How do you train a dog to use a treadmill?

I was wondering if anyone has had success using a treadmill for a dog? Im thinking that it might do some good, in the dead of winter, when its really cold out as it can get brutually cold. If you have had success, how did you go about it????

I know its going to take some time just to get Lance used to the idea of the treadmill. Tonight we tried briefly and he wasnt thrilled at all with the idea, all we did was have him stand on the treadmill without it moving. Yes we did use treats too which seem to help a bit, so I think we will be doing that quite a bit, before we even are able to get it to start on super slow.

I tried looking up videos on utube but came up with nothing, but maybe I just wasn't searching the right way.

UPDATE: I did find this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zymxgExnmks&feature=related

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Permalink Reply by Jane Christensen on December 30, 2009 at 7:19pm

I thought there was someone on here that got their dog to use the treadmill...I hope someone replies as I would like to try this also! It's suppose to be -12 this weekend and so it would be a great time to do some other sort of exercise!!!!

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Permalink Reply by Sky and Lyla on December 30, 2009 at 7:38pm

I've been considering it as well. Especially for my Aussie. I have literally taken him on a four mile jog before, and he looks at me like "that was a great warm up, what's next?!" It just gets dark too soon after I get home from work these days for me to feel like I can safely walk him for as long as I need to outside. I'm interested to see what people have to say about treadmills.

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Permalink Reply by Natalie, Lance &Tucker on December 30, 2009 at 7:53pm

Here is another video I found:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdXKjGIdnlA&feature=related

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Permalink Reply by Cheryl Nickel on December 30, 2009 at 7:58pm

Cesar Milan has a DVD called "Common Canine Misbehaviors" which gives tips on using the treadmill for exercising your dog. Here is a link: http://www.cesarsway.com/node/774 I know it takes great patience to do this. (Unfortunately, for my dogs my husband purchased an eliptical and gave my treadmill to my parents.)

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Permalink Reply by Jill, Kari & Jackson on January 5, 2010 at 5:48pm

Kari uses the treadmill all the time in the winter. All I did was first I had her see the treadmill and sniff it and just get used to seeing it. The I had her on ther treadmill while it was off giving treats and encouragement. I then took her off and just turned it on to get her used to the noise (more treats here). Then I turned off the belt and had her get on. I had her leash on and over the crossbar. I sat infront of the treadmill and got her in position. I then turned it on and she was freaked at first but I just called her to me and using the leash for directional guidance she started to walk. After a bit I turned the speed up. She's not afraid of it anymore and she loves to go for a little run now. All this took a grand total of 10 minutes but I believe that was a bit of a fluke. Just take your time and do things step by step. The benefit Kari gets from this is amazing. She doesn't want to be outside even more than I do in this winter freeze so it works for the both of us.