Doggy treadmill gets your pup in shape

For those of you out there whipping your offspring into shape by utilizing the Step2Play middleman, and burning your own fair share of calories on the GameRunner, it's about time Rover joined the fray, eh? The Dog Walker treadmill helps prevent doggy obesity and apparently relieves the dog's stress, all while helping it to exert all that pent-up energy from being cramped up in the house all day. Aside from sporting a smaller, dog-friendly design, casters to enable easy transport, and two side shields to prevent minor tumbling disasters, the machine also sports a safety leash which prevents the pup from sliding off the rear (or giving up on the goal) and a devilish remote control to vary the speed from 0 to 5-kilometers per hour (3.1 mph). So if you're tired of Fido's stomach dragging the ground while crawling around in misery, you can pick up its very own treadmill (to go along with that recently-purchased pedometer) for ¥15,800 ($131).

[Via TokyoMango]

[Don Wilson @ Jan 28th 2007 2:46AM]

Good thing that's not excessively dangerous if the animal happens to fall.

[Kevin S @ Jan 28th 2007 3:16AM]

Wouldn't this be considered animal cruelty? I remember seeing something like this on tv, where this guy, who trained his dogs to fight, put a cage on a treadmill and made his dogs run for hours....

[Luke @ Jan 28th 2007 4:20AM]

Yes Kevin, keeping your dog in shape in places where it's too cold to walk them regularly is animal cruelty...

[Max v W @ Jan 28th 2007 4:47AM]

Well that surely reminds me of the Jetsons, where Astro often goes for a walk on a treadmill outside their house. It's nice for excercise, but I think they should add a note for users who only walk their dog when they think the dog needs to 'do his business', that this device isn't suited for them.

[Simon @ Jan 28th 2007 4:50AM]

This is great for Japan, as many people have pets in no pet apartments and have to keep them secret. People even have their dogs vocal chords removed so that they won't bark. My GF wanted us to do it for our cat!! but i said no!

[dir @ Jan 28th 2007 5:22AM]

Why would you? A barking cat would be worth paying to see! Reminds me of the old one - How do you get a cat to sound like a dog?

Douse it in petrol and light a match. WOOF!

[ron @ Jan 28th 2007 10:00AM]

The leash is an interesting twist. The dog gets tired and slows down and gets dragged until the lazy owner happens to notice. Yet another dumbass invention by lazy pet owners for lazy pet owners.

[SporkRocker @ Jan 28th 2007 9:56AM]

Need one of these for a fat cat of mine.

[mOe @ Jan 28th 2007 11:51AM]

"The leash is an interesting twist. The dog gets tired and slows down and gets dragged until the lazy owner happens to notice. Yet another dumbass invention by lazy pet owners for lazy pet owners."


Ron, it actually isn't about laziness, but thanks for stereotyping pet owners you lazy nerd with nothing better to do but type up a response that shows absolutely no thought.

I have a blue heeler, and purchased a small treadmill for her to run on at the suggestion of a dog trainer who was trained by Cesar Milan (the dog whisperer). It's great because it's impossible to give some dogs enough exercise. My dog I typically walk for 1-2 hours a day, then run her on the treadmill for an additional 2-3 hours a day. About 3-4 times a week, we also go hiking for 3-4 hours a day, in which case I don't run her as much on the treadmill.

High energy dogs can go for 8 hours a day if you let them. You still have to watch them, as my dog tends to step off to the side just because she can. She has tripped once in the 6 months since I've used the treadmill, but she quickly caught herself and was not injured.

And for your information, the reason it's important to give high energy dogs so much exercise is because they tend to act out if they don't receive the exercise they need. That includes aggression, biting, destroying things, etc.

Now, if you are able to give a dog 8 hours of walking a day, every day, please tell me where you are and I'll pay you to walk my dog. I however, am in school full time, as well as working for the fire dept. My free time therefore is very important. While I do keep in shape by hiking, running, etc., there is no physical way to give a dog that much exercise and do anything else.

Next time think before typing, or better yet, don't type at all.

[John Doe @ Jan 28th 2007 2:37PM]

Maybe you shouldn't own that type of dog if you can't spend the necessary time caring for it. You are no different then these parents who think it would be great to have a kid, then not realize how much work it is, slack off moaning about how much work it is.
People should do their research into a topic before committing themselves to something major be it a family, pet, etc. And yes I understand that life changes but things like that CAN be factored into a decision too. Esp when you are talking about a pet.

