Frequently Asked Questions
We are very proud of our outstanding product line and the contributions our machines have made to the physical and mental well-being of dogs world-wide. If you are unfamiliar with our DOG JOGGER products, please read the frequently asked questions below. Should you have additional questions concerning our products, please do not hesitate to contact us inquiry form . We place high value in the questions and feedback we receive from our customers.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why would anyone purchase a treadmill for their dog?
How do you get a dog to walk on the DOG JOGGER?
At what age should I start exercising my dog on a DOG JOGGER?
Are certain breeds better suited for a DOG JOGGER?
At what age should a dog discontinue the use of a DOG JOGGER?
Why is exercise important for senior dogs?
Why is your treadmill so expensive?
Can my dog use a regular/human treadmill?
What happens if I run my dog on a tredmill of improper length?
What happens if I run my dog on a treadmill of improper width?
Should I use a DOG JOGGER as the only form of exercise for my dog?
How much does it cost to ship a machine?
Do you have a distributor in my area?
What is the proper machine for my dog's weight?
Do you rent machines?
Do you offer any discounts?
What is your warranty and return policy?
Will a DOG JOGGER help my dog's hip dysplasia?
Do you sell other products?
Do you sell used machines?
Do your machines go faster than 10 miles per hour?
How long do I run my dog on the machine?
Can you adjust the incline of the machine?
Does the dog need a lead or harness?
Why would anyone purchase a treadmill for their dog?
Treadmills provide numerous benefits beyond what can normally be achieved from walking or even running a dog. For example, dog show handlers use treadmills to perform simple gait analysis. The treadmill allows the handler to study the gait of a dog and make corrections while the dog is in movement. The treadmill also helps the handler find and develop the proper speed the dog should adhere to in the ring. The handler can then reinforce the dogs natural trot by training and developing the dog's muscles to the speed the dog should adhere to in the ring.
The incline of the DOG JOGGER treadmill, provides the resistance needed to develop strength and muscle. Likewise, by altering the resistance, the dog can achieve an excellent cardiovascular workout that is tailored to meet any exercise goal. Treadmill exercise also provides versatility while adding consistency to any exercise program. Along with walking your dog, playing Frisbee or fetch, the treadmill is an additional exercise that, when added to an existing regimen, will insure your dog uses all its muscles and is in peak physical condition. Regardless of inclement weather, (rain, sleet, mud, snow, heat, humidity, ice, hail) DOG JOGGER allows you to adhere to a strict, controlled and consistent regimen that will guarantee results!
For typical pet owners, exercise is the key ingredient to good health, good mental agility and longevity. Additionally, it is important to understand that most pet dogs were bred to perform daily tasks, alongside humans, such as pulling sleds, operating equipment, herding sheep and performing rescue operations. If a dog does not get adequate exercise (adequate may be more than you might believe), this instinctive energy will build up and demand an outlet. So if your dog's chewing the couch and indulging in a little excessive barking, it may very well be that he's bored and under exercised.
Finally, when introduced appropriately, treadmill exercise is a fun activity that dog's thoroughly enjoy! How do you get a dog to walk on the DOG JOGGER
If your dog has never used a DOG JOGGER before, begin by first walking your dog over the machine while the DOG JOGGER switch is in the off position. This helps your dog gain familiarity with the treadmill and will ease any fears the dog may have of the machine. Repeat this process several times by having your dog step up onto the rear of the machine, walk your dog across the machine, then allow your dog to step down off the front of the machine. After two or three repetitions of walking your dog across the machine, your dog will be ready to go. To begin exercising, position yourself at the front of the machine (eye level with the dog). With one hand on your dogs lead, turn the switch to the on position. With the machine turned on in the slow position (creeping), the dog will unknowingly step forward and begin to respond naturally by advancing. Adjust the speed slowly to accommodate your dogs response to the treadmill. Be sure to allow adequate time, following each incremental change in speed, for the dog to adjust. After a few minutes your dog will gain confidence and begin lift his head. After about a week, your dog should be running without a lead.
