Even if you get the best pet treadmill for dogs, it won't matter if you place it in the wrong location. Placement is everything: your dog's excitement level when entering its room, how often you'll use it, and if your partner will begin scowling at that "damned contraption." Choose the right location, and your dog treadmill becomes a welcome part of your daily routine; choose the wrong location and you've just bought an expensive coat rack.
Begin With Your Canine, Not Your Floor Plan
Before you measure, consider her personality. A confident clown will cheerfully jog beside the dinner table. A jumpy rescue needs walls, quiet and peace.
She jumps at the doorbell? Stay clear of the door way. She screams when you leave her? Remain in a room where you can be near. She goes crazy when she sees a passing squirrel? Place the window out of sight.
See where she chooses to relax during the day. Dogs tend to lead you in the right direction. She adores the sunroom but keeps away from the laundry room? You got it.
The Living Room: Easy & Messy
Living room feels too obvious. It's right in the middle, it's large, and you're there already. She can watch a program while she walks, and that makes it a bit more fun, instead of more work.
But it's a trade off. Visitors, children and television noise also means distractions. But a young dog could spend ten minutes gazing at the couch cushions instead of their feet. For an experienced creature, this is a treasure.
If you decide to take this route, set the machine along a wall instead of in the middle of the room. Open space to her rear is safest and a wall on her side prevents her from surprising you.
Additional Space or Office: The Quiet Choice
Got a spare room? Top marks, you've just won the lottery. Somewhat unexpectedly closed doors not only mean less surprises but you can conveniently leave the treadmill in place.
Good at the office too, because for every session you'll pair it with a work break. Five minutes of walking, five minutes back at your desk. Her energy levels shoot up, your output increases, everyone benefits.
Another owner I know turned a closet-sized guest room into a "dog gym," complete with a rug, water bowl and laminated schedule on the wall. Now the pup has a 4 p.m. prompt "rush hour" to wait for at the door.
Garage and Basement: Use Carefully
Garages and basements have room and sound tolerance. They also carry dust, cold, humidity and temperature fluctuation. Motors hate all three as do old joints.
It's the worst for any vibrating machine. Place a large rubber mat underneath to protect your floors. This mat absorbs shock, dampens any noise produced by the machine, and prevents belt scuffs.
Check the humidity. A musty basement can corrode electronics. A summer garage can top a hundred degrees, which is dangerous for a panting dog in a fur coat. If you can't keep the space comfortable, look elsewhere.
Lights are important, too. A dark corner may make dogs nervous and can hide a dropped leash or other potential hazards. Plug in a lamp or raise a light bulb.
Outdoors: Generally a No-Go
Rain, sun, dew, bugs – you can't do anything about that or about most warranties that don't cover outdoor use at all. It might seem smart to install on a covered patio until a humid night draws moisture into the motor housing.
This is a definite no. If you only have a porch, this should be your last option. Move the machine inside between uses and make sure it's unplugged when you're not around.
Fundamental Principles Of Flooring, Space, And Security
No matter what room you're in, some guidelines are immutable.
Prepare the machine for use by placing it on a flat, firm and level surface. An unstable treadmill will shake the nerves of any user, and a uneven surface may have the machine bouncing the belt out of sync. Hardwood and tile floors need a mat to keep from sliding and can overheat the motor with a thick carpet.
Allow for plenty of space around. Try to leave at least two or three feet on all sides – and more behind the machine. Your dog who jumps down will need a soft place to land: don't use a bookcase corner or a shoe heap.
Power plan. Plug straight into a wall socket when you can. Extension cords are a tripping hazard and are often not rated for the demand. Keep cables out of reach of inquisitive teeth. Beagles especially take wires as an occasional snack.
And lastly, there's the ceiling. If your dog is big and jumpy, hanging lower shelves or lamps might get into his way.
Noise, Light, & Distractions
Dogs scan a room as critics scan a film. Pay attention to the background.
Is there a thudding washing machine in the next room? Is a bright window lighting up every intruding cat? Is a noisy dishwasher cycling during your regular hour? Do what you can. Close curtains, turn off the vacuum cycle and draw a door.
Some pups do better with soft background noise. A little radio or a peaceful playlist will cover sudden noises. Some prefer almost total silence. Try them both.
Storage and Access
No motivation for a treadmill that's far away. Place it where you can access it easily, ideally where you walk by at least twice a day, so it's always easy to use. If you're going to put it in storage, find out if it folds, if you can roll it out yourself, and how heavy it is.
Have a container of treats, leash, towel, and water bowl ready at all times. It should not be a game to gather them. A small wall hook for the leash would be handy as well. These little things make a difference over months.
Think about kids and other pets. An inquisitive toddler by a working belt is a risk, also a cat who enjoys taking naps under it. Use a baby gate or close the door during sessions and unplug the machine afterward.
Try Before You Commit
"Don't know? Try two locations for a week each. Record what your dog does with it, how often you use it and how much other people complain. Life is the ultimate floor plan."
That's when to slow the machine and transition to another room. Just like new locations require a brief re-pairing, you want to slow down and reinforce the first couple of steps. Shifting scenery is just like a new location, only you'll typically get there much faster.
Eventually, you'll get it just right. You'll know you have when your dog walks in, jumps on it, and makes it look as if doing so is the most natural thing in the world.
