MUSHercise

Treadmills and Slatmills are very 1 dimensional and mostly relatively mundane and not usually very engaging for most dogs! On an indoor treadmill or slatmill there is no outdoor stimulation like smells, sights, sounds, competition, cold temps etc… I try to create a more dimensional experience by incorporating different types of weight and resistance aspects as well as interactive equipment that adjusts the incline/decline and speed in an interval type way so the dogs can’t predict the conditions and have to adjust accordingly making it a true challenging enrichment type of activity through not only stimulating their body but their mind also!

I’ve pioneered treadmill/slatmill work/exercise very few have ever seen (the way I do it) as the treadmill/slatmill systems I’ve developed will complement my other WooFDriver activities! In addition with the treadmill/slatmill, I can focus with an individual program catered to each dog on an individual basis, which is key especially as the dogs age! Keep in mind also when limitations occur such as inclement weather, health issues for the dogs and myself, as well as time constraints that almost all of our us find ourselves in sometimes especially the times of year with holidays, etc.… treadmill/slatmill training is perfect to fill any exercise enrichment voids especially the ways I’ve pioneered! And training the dogs to properly use treadmills/slatmills earlier in life makes it second nature so as they age it becomes more and more of an important aspect to use and they will feel comfortable doing it when they’ve been trained properly!

I use a Nordic Track Human Treadmill equipped with the IFITT pre-scripted workouts! This treadmill has a 40% grade incline and a 6% decline (going downhill) capability which is extreme amongst most treadmills! These capabilities combined with the IFITT trainer led exercises which have been filmed all over the world, makes this machine a type of enrichment tool for dogs! You see the treadmill adjusts in grade ascent or descent as well as speed according to the trail the trainer is navigating for you to follow! A human can see and follow along in the built in screen but the dogs need to adjust on the fly without any way to predict it! They learn todo this well and and depending on the level of difficulty I choose the appropriate workout for them it’s almost like a game which provides not only a challenging physical fitness workout but also a mental stimulating outlet! It’s really one of the best indoor activities I’ve found!