would you exercise a dog on a treadmill?

[chocolatelife]

or is this just for crazy, lazy americans?

let your dog go outside for a walk and a sniff for god's sake!
i heard somewhere that sniffing is like television for dogs

[MarcoPoloCX]

I have done when it's been pouring down all day and I was on the exercise bike next to them. Otherwise it's always outdoors.

[LokiBuddyBoo1]

I would do it if I had a treadmill at home but not instead of a walk outside my ddog loves a nice walk in the local wooded park.
But it would be handy when it rains as ddog absolutely refuses to walk in the rain.

[Gymbob]

I have caught my DD several times walking the dog on the treadmill. he tolerates it, but wouldn't say he likes it. I say catch her because she's supposed to be grooming him or something, and I hear the whirring from the kitchen.

she gets a rollicking every time but it makes no difference

[MumSnotBU]

It is done as part of canine hydrotherapy rehabilitation

hydrofido.co.uk/facilities/

I presume this means it is not bad for the joints?

[WeAllHaveWings]

Don't think its physically bad for the dog, but like humans its boring as hell and also gives them zero mental stimulation or enjoyment. No substitute for a walk.

[Lonecatwithkitten]

Floating treadmills are very useful for rehabilitation of dogs, but really boring for the dog. All that sniffing is like reading a newspaper for dogs.

[SistersofPercy]

Murphy jumps on and sort of sails off the back, he thinks it's a great game. I suspect when dh gets around to using it properly he's going to have to lock the dog out.

Not sure he'd get much exercise from his game and to be honest he prefers a game of fetch up and down the stairs anyway.

[HarrietSchulenberg]

The HoundoftheSchulenbergs likes to have a poo while he's out for a walk. That could go horribly wrong on a treadmill .

[DramaAlpaca]

My DSs used to play a daft game with our springer where they'd encourage her on to the treadmill then dangle a doggy treat in front of her so she'd keep running to try to get it

It was very entertaining, but before anyone accuses me of cruelty to the poor dog I'd make sure they only kept it up for a couple of minutes & then let her have the treat - and take her for a proper walk.

[ErrolTheDragon]

Dogs don't walk for exercise - they do it to get between interesting smells and places to leave their own scented substances.

[MidniteScribbler]

I have a proper canine treadmill that I use with mine. They still get lots of walking, swimming and free running, but gaiting at the correct pace is used for muscle tone and fitness. There's no way I could keep up the correct pace with six dogs for as long as it would take to exercise them all!