The uses and benefits of using a treadmill for dogs to provide or supplement their daily exercise are becoming fairly well known.
Dog treadmills are a great solution for dogs and their parents that don't have an abundance of space and time, or don't live in an ideal environment for a rigorous outdoor romp.
Since a canine treadmill is an electric-powered machine and the dog is not in control of the pace or other settings, you must always supervise your dog when he's using it.
Because of the noise (just a hum) and the slight vibration associated with an electric machine, it takes some dogs time and training to get comfortable using the machine.
Enter the dog treadwheel.
A dog treadwheel offers the same exercise benefits as a dog treadmill, but operate using dog power.
Picture a hamster wheel; add comfortable padding on the running surface and then super-size it.
There is near silence when the wheel is spinning, except for your dogs paws hitting the surface.
A dog treadwheel will not start to turn until your dog starts to walk and he completely controls the pace.
Dog treadwheels come with tension controls that let you increase the resistance for your pooch, simulating the challenge of an incline.
While training is required, as with the treadmill for dogs, many pets take to the treadwheel quite easily (see video).
As with treadmills for dogs, choosing the right size treadwheel is essential for your dog's comfort and safety, and for his overall health.
Your pet's size, or weight, is an important consideration, but measuring his stride, may be the most important factor in determining the best size treadwheel or treadmill.
Injury can result from running with an unnatural stride or not having enough room to adjust to changing speeds.
In addition, a treadwheel that is too small can cause an unnatural arch in your dog's back, and could result in related discomfort or injury.
Generally, when in doubt, it's best to choose the larger size.
One of the biggest benefits of choosing a treadwheel is that Fido can take a trot any time he wants, even when pet parents are not at home.
You can have the peace of mind of knowing your dog is safe, and burninng excess energy in a constructive way.
As with the canine treadmill, the dog treadwheel should be placed properly and safely, and never facing a wall.
For the greatest success, dogs should be introduced to the treadwheel appropriately.
It's a new concept for Fido and he may need to be patiently trained to try it.
This article is not meant to advocate a treadwheel over a treadmill for dogs.
Both have their advantages and it depends on what is most important to you and your pooch.
For dog owners, it's always good news when there are multiple options for maintaining your best friend's health.