Treadmill use with your dog

Anyone?
Or is just so absurd that I would think of using a motorized treadmill with my dog?

We got one right after Thanksgiving and I would like for Wrigley to use it too.  I don't have any ideas though, he also thinks we're nuts!

hahaha. The one time I DID turn it on, she just let herself roll right off the back. I had her leash so I didn't let her get hurt. It didn't scare her though because she will get on it if I call her on it.

I've tried the treadmilll with Sam for like a month. He would get on it but as soon
as i turned it on he got scared.  I would give treats, walk on the lowest setting with him next to me so he would see it's ok but never had luck.  I quit trying after a bit. It doesnt get too cold here in TX so I just walk him outside everyday.

ORIGINAL: chewbecca

hahaha. The one time I DID turn it on, she just let herself roll right off the back. I had her leash so I didn't let her get hurt. It didn't scare her though because she will get on it if I call her on it.

 
Definitly NEVER allow your dog to have a leash on while on the treadmill. Oh there has been some serios accidnets that way. She'll get the hang of it and will beg you to turn it on. There really isnt much risk, she's smart, she knows it moves. Let her go to town, they love it!

Four of my dogs are regularly exercised on treadmills. Last year#%92s new year#%92s resolution by both the BF & I was to get into shape, so we bought treadmills. I did get more active, but I hate the treadmill (I get bored easily) so we gave them to the dogs. It did take both of us to teach the first dog to use it. Bevo is very food motivated, so we started by feeding him in between the two treadmills while they were not running. About a week later, before he began to eat we turned the first treadmill on. He ate next to a running treadmill for a week then we started the second treadmill, and again he ate between both treadmills running. When we decided to get him on the treadmill, I leashed him and he & I stepped up onto the treadmill. He received treats for stepping on the treadmill for about 5 days. Then we started the treadmill very slowly with me walking alongside him on the treadmill. The BF handing treats almost constantly during the minute walk. We slowly worked up both the speed of the treadmill and the distance he walks daily, along with me stepping off to allow him to run on his own. It took us about 2 ½ months to train Bevo to use the treadmill without stress & without me running alongside him. He has been using the treadmill for about 8 months, and every morning when the alarm rings, he goes to the door for a potty break, then he comes back in and goes straight to the treadmill. He runs about 7-10 miles every morning while I get ready for work. I would recommend using boots to protect your dog#%92s feet from the treadmill belt. As the belt will “chew away” on their pads.

Well, I havent tried it, but I got an idea. Block off the treadmill on each side other than the side they get on with. Put a treat at the end of the conveyer belt thing. Let the dog get it. Do it again, but turn it on at slowest speed. Then gradually increase the speed, repeating the process. Lemme know if this works.

Here is a diagram.
A bit sloppy, but easier to understand
 

I'd love to get my Pittie on one of those. I saw it on the Dog WHisperer, and I am totally jealous.
 
Get on the treadmill WITH the dog, but keep the leash on your hand..it's like you are actually going on a walk, and with the leash on, it makes it more "walk like".
 
HOWEVER, do not tie your dog to it and leave her unattended..EVER. Only if the leash is in your hand, and you are walking on the TM WITH the dog.

[:'(] i can just see my dog trying to pee on the rails and sliding backwards.

I taught my mom's dog to run on a treadmill, a long time ago. I put him in his regular harness, that he walks on, and sat down by the treadmill. I started out giving him treats for standing on it. Eventually we ended up walking fast, while getting treats. I never took the leash away, because I wanted some control on the situation.

Emma never learned to walk on the treadmill. She HATES it. Teenie's really goofy, and I'm afraid she'd get hurt on it. Toby still walks on it, some, though. He's a little bit of a bigger dog, and it works for him.

thanks, guys!

Oh, and I would NEVER leave Ella unattended on a treadmill! But until she gets the hang of walking on it, I believe I should keep a leash (attached to a harness) on her. Once she's ready to walk on it without guidance and has the hang of it, I'll take the leash off of her.

Riley goes on my mom's treadmill sometimes.  The first time I put him on it though, he layed down and fell off the back!  He's a pretty funny dog.  It's a human treadmill, too, and not a dog one.  I think it's a great idea for when there is nasty weather.