Endurance Training Collection
21
BEFORE USING THE TREADMILL
1. Take your pet to the veterinarian for a checkup and to get exercise
frequency, duration, and intensity guidelines for your pet’s specific
breed, age, size, and overall health. This is especially important for older
pets, those that are overweight, have heart/circulatory problems, joint
problems such as arthritis and hip dysplasia, or have not been regularly
active for some time. Make sure to write down your questions and
any concerns before your appointment so you don’t forget to address
anything important.
2. Have your pet’s toenails clipped to avoid injury due to a snagged toenail
and/or damage to the treadmill belt.
3. Help your pet get comfortable with the treadmill before using it. See
GETTING YOUR PET FAMILIAR WITH THE TREADMILL
below.
4. Purchase an appropriate-length leash and collar, if necessary. See
STEP 3: DETERMINING THE APPROPRIATE LEASH LENGTH
on the
next page.
GETTING YOUR PET FAMILIAR WITH THE TREADMILL
It is important to get your pet comfortable with and excited about using the
treadmill before using it. Be sure to use lots of treats, petting, and words
of encouragement to help keep your pet at ease and build their confidence
around the treadmill.
Observe your pet for signs of stress during each step and do not move on to
the next step until they are completely comfortable. It could several days,
or even a week, before your pet feels completely comfortable with a step
and ready to move on to the next step. The goal is for your pet to love the
treadmill and to look forward to using it as much as they look forward to
treats, play time, or walks outside.
Don’t rush your pet through the steps as this could cause them to build a
negative association with the treadmill. Never force your pet to get on the
treadmill. If your pet feels fear or hesitation around the treadmill, stop and
try again after a few hours or days.
20
PawRunner User Manual Lifepro
STEP 1: GETTING FAMILIAR WITH THE TREADMILL WHILE OFF
With the treadmill powered OFF:
1. Let your pet walk around the treadmill. Give them a few minutes to get
familiar with it.
2. Practice getting on and off the treadmill with your pet. You may find
treats helpful for enticing them to get on the treadmill.
STEP 2: GETTING FAMILIAR WITH THE TREADMILL WHILE ON
Once your pet has gotten comfortable getting on and off the treadmill, it’s
time to get them used to the sounds and movement of the working treadmill:
1. First, have your pet get on the treadmill and flip the power switch to turn
the treadmill on.
Don’t start the treadmill belt yet.
This is just to help
your pet get used to the sounds the treadmill makes while turned on.
2. Now, have your pet get off the treadmill.
3. Stand near the front of the treadmill with your pet next to you on-leash.
4. Select an exercise program to begin the treadmill belt.
5. Walk around the treadmill with your pet. Be careful not to let them get
too close to the treadmill.
6. Practice 1–5 above a few times so your pet can get used to the noises
the treadmill makes, especially at higher speeds.
STEP 3: DETERMINING THE APPROPRIATE LEASH LENGTH
Leash Length Guidelines:
• The leash should be a couple of inches longer than the safety key cord.
This is to ensure that, if your pet trips or stops suddenly, the safety key
will be yanked from the console causing the treadmill to stop BEFORE
your pet reaches the end of their leash. If the leash is too short, your pet
could be injured when the treadmill stops in an emergency.
• The leash should be no more than ½ the length of the treadmill belt.
This
is to ensure your pet will not fall of the back end of the treadmill and get
injured.
You will need to adjust the length of the leash according to the size/length
of your pet.
1. With the treadmill OFF, stand at the front of the treadmill and have your
pet stand on the running belt.