PS- Just because your dog recovered doesn't mean it won't strangle itself next time. Something tied around the throat is a BAD idea no matter which way you cut it. Imagine doing this to a person. Most people would think this is an asinine idea. People occasionally trip and so do animals.

[Julia Korpi @ Mar 6th 2007 3:26PM]

I totally agree that doggie treadmills have good uses too! I am an animal advocate, but, I do need a small treadmill for my teacup miniature pinscers. Can you tell me where you can get one of these for my smaller dogs without spending a fortune?
The treadmill exercise also helps dogs that might have a little anxiety. Just like people, excercise does the trick and is only helpful.
I am against dog fighting all the way, but, no against providing my dogs with a great tool like a treadmill.
Julia

[Ping @ Jan 28th 2007 11:51AM]

just set it and forget it...

[GJP303 @ Jan 28th 2007 12:18PM]

Lol, i was fliping the channels just before going on this website and Cesar Milan (dog whisperer) had a dog on a treadmill.

[SinisterDexter @ Jan 28th 2007 12:49PM]

Disgusting. Get out and walk the dog or get a bloody fish.

[v_dogg @ Jan 28th 2007 2:23PM]

lol i cant wait to see the dead dogs dragging cuz their owners accidentally left them on the treadmill while they were out.

[blinddawg @ Jan 28th 2007 5:25PM]

This is very common for working dogs. consider
www.jogadog.com. This is actually used by people
who spend a *ton* of time everyday training working dogs. That said, it's still funny to watch.

From personal experience I can tell you that working dogs LOVE the exercise.

Also, no one I know EVER walks away from their dog when using these.

[Evan A. @ Jan 28th 2007 4:04PM]

I hope the owner dont forget about this, I mean like go on vacation and...

[suppha @ Jan 28th 2007 5:57PM]

Man pet owners are getting really really lazy. What happened to the good old days when people would get pets so that the owners are forced to exercise outdoors. I used to make fun of this dog scooter, but not anymore. At least one of them is exercising outdoors. http://www.transporttrends.com/mvnforum/mvnforum/viewthread?thread=1035

[Whatshisismine @ Jan 28th 2007 9:07PM]

I'm really amazed to think that people think this treadmill is safe. Does it have an emergency cord for when the dog falls off or is leash strangulation included in the great invention? Also....if you have a dog, don't be too lazy to put on a coat and walk it. Hint..hint...if you can't do that...you might need your own treadmill.

[mOe @ Jan 28th 2007 10:00PM]

Yes, or for those of us that have working dogs, work them for hours a day, and still need to give them more exercise.

And the lease over the neck is a bit much. I personally use a harness, and there is enough room that my dog is able to jump off should she so choose, hence part of the reason I am never more than 30 feet away when she is on the treadmill.

As for being lazy, I'll bet I can run circles around you. I hike approximately 20 miles a week, swim 3 times a week (36 laps at a time, about 1 hour, or 1 mile for those who don't know), and then work out when I'm at work (lift weights, run on a treadmill myself, etc.). Probably what, about 10x the exercise you get? Go eat your mcdonalds.

[Whatshisismine @ Jan 30th 2007 9:17PM]

What kind of "working dog" do you have that requires more exercise than listed? I'm really impressed you're so buff; however, try learning how to spell. Dogs wear LEASHES not leases. Mmmm...this is a tasty burger.

[Webshit @ Jan 29th 2007 2:49AM]

This is horrible,

If you can walk out a dog, don't buy one.

[Webshit @ Jan 29th 2007 2:49AM]

This is horrible,

If you can walk out a dog, don't buy one.

[Tristan @ Jan 29th 2007 4:34AM]

I never have to walk my dog again, great!

[Johan S @ Jan 29th 2007 4:11PM]

How boring for the dog? It needs at least lcd screens on the sides and front showing various pathways in different settings.

[Adam @ Jan 29th 2007 5:48PM]

Yeah something tells me that "safety leash" is gonna turn into a "safety noose" if doggy gets tired. Maybe don't leave them unattended.

[mOe @ Jan 30th 2007 11:17PM]

Requires more exercise than listed? What does that even mean? My dog is a blue heeler, a cattle dog. The breed was bred to be intelligent and hard working. That means is requires more exercise than say someone sitting on his couch all day like you can provide.