At what age should I start exercising my dog on a DOG JOGGER?
Ideally, an exercise plan should be established when your dog is still a puppy and continue throughout your pet's life. The three DOG JOGGER treadmills allow for a slope adjustment of 0 to 11 degrees. For dogs under two (2) years (until the growth plates have closed), we recommend that you not exercise your puppy on an incline. As your dog ages, exercise tolerance and requirements can be adjusted. Always consult your veterinarian before you change an existing program or begin a new exercise program for your dog
Are certain breeds better suited for a DOG JOGGER?
A walk around the block or a 15 minute romp in the backyard several times a day is minimal exercise and is NOT enough to meet the average dog's needs. Active breeds such as dogs from the sporting, herding, hound and terrier groups, northern breeds and any mixture of these ( i.e. the vast majority of pet dogs ) and virtually all adolescents require much, much more exercise!!! However, a few dogs (not breed specific) do require very little exercise to maintain good health and will derive little benefit from a DOG JOGGER. Like people, all people need exercise, some require more exercise than others to maintain good health. Always consult your veterinarian before you begin a new exercise program for your dog.
At what age should a dog discontinue the use of a DOG JOGGER?
Ideally, an exercise plan should be established when your dog is still a puppy and continue throughout your pet's life. As a dog ages, exercise tolerance and requirements will change. Always consult your veterinarian before you change an existing program or begin a new exercise regimen for your dog. Your veterinarian will want to perform a complete physical exam on your pet and discuss exercises that are appropriate
Why is exercise important for senior dogs?
Exercise is important for your elderly dog for many reasons. First of all, exercise helps maintain a healthy body weight. Being overweight may lead to a number of health problems. It places excess stress on your pet's heart. When the heart doesn't function properly, other organs may suffer including the brain, lungs, liver and kidneys. Over time, these problems may become severe enough to cause life-threatening conditions.
Osteoarthritis is degeneration of joints. This problem may develop during a pet's geriatric years causing pain and discomfort. Excess weight on these joints can speed up the disease. Believe it or not, moderate exercise can help to delay the continued degeneration of joints that are affected with osteoarthritis.
Your elderly dog's mental health may also benefit from exercise. Activity keeps oxygen and other nutrients like glucose (blood sugar) at optimum levels in the brain. The brain is like every other organ in the body in that it requires good nutrition.
As mentioned above, DO discuss your dog's exercise program with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can let you know if your pet has any health problems that might be exacerbated by some types of activity but not others. You need to know what type of exercise is safest for your elderly dog; you also need to know how frequently and for how long it should be done.
Can my dog use a regular/human treadmill?
There are many things to consider before running a dog on a treadmill designed specifically with the human in mind. Keep in mind, humans have a shorter gait than most dogs and thus require a shorter treadmill. Other reasons to be cautious in using a human treadmill for your dog are stability and comfort. An unstable treadmill will be uncomfortable for a dog to use, since it amplifies the feeling of falling. The DOG JOGGER uni-body construction provides a solid, sturdy and secure foundation for the dog's jogging surface. Many human treadmills offer shock-absorbent platforms that are more suitable for humans than dogs. Other factors to consider are treadmill durability, tread comfort and side enclosures to keep the dog focused and centered on the treadmill.
Additional note: A large number of our customers have told us they tried a human tredmill before purchasing a DOG JOGGER. Not only is it more difficult to get a dog started on a human treadmill, human treadmills are sensitive to dust (let alone piles of dog hair). If you find a human treadmill that works for you, be certain to service your machine for dust and hair regularly! Unlike the DOG JOGGER treadmill, human treadmills have electronic sensor contacts. Typically, when these sensors get dirty, the treadmill "crashes". A treadmill crash can be dangerous, since the motor speed will respond erratically under such conditions. The DOG JOGGER treadmill is maintenance free and has no electronic sensors that regulate belt tracking or motor speed. Piles of dog hair are never a concern with DOG JOGGER!
What happens if I run my dog on a treadmill of improper length?
