Exercise on a tread mill

[drjac's brittanys]

I am wondering how much time you allow on a tread mill for your britt to work some energy off? I got a tread mill this past winter, so she is the first britt I have actually put on it. I started Belle 2 nights ago, she is almost 11 month old and she did 20 minutes tonight which did not phase her a bit. She has learned to love the tread mill or maybe it's the one on one with me she really loves. Belle has just come into heat and is under strict lock down except for potty breaks and tread mill time. I"m thinking during this time she will need a few times out a day on the tread mill to burn off energy. Any thoughts on how long is to long? I assume I slowly start working her longer and longer, just like for myself. I wish I had a bigger tread mill so we could both run together, she wants to hop on when I do it. Silly pup. I want to get enough time on her with the tread mill this winter that she is in shape for field trial season this early spring. I'm looking forward to running her in derby stakes.

Thank you

Jackie Swanson

[JenvyBritts]

Since she is still young, be sure you dont over work her. Too much exercise and putting stress on growing bones and joints can cause growth problems.

But I'd say like you said, gradually increase the time and get her into shape. I dont have experience putting a dog on a treadmill but I know of several people who do and get wonderful results.

[dakotawinters]

I have both of my brits on the treadmill, and they even have packsacks with small weights in them. They mostly use it in the winter when the weather is bad. They love it! I started with 5 mins at a time and gradually got them up to 40 mins. Mostly walking, with a few short jogs. (as they are still under 2) Watch their gaits though... my one male picked up a bad habit of hopping on it. And we've had to practice his proper gait ever since.

[MTO4Life]

Do you have them tethered on there, or are the free to jump off? I know that might sound stupid, but how do they stay on? Also, what if they have to do their business... do they jump off and let you know? I've never known someone who did this, so I'm intruiged.