As with all training tools a treadmill has its appropriate and inappropriate applications. Some dogs will take to its use and others will not.  There are some key steps to the process.

Step One- Insure the treadmill is safe for use with a dog.  This includes the ability to stop it, adjust speed and secure the dog in place with a body harness, keeping all leads away from the dogs head.  The forward motion path should be clear as well as the rear path. Run the treadmill and mark on the dial the appropriate settings for different speeds.  Mark in 0.5 MPH increments up to 3 MPH.  You will access the appropriate speed for your dog later through observation but will start at low speed.

Step Two - Introduce your dog to the treadmill. Let them get used to it.  Feed them on it, walk them through it.  Make it part of their ever day place to be.  Observe their reaction and desensitize them as with any other object. If you dog acts scared or cautious don't push it. Just take them away from the treadmill without any fan fair. Go play ball or something the dog enjoys. Repeat this over and over again until the treadmill becomes just another item in their area. Like a chair or a couch or some other piece of furniture.  This may take only a few minutes or a few days.

Step Three – The treadmill will make noise when running.  With the dog in the area run the treadmill so they can hear the sound.  Desensitize them: Repeating as often as needed to get the dog comfortable.

Step Four - Once the dog is comfortable with the presence and noise of the tread mill.  Put them on it and attach them with the harness. Do not run the treadmill. Simply put them on it and praise them.
Take them off the treadmill and go do something fun. Like play or do a few obedience sessions. Keep it low keyed but with praise. Repeat this daily until they are comfortable being on the treadmill in harness.

Step Five - Put a harness on them and attach them to the mill. Do not expect them to understand what to do.  Patience will be needed. Observe where their body fits on the mill and insure the harness position allows for the dog to stride without going beyond the end of the treadmill.  The dog will be walking not running at full speed.  Stand in front of them and call them to you. Encourage them to move their feet.  You may need to coax them with a treat the first time, but it is important to see how far the harness allows them to go for safety.  They should not be able to walk off the front of the treadmill while in the harness. If they don't, don't worry. Stop, praise them, and take them off the treadmill.  Repeat this step over time until the dog is comfortable and will move forward.

Step Six- When your dog is comfortable being on the treadmill, attached with the harness and willing to move toward you without trying to escape, it is time to add motion.   With your dog safely in the harness and you positioned toward the front of the treadmill turn on the power with the speed turned to zero.  Gradually increase the speed to 0.5 MPH.  Stand in front of the treadmill and encourage your dog to come to you.  You will begin to see how well the speed fits your dog’s gate.  You are looking for a fast walk or slow trot.  If too slow the dog will have a stop/start walking motion.  If to fast they will run.   Adjust the speed to the proper gate of your dog.  For the first time do for only a minute or so.  Stop the treadmill. Praise the dog while in the harness and give a treat.  Walk the dog out of the treadmill and go do something under control but fun.  Don’t allow the dog to run free or go lay down.

Step Seven- Gradually build up time, remembering this is a workout and affects the muscles just like a human.  Don’t over do it and remember to allow the dog cool down and warm up time.  Don’t exceed 25 to 30 minutes at peak.  Each dog will be different.  Watch their body language for signs of fatigue.

Two things to keep in mind:
• Never use a collar to hook them up to the treadmill.
• Never leave them alone on the treadmill

Extremely Important Factor: - Not every dog will like using the treadmill. Some will flat out refuse to use it. So take the process very slow. Your dog liking the mill and wanting to use it is the goal.

Extremely Important Factor #2: - The steps above may take hours or months. How long it takes depends on your dog.