As evidenced here:
Play time from Cindy Germann on Vimeo.
That video was obviously from our pre-kitchen remodel days, but she hasn't changed a bit. Since they're both so high-energy, we've talked on and off about getting a treadmill and teaching the pups how to walk on it. And then we started running more, and as much as I prefer outdoor running, it's often too dark/cold/icy/whatever to actually make a run happen in my non-working hours.
So we started talking about getting a treadmill...again. And then we were offered a free treadmill. FREE. We couldn't say no.
On Saturday night we brought home what may very well be the world's ugliest treadmill. But you know what? It's totally functional, so for now, it's perfect.
Even the dogs think so.
To get them comfortable with the machine Nick stood outside the belt and had the dogs on a leash. He'd start the treadmill really really slowly. Both dogs kept trying to sit down, and then they'd get to the end of the track and scramble like crazy to not fall off.
But in less than 10 minutes they were really getting the hang of it! They still pause before every step (so we still have it running really slowly - less than 1mph), but they keep moving!
We kept their little sessions short with lots (and lots and lots) of encouragement and some treats sprinkled in. They actually seemed to love it, especially Beemer! He kept trucking along and would jump back on the treadmill after we told him he was "all done." Shalai is a little less certain about the whole thing, but did really well with it.
We're hoping we can use this to keep them active when it's cold/dark/icy/late and that the extra exercise will help all of us get a little more sleep at night.
Have you ever tried treadmill-training your dog? Any tips for us? Think we're totally nuts?
We struggle in the winter time with keeping our dogs active. Then along came a laser pointer. Our Golden LOVES IT. She chases it like a cat thought the house, and it wears her out! Have you tried one with your crew? Some love it, some ignore it.
ReplyDeleteThis is amazing that those dogs need more energy than the Germanns can provide. I feel like you two never stop going going going! A couple of energizer bunnies. :)
ReplyDeleteso funny!!! I love this! Bo flips out when I'm running on the treadmill but we've never tried it for him. I hear you with it being tough during the winter though, the dog park gets old fast! Excited to hear how it goes!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like she's tap dancing in that kennel! I love it. I'd like to see a video of them really going on that treadmill!
ReplyDeleteNate usually gets annoyed when I show him blog stuff but he thought this was hilarious.....because this is Ike.
ReplyDeleteWe have pondered the treadmill but think he might be too chicken. I'm excited that it works for you all! We've been lucky enough to walk a lot this winter. Fingers crossed the weather keeps up!
haha i laughed so hard at that video! especially the part when she just was in her cage scrambling.
ReplyDeleteThat is hysterical!!! I didn't even know you could train dogs to walk on treadmills! And hooray for free treadmills - a friend gave us their treadmill a few weeks ago - and I'm with you - I don't care what it looks like - it was Free!
ReplyDeleteSo funny! I had no idea you could treatmill train dogs, shows how much I know! We were offered a free treadmill a couple months ago too but sadly we have nowhere to put it :( We should just add on to the house! :)
ReplyDeleteI want to see the video of Beemer trying to not fall off the treadmill. Love it. Jake thought we should get one for Bailey, but considering she tweaks out about slipping on hardwood, I don't think that would be a winner.
ReplyDeletep.s. She cant wait to see you on Friday! Jenn met her on Saturday and Bailey was so friendly. I was so proud of her!
Nicole - Beemer loves chasing flashlights, but Shalai isn't remotely interested. Isn't it funny how they can be so different??
ReplyDeleteBryant & Hannah - I think if we made them tag along with us all day everyday we could probably wear them out. Stinkers get to sleep all day during the week and that's where we get into trouble. Well, they get into trouble. Ha!
And for everyone - video coming soon! I promise!!
Ohmygoodness, this is so cool! What a great idea!
ReplyDelete(And isn't every treadmill kind of ugly? But they do their job.)
I don't think you're crazy! Sometimes I wish we could throw Mocha on a treadmill so that she'll just GO TO SLEEP already and stop chewing cardboard and chasing the cat at 3 in the morning.
ReplyDeleteI think that is brilliant! Seriously, I am blown away by the genius.
ReplyDeleteI don't think you are nuts...I think you are a genius! Unfortunately, because of our knees, we have an elliptical instead of a treadmill, which would be near impossible to teach a dog to use, however, I do run with our boxer mix, and it's pretty cool (only during the summer, I can't run in the dark/cold either)
ReplyDeleteI didn't know you could do such a think with your dog. What a good idea! Keep us updated on how things go. Although our dog is much less hyper, it's still fascinating.
ReplyDeleteYou are not crazy....we do the same with our two dogs. We also were gifted with a free treadmill. Training has been slow but they are getting the hang of it.
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