And so sorry I missed an "h." You know what, I'll turn myself into the grammar police when I get home, okay? Till then, you might want to go wander out of your parents basement for longer than an hour a day.

[Whatshisismine @ Jan 31st 2007 7:11PM]

People never cease to amaze me. You present yourself as an educated
authority on working dogs and their needs. However, you blurt out
incorrect grammar, ignorance, and insults continuously to unknown
individuals. From what I have previously seen posted, you are FAR
from an expert in the field of canines. In fact, no one who has
posted their opinions has the credentials...including myself.
Therefore, read them, agree or disagree to yourself, and get over it.
You feel that you are on a pedestal. You are babbling ignorance when
you refer to unknown idividuals as children, lazy, and more. Learn
how to be an educated and grammatically correct individual. Again,
your jargon, "That means is requires more exercise than say someone
sitting on his couch all day like you can provide" makes absolutely
no grammatical sense once again. Roll your eyes, type ignorance once
more, and make yourself look even more ridiculous. We all have
opinions....

[mOe @ Jan 31st 2007 9:55PM]

hahaha, sorry, had to laugh at that. Something tells me I struck a nerve...

Anywho, I never said I was an expert. If you read my previous posts, you'd see where I mentioned how I was working with an expert dog trainer, who was trained by Cesar Milan, one of the nation's top trainers. So for once, you are right, I am FAR from an expert. However, the things I have been told do come from an expert. In particular, the woman I'm working with has helped to rehabilitate hundreds of dogs. She owns rehab centers both where I live and in California as well. In fact, she currently is rehabilitating more than one of the breed that I own. Chew on that for a while.

In all truth, you get on my nerves at a personal level. I suppose that's why I even bother replying to your rambling posts that aim solely at attempting to discredit me (again, I'll discredit myself long before you do, but have fun anyway). As for my grammar, get over it, the last time I checked, this was not a research grant, nor a submission to Science. Quite sad actually that you have nothing better to do with your time than to pick over my posts and find grammatical errors. Stands to reinforce my previous assumptions though, so I do have to thank you for that.

I await your less than stellar response trying to poke fun at my grammar...

[Whatshisismine @ Feb 1st 2007 8:42PM]

Aahhhhh....so I get on your nerves??? Is it my first grade grammatical lessons? Today I taught how to make words plural. You know, the rulebreakers...x, ch, and sh. I'll make sure I save you a seat for, "Does you sentense make sense?"
Well, I consider myself flattered. I'm actually astounded that you admitted you weren't an expert. I never was trying to discredit you or your grammar...I was just trying to make you aware that when you're in a room compiled of various people, you will always find different views. To babble negativity directed at an individual due to opposing views is RIDICULOUS. Also, when it doesn't make grammatical sense ...it makes you seem...well...hmmmm. As for you personally, I feel sorry that you poke at people for fun. It deeply saddens me. I previously read many of your comments...I would hope someone in your profession would behave better. Oh, and by the way...I'm anxiously waiting for my valentine. I decided to purchase you a personal copy of, "Gregory and the Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day." It reminds me of you!

[kballs @ Feb 1st 2007 8:41PM]

I think the key here is that this is meant to be SUPERVISED. If your dog falls while you're there it's not going to strangle/choke to death in 3 seconds (whereas on a leash walking outside most dogs are content to drag you around while gagging themselves continuously). Who in their right mind would put the dog on some contraption and then leave the room, go get coffee, go to work, etc?!?!

[jenny @ Feb 3rd 2007 5:36PM]

I want to buy one of them...how do I get one?

[Jim @ Feb 14th 2007 11:31AM]

I'm a paraplegic and it is difficult for me to exercise my Westie the he needs. There for am I not allowed to own a dog?
Believe it or not I find him to be a great deal of Company! Yet I also feel a responsibility to provide for him in every way I can ....this includes his physical health! So if anyone can tell me where I might purchase this Item I would greatly appreciate it.

[MadMatt @ Feb 18th 2007 9:14PM]

All you haters with your comments about "don't own a dog if you can't walk it blah blah"
How about on rainy and snowy days or for disabled people like me who have a guide dog and want it to get enough exercise. They are also used for pet rehabilitation. Sure some might be used by "lazy" owners but not much. Get a grip on yourselves!