i have just bought a secopndhand treadmill and would like to use it for my young dog of 9 months  as he is a very lazy type of walker and trots out the same in the ring
i have put him on the very slow pace just until  he,s use to it
What would be the amount of time i should start him off to and what do i build it up to
Has anyone got one or use one ?

It's a question rather than a judgement - but isn't he a bit young for this type of exercise?  I thought this sort of repetitive exercise wasn't suitable for dogs of less than 12 or 18 months

How does treadmill exercise improve his ring performance - is it about forcing a faster pace?

Apologies if I sound critical I'm actually just curious

I can't say i'd use one for any of my own dogs, i'd be more inclined to run with them myself or even cycle but again this wouldn't happen until the dog is atleast 18 months due to possible damage.

I would wait until your dog is atleast 12 - 18 mths before putting them on any kind of treadmill or harder exercise.

Dreadful things they should be confined to a gym.

Walking boots on, walk at a good fast pace and gee him up.  Fresh air in your lungs, wind in your hair, both burning up unwanted calories, toning muscles properly and wearing nails at the same time.  

when you ve had knee surgary its not so easy as im the only walker

> It's a question rather than a judgement - but isn't he a bit young for this type of exercise?  I thought this sort of repetitive exercise wasn't suitable for dogs of less than 12 or 18 months
>
>

Me too!

> when you ve had knee surgary its not so easy as im the only walker

Then is it possible that he's responding to your pace? 

Whilst movement is obviously related to physical conformation I noticed with my own dog that ring performance seems much more to do our state of mind (his and mine!!).  He's my first so I'm a long long way from experienced but I notice how my boy is tuned in to me mentally and physically.  When I was limping in the ring it certainly affected his movement too - poor boy looked a bit confused     I notice too that some of the long legged, lighter handlers can really get the best from their dogs when it comes to movement.  No hope for me then....

At 9 months I'd say your dog has a long way to go yet.  Before trying any type of corrective measure perhaps you could talk to someone at ringcraft about moving him for you.  You'd get an objective view and you could also take some pictures to have a closer look as well. 

What about using a lunge rein?  I used this with my Akita in exactly the same way you would with a horse.

> What about using a lunge rein? I used this with my Akita in exactly the same way you would with a horse.

Unlikely to work with a lazy dog unless, of course, you used a lunging whip - very non PC !

I have this problem as my breed are a lazy sort. They just plod about on walks and need a real stimuli such as a bunny to get any sort of pace out of them. I too have poorly knees and cannot put in the pounding road walks I would like to do so I have resorted to swimming my show girl twice a week. It is good non weight bearing exercice for her and easy for me to sit and watch!! As far as I understand it swimming (Under proper supervision) would be good for a youngster and they have "fun" puppy swims at the hydro pool I use. It would help tone up and lift fitness levels and I must say Merlot has been more active since I started her swimming even out on a walk she seems more inclined to trot along rather than plod now.
Aileen

Have to say I have never used a whip on my dog lol!  I used to just like watching her natural movement and as she could be quite wild it burnt abit of energy off!