stop on the track if he felt unwell, tired or injured his paw. He also cannot clearly show that a pause is necessary, since he is forced to run at a given pace. Some tracks are fenced in with a net, and the dog simply cannot get out of the race without human help. Unscrupulous owners can tie the leash to the trainer, holding the dog.
During training, you must constantly be near the dog, you can not leave her alone. A window or door to the street must be open.
A treadmill can be a great tool for training your dog, but it can never replace regular walks in the fresh air. Use this tool carefully and carefully, only then it will benefit the animal.