Dog-Treadmill

Does any one have any advice on how to get my dog on the treadmill.

If you've seen my other posts you know my dog has anxiety issues. We need to get him moving more. The option of out door walks isn't always possible b/c I have a DD in the house.

I got a treadmill. He's scared out of his mind. I have let him get used to being around it, even gotten him to stand on it or sit on it, but once it turns on he FREAKS out.

He's 66 pounds. I can't (and don't want to) fight him to stay on it.

Does anyone have any recommendations?

I use treats, a clicker, and praise already.

Dog-Treadmill

I would use shaping to get him comfortable around the treadmill when it is off. Get some really high value treats and go into the room where the treadmill is-start by rewarding him just for looking at the treadmill- dog looks immediately click and treat- use pea sized treats so he does not get full too fast or you could use his kibble if too much food is a concern. I would do ten or so trials then give him a break. Do this for a few days then increase the criteria...wait for him to sniff, touch or nose bop the treadmill then click and treat. Once he is comfortable with this try turning the treadmill on and repeat both exercises. If he does well with this you can try to get him on the treadmill with it off-you can lure him on it with a treat the first couple of times- You might want to break this into stages- first get him to put his front paws on with and without luring then once he will put his front paws on use a lure to get him onto the treadmill. When you can get him on the treadmill without a lure I would move on to shaping the behavior with the treadmill on. Good Luck.

Message edited 3/25/2013 9:23:03 PM.