While exercise is good, you do need to take into account his new puppy joints where not even all the bones may be fused in his legs. And it is likely not as mentally enriching as a walk. And I think generally the leash is considered a safety hazard as it might get caught in the belt. And I don't know his size, but do pay attention to the sizing discussion in both articles.

But here are a few articles.

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Mostly the bottom half

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All that said, I prefer to exercise mine earlier in the morning or use a "baby flirt pole," but that is not what you ask. Mostly to show alternatives as well.

 

 

Everything you said makes sense. Young children shouldn’t excersize too much because it isn’t healthy. So it makes sense puppies are the same.

I just don’t want him to go crazy during fire season. I really love him so much.

Somone on Reddit are threatening to report me for animal abuse. But I’m not abusing him at all!

[/QUOTE]

 

Maybe platforms like Reddit aren't the most healthy of places to get people's opinions.

 

I applaud you for thinking ahead about making sure your dog gets the activity they need, no matter what the conditions outside are.

As for using a treadmill, I don't see a problem with it as long as there's consideration given to safety. My biggest concerns would be the leash getting caught in the belt, or the dog attempting to jump off sideways and losing footing. If your treadmill is one that has a wristband contact sensor, is there some way to connect it to the harness?

 

I give you a lot of credit for considering your pup's exercise needs but I do have to wonder how mentally stimulating running on a treadmill is for a dog. Sure, it may help to fulfill a dog's need for physical exercise, (and we want to be careful not to create a 'marathon dog' in your efforts to tire them physically - I have border collies who always want to be on the go) but mental stimulation (ie: brain games)- is just as important, and as, if not more, efficient at burning energy and helping to create a calmer, contented dog.
If you are interested, no doubt some of us may be able to offer suggestions for mentally challenging your pup.

 

Not having read the posts on Reddit, I can't really say whether they are airing useful concerns or just the usual Reddit trolling and sh**posting. I do know treadmills are sometimes used by people to cardio-condition dogs for unpleasant sports like dog fighting. That might be sparking some of the negative reactions, especially if people are unaware your dog is the wrong breed for such activities.

I totally understand your concerns about an energetic dog needing some kind of physical outlet during times when you can't get out for your regular exercise. You don't want a bored dog chewing holes in the sheetrock. However, you should also take care not to over condition the dog. I have a friend who exercised her dog (running in the woods) to the point where the dog could run a half marathon and still beg for a game of fetch afterwards. Rainy days were a little interesting in that household! It's definitely best to add mental exercise to your physical conditioning program. I did a lot of trick training during the worst of the Covid lockdowns. The list of tricks for the AKC trick dog titles were helpful. I never bothered getting any of the titles, but the lists gave me lots of ideas for new tricks I could work on with my dogs.

 

There are specific harnesses for treadmill use as well. I would look into this, as once he gets the hang of things he will need a proper harness to support him. For his safety, I would not be just using a home set up for this sort of exercise. And yes, take it easy while his growth plates are still open.

 

 

@Pet-trek

Putting aside the question of the treadmill, I just want to hear all about your new puppy! I especially love the photo of you with your pup. You look so happy. Yay!

What's your pup's name? What is the story of how you got him? I want to hear all about it!

 

@Pet-trek

Putting aside the question of the treadmill, I just want to hear all about your new puppy! I especially love the photo of you with your pup. You look so happy. Yay!

What's your pup's name? What is the story of how you got him? I want to hear all about it!

@Pet-trek

Putting aside the question of the treadmill, I just want to hear all about your new puppy! I especially love the photo of you with your pup. You look so happy. Yay!

What's your pup's name? What is the story of how you got him? I want to hear all about it!

his name is sunny. My mom found him on Petfinder with his brothers. He is a mixed dog but mostly Dachshund, pitbull, Staffordshire terrier, and Chihuahua

 

While this is an old thread, and I doubt the OP will see any of this, I wanted to comment, that our girl does use a treadmill, for her afternoon exercise. We walk in the morning, but she needs more and the treadmill is the perfect solution. She has a leash on, which is looped over the elevated cross bar, with and emergency off magnet string clipped to her leash. While I am always with her while she is on it, should she lose her footing, that magnet would dislodge from the control panel and the treadmill stops instantly. She is really very good and understands how to adjust her gait to stay centered. Its also very useful when its raining, which we have had a lot of this year, and when its very hot outside, which it tends to be during the summers here. Her exercise needs are constant and not weather related.

 

I know this is an old thread, but I don't recommend getting pet advice from Reddit - or advice on many other topics, either. There are so many aggressive know-it-alls, and a "hivemind" / echo chamber in many sections (the same opinions are always supported, other ideas and perspectives are attacked).

I prefer forum sites and non-flashy YouTube channels (the ones where pet owners are more down-to-earth/natural; not trying to be funny and trendy).

 

I always supervise him, use a harness (never his neck), and keep the leash long enough so he can safely step off. The treadmill is timed, and I stop if he’s tired or scared. We still do regular walks when it’s safe outside — this is just extra exercise during extreme heat or smoke. Many trainers recommend it, and he’s calmer and happier since we started.

 

I don't know if this will help you or not, but it is interesting.