Exercising your dog on a treadmill of improper length may constrict the dog's movement by shortening its stride. This may result in a peculiar gait behind. DOG JOGGER has created three different size treadmills designed to meet the exact exercise requirements necessary to accommodate any size dog.
What happens if I run my dog on a treadmill of improper width?
A treadmill that is too narrow will restrict body movement. Additionally, a treadmill with sides that are too narrow will wear the dogs coat.
Should I use a JOG A DOG as the only form of exercise for my dog?
No, when used in conjunction with other forms of exercise, the DOG JOGGER allows versatility in your dogs exercise regimen that will insure the dog uses all its muscles to the full and is in peak condition. There are a number of things you can do along with the use of a DOG JOGGER to keep your dog in excellent shape. Here are a few ideas:
1. Take your dog for a walks.
2. Use a dog walking service. A large number of metropolitan areas offer them.
3. Do you bicycle? If so, and your dog knows how to heel, you can find a device that hooks directly to your bicycle for 'roading' your dog. It is spring loaded so a jerk from the dog shouldn't cause a crash.
4. If your dog loves to play fetch, do it outdoors and really let your pet stretch out into a full run.
5. If you have access to a grassy or sandy hill, allow your dog to run up and down it.
6. Take your dog swimming! Swimming is an excellent form of exercise for dogs.
Do you have a distributor in my area
We manufacture and sell our products direct from our facilities in manchester Ordering direct from DOG JOGGER Ltd is the only way to purchase from our DOG JOGGER product line. We ship regularly across the UK and other countries around the world!
Do you rent machines?
Sorry, we currently have no rental program.
Will a DOG JOGGER help my dog's hip dysplasia?
Treadmill exercise may be particularly beneficial for dogs with dysplasia because little active extension of the hip joint is required; rather, the treadmill passively extends the hip by pulling the limb back. The dog then actively advances the limb. This activity may be especially beneficial early in the conditioning program while other treatments are started.
Additionally, weight loss results in greatly decreased progression of osteoarthritis. Appropriate exercise and training will also maintain muscle mass that will help improve stability of the hip joint, maintain endurance and and maintain the health of the articular cartilage. Consult with your veterinarian.
Do you sell used machines?
The demand for used DOG JOGGERS is very high. Therefore our customers have little difficulty selling their used machines without our help. Additionally, as a manufacturer and retailer, it is not economical for us to deal in our own used equipment. Occasionally, we have demonstration models that we discount £100.00 off the purchase price. Our demonstration models are primarily sold at the shows we attend. Please see our Show Schedule for details.
Do your machines go faster than 10 miles per hour?
Yes, we can make our treadmills run faster, however, please keep in mind that our machines are engineered to provide conditioning. The running surface is inclined eleven degrees. This slope is equivalent to running your dog uphill. Ten miles per hour on an eleven degree incline is extremely fast and even dangerous for most dogs. Most dogs demand half that speed.
How long do I run my dog on the machine?
A well conditioned dog that has used the DOG JOGGER treadmill consistently will benefit from 5 - 10 minutes a day. Dogs that have never used the DOG JOGGER treadmill should begin with 1 - 2 minutes a day. It is always a good idea to begin with a slow warm up and end with a slow cool down walk. Always consult your veterinarian before you change an existing program or begin a new exercise regimen for your dog. Additionally, you should be able to recognize when your dog is getting tired. Be certain to stop if your dog shows any signs of lameness.
Can you adjust the incline of the machine?
Yes, the rear elevation supports allow for a slope adjustment of 0-11 degrees.
Does the dog need a leash or harness?
After about a week or two your dog should be able to run without the assistance of a leash. You do not need a harness of any type. The side rails keep the dog focused and positioned. Likewise, baiting the dog or over-encouraging the dog with toys will only break the dog's concentration. The more distractions you eliminate, the quicker the dog will learn to use the machine. Once your dog understands the exercise, the dog will begin to lift his head and also begin to thoroughly enjoy the exercise.
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