I have had experiences with dogs who never seem to get tired. My (ex)-wife and I had a weimaraner we would take out when we went trail riding on horses for the day. She (the weimaraner) would run circles around us, chasing things, etc., and would still be full of energy when we returned. Amazing creatures. Perhaps the treadmill could be combined with some sort of video or multimedia program to provide more stimulation. I have seen my cat respond well to cat videos.

I agree, using it in addition to outdoor exercise or for physical therapy makes sense. Using it instead, doesn't. Underwater treadmill is clearly much better for rehabilitation, but a regular one is more affordable and might work for some things.

I'm thinking a treadmill for canines would likely be boring for the dog. While I don't claim to be any kind of dog expert, it sure seems like the dog would need some kind of incentive or stimulation to stay on it.

Dr Coates, thanks for your post on the topic I proposed.

I still loathe treadmills and treadwheels for dogs ... OK, let me amend that: for dogs who are NOT in physical therapy.

Strapping any other dog to a motion-machine is tantamount to buckling a toddler into a bungee chair all by himself instead of allowing free-form play and interaction.

And, the notion that you can engage a dog's interest by adding a video experience to the treadmill is ludicrous.

As a trainer, I will emphatically state the benefit of treadmills use when used appropriately. All of my animals are treadmill trained. The aren't tied, or tethered, they simply get on by themselves and will in fact, try to get on when I'm on it causing a rather humorous effect. Obviously the treadmill is not a substitute for outdoor activity. But coupled with a variety of mental stimulation exercises from feeder balls to playing "hunt for your food" you can provide much of what a dog needs. This condition is far better than having a 2 year old working dog living with 75 year old people who can not give their animal either. I rescue Pit Bulls. My male becomes a completely different dog when he's done an hour on the trad mill at 3.5 mph and the effect lasts for days. I will take my Rottweiler (who pulls a cart at farmers market on the weekends by the way) to shows and inevitably someone will come up and tell me how "cruel" i'm being because "he doesn't have a choice" completely ignoring the fact that nothing is keeping him there physically. My patented respond has become "You kids don't have a choice whether to go to school or not but you make them". Oh, and I've purchased dozens of treadmills on Craig s List for $100 to $150 for clients. There is a right way to train your dogs and to gain the education on how to get the positive benefit from a combination of regular exercise, treadmill exercise and mental stimulation. Don't just chuck them on. It won't go well. Seek a professional's assistance so your animal gets the most benefit.

Greg Fishback, CPDT

Great article, Dr. Coates!

While there is absolutely no replacement for regular outdoor exercise, you are right, treadmills are a terrific way to supplement outdoor time and make sure your dog is getting the exercise he needs. Because, unfortunately, most dogs don't get enough physical activity.

I'm the official trainer for dogPACER, a dog treadmill company that makes high quality, affordable treadmills for large and small dogs.

People use treadmills to ensure their dogs get enough exercise and help their pets lose or maintain their weight. There are a lot of circumstances that make this a challenge including: extreme weather (too hot or too cold), an owner with mobility issues (post surgery, senior citizens, disabled) or, as you pointed out, time constraints.

Also, shelters are using treadmills to give the dogs in their care MUCH needed exercise. As you can imagine, it's hard to get so many dogs outside for the work out they need!

As a trainer, I would not be able to successfully train or handle as many dogs as I do (especially in the Las Vegas summer heat!) without a treadmill to supplement the work I do outside.

Thanks for initiating a great discussion on the topic!

Geralynn Cada

Big grain of salt time: this post elicited comments complimentary to dog treadmills from people in the dog-treadmill industry, and otherwise have had nothing to say at Fully Vetted.