What to Know About the Dog Exercise Wheel?
Dogs need regular exercise. Some breeds in particular need to have more exercise than some of the others. Knowing your breed beforehand is crucial so that you can manage their activity levels more effectively.
One way in which you can properly manage their activity level is through the use of an exercise wheel. But there is a lot to know about these exercise wheels. Before long, you can have the proper tool to keep your dog healthy and fit.
Can a Dog Use an Exercise Wheel?
Not only can you use a dog exercise wheel for your pup, but it can be a great way to keep them healthy. For dogs that are a little on the pudgy size, finding a way to keep them active and losing weight can be particularly difficult.
Some people get frustrated and give up quickly if they don’t see the results that they want. This is natural but it can also lead to some difficulties when getting them to lose weight. Having a wheel can allow them to exercise regularly without having to break off and walk them at regular intervals.
How Can You Make Exercise Wheels More Effective?
The good thing about these exercise wheels is that they can be highly effective. That said, it can be quite a process as well. Depending on your dog breed, they might require regular scheduling in order to make the most effective use of it.
That said, there are a couple of things that you can do to help make the process easier and more effective for your dog.
Introduce a Toy
If the dog is a little apprehensive about getting on the wheel, then a great way to get them interested is to introduce their favorite toy into the mix. But instead of just showing them the toy, maybe toss it right onto the wheel itself.
This will at the very least get them interested. The wheel can be kind of mysterious and uncertain to them. By tossing the toy onto it, you can get them at least somewhat acclimated. Sometimes you need to slowly introduce them to the wheel and get them used to it.
Make it Visible
Another thing to consider is the accessibility. If you put it in a spot where they can’t easily access it, they might not get used to it. Put it in the living room or near their bed, someplace where they can look at it and get on when they want to.
Offer Rewards
The simplest way to keep them interested in the treadmill is to offer up treats. Positive reinforcement is always going to be a good way to get your dog to do what you want them to do. It might be frustrating at times, but don’t get angry or yell at them.
By offering regular treats, you get them used to getting on and using the treadmill. That regular reinforcement should eventually get them to look to get on the treadmill on their own before long.
Play Music
People tend to listen to music while they work out, right? Well, your dog can be the same way. When you play music on a regular basis, the dog can also fall in with the rhythm of the music, enjoying themselves as they run.
The trick is getting them to start in the first place. If they are overweight to begin with, it can be tricky to get them started. Introduce them to the wheel with something a bit more upbeat that will create a positive atmosphere.
Throw in Walks
It is important to know that you cannot totally replace traditional walks with the exercise wheel. It is actually quite a good idea to follow up their sessions by having a normal walk to go along with it.
When they finish, grab the leash and get them out the door. You can cut the sessions into halves, giving them motivation to do both. They can even do the intense part of their workout on the wheel before getting the more leisurely aspect while walking.
Can You Replace Walks With the Exercise Wheel?
It is important to know that you cannot totally replace traditional walks altogether. The simplest answer is that you both can and can’t replace those walks. In certain situations, you certainly can put them on the exercise wheel rather than taking them for a walk.
On rainy days in particular, it can be effective to put them on the exercise wheel rather than having to endure the rain. That said, don’t use it to completely replace traditional walking. Walks can help you develop a relationship and closeness with your dog that cannot be replaced by the exercise wheel.
Conclusion
If you have difficulty getting your dogs out onto walks, the dog exercise wheel can be a great compromise. It can give you the peace of mind in knowing that your dog’s health care needs are being met.
The exercise wheel can be a great way to not only ensure that they remain healthy, but to also monitor just how much exercise they are getting. For obese dogs in particular, the exercise wheel can be an effective way of keeping them active.
