Hi Cesar!

I have a 95 lb American Bull Terrier, and I purchased a treadmill to help with his exercise since I am somewhat disabled and cannot walk him as much as he should be walked.

 However, he is scared to death of the thing, and I am just not strong enough to hold him there and get him used to it. I watch your show all the time and love it! Do you have an in-depth video showing the process in detail? What should I do? 

Thanks,

MJ Lindsey

Dear MJ,

A dog doesn’t have to run on the treadmill right away. You can give him affection when he sits on the treadmill. He could eat or drink water on the treadmill. You can put his bed on the treadmill. The point is to associate positive feelings with the treadmill in order to remove the fear. Once the dog has overcome his fear, then you can turn it on.

Unfortunately, I haven't yet made a video that specifically demonstrates the various strategies I would use in different cases, when dogs have issues with treadmills; though it's a great idea and something I will strive for!

UPDATE: Cesar made a video! You can now get tips for putting your dog on a treadmill in the Common Canine Misbehaviors DVD.

Until then, I can provide the knowledge that it is indeed natural for a dog to fear a moving belt at fist, because it is a similar sensation to an earthquake. Hours before humans even know an earthquake is coming, animals sense the vibration in the ground and run away. The key is to find a way to keep the dog on the treadmill until he overcomes that natural fear, realizes that the treadmill is a positive thing, and finally calms down and enjoys it.  This can be done with the help of friends. Two or three people can block him in as you turn on the treadmill.   Once he gets into a rhythm on the treadmill, he will eventually find it an addictively enjoyable activity.

If you do not have enough help to get you past this phase, I would suggest setting the treadmill against the wall. Then you can block the other exits with different objects – a chair or other pieces of furniture. This way, he feels that he has no option but to stay there.  Once he stays there long enough, he gets in “the zone” and enjoys it.

Another option is to add a backpack to your dog and walk inside the house with him by your side while you go about your day. The dog becomes more like a service dog and can carry water, rice, beans, books, DVD’s … whatever you need to be carried! Backpacks are available at most major pet stores and should be about 10-12% of the dog’s body weight. Consult your veterinarian for a specific weight recommendation.

I hope you find the correct professionals and supportive friends to help you, so that eventually, you can do it on your own!

Stay calm and assertive,

Cesar Millan