High-drive and high-energy dogs still need to burn off their energy, and treadmills are a safe way to do that indoors. They are also used for building endurance and muscles in a low-impact way, in a controlled environment, and in a controlled way.

“Treadmills can be a great way to get your dog a full-body workout, without the impact. You can use the treadmill to warm up your dog before trick training, dog sports, long walks or hikes.” Johnson has also found the treadmill valuable for rehabilitation when her dogs were injured.

PETSITE Pet Fitness Treadmill It reaches speeds up to 7.5 mph - which is more than enough to get most dogs running - has three incline settings, and comes with 12 preset programs. Plus, there is a safety key that can be attached to your dog's collar that will stop the treadmill if they fall or stop walking.

Human treadmill motors typically have ventilation systems that allow air flow to cool the motor. A good dog treadmill will usually have the motor located in a separate area or tightly enclosed with an internal cooling system.

Motorized treadmills also help your dog build muscle or increase their stamina because it provides a long distance, steady trot that can provide the resistance needed. Your dog's own body weight will provide the resistance versus the harness required on a non-motorized treadmill.

Treadmills and treadwheels might also have a role to play in helping some overweight dogs lose weight. Research has shown that in most cases owners cannot provide their dogs with enough exercise to significantly impact the amount of weight that comes off and stays off. Time constraints probably play a role.

While it might seem like your human treadmill can do double-duty, it is not recommended to exercise your dog on a human treadmill unless they are a toy or small breed. This is for a couple of different reasons: The length of the tread deck is not long enough for most dogs, causing shortening of their gait.

While it might seem like your human treadmill can do double-duty, it is not recommended to exercise your dog on a human treadmill unless they are a toy or small breed. This is for a couple of different reasons: The length of the tread deck is not long enough for most dogs, causing shortening of their gait.

As the dog gets more comfortable, raise the speed to the desired gait pattern: a walk or a trot. As regular exercise, you may use the treadmill on a daily basis for 5 to 20 minutes, depending on the dog's endurance level.

Physical Exercise Whether you use a human or dog treadmill, their age and their physical abilities will determine how hard they work. But even a walk at 2.0 mph for 20-30 minutes once a day will be a great physical exercise for your dog.

When your dog has mastered the treadmill, limit their treadmill exercise to no more than 30 minutes at a time. Make sure to monitor your dog during any treadmill exercise. A dog should never be left alone while on the treadmill.

If you walk a dog for an hour each day of the week, you have burned 1,435 calories during that time you could have spent sitting behind a desk and not burning anything. It only takes 3,500 burned calories to lose one pound, so after a week, dog walkers are nearly half way there.