Canine gym helps dogs shed their puppy fat
OWNERS of obese dogs are learning how to help their pet slim down thanks to a treadmill training regime.
Professional handler Craig Flint is operating a unique canine gym which has already helped dozens of pet owners downsize their dogs.
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Craig Flint with Yankie
Mr Flint runs Quintessential Quarters boarding kennels near Stone, has a degree in canine behaviour and is a member of the British Institute of Professional Dog Trainers.
He arranges 12-week regimes, with two 45-minute treadmill sessions a week, and he is convinced there is a link between fitness and behaviour.
Father-of-four Mr Flint, aged 48, said: "At least 70 per cent of dogs I see for obedience training are overweight by some degree.
"Exercise is the main component to good health, mental agility and long life in dogs. All breeds can benefit from treadmill workouts.
"Owning a dog is a huge responsibility. They depend on us for food, shelter and exercise, but unfortunately many don't get enough daily activity.
"Some owners feed their dog larger meals and treats to counteract their feelings of guilt when leaving their pets alone.
"This can mean poor muscle tone, obesity, heart ailments and emotional and behavioural problems.
"The treadmill exercise improves responsiveness and limits destructive behaviour problems."
Mr Flint tailors the regime to each dog's individual needs, ensuring the exercise is stress free and gentle on limbs and joints.
His programmes are endorsed by vets who have seen the health benefits and are referring some of their patients to the treadmill gym.
Bruce Barker, vet director of Rogers Brock and Barker Veterinary Surgeons, which has several surgeries in North Staffordshire, said: "Dog obesity is at a phenomenally high percentage. It typically results in problems such as heart disease and diabetes.
"I welcome anything that trainers like Craig can do to help owners move the situation forward.
"Many humans find the regime and discipline of a gym workout helpful, and the same can be said for couch potato pets.
"Treadmills have been used to improve muscle tone and mobility in dogs after surgery, but this is the first time I've seen them used in a preventative way."
The treadmill can offer controlled resistance to strengthen muscle tone, as well as for a traditional cardiovascular workout.
It is specially made for dogs, and during the exercise their breathing and heart rate are monitored to make sure they do not overstrain. It can also be used to correct pace and walking for show ring dogs.
Treadmill training prices start from £9 a session.
What do you think?
8 Comments
by dogs4life
Saturday, February 25 2012, 7:38PM
“Quote: "He arranges 12-week regimes, with two 45-minute treadmill sessions a week, and he is convinced there is a link between fitness and behaviour."
I cant agree with that comment
If a dog has a long term injury and is unable to exercise and puts extra pounds on, it doesnt mean the dogs behaviour will change.
It is a dogs owner who will make or break its behaviour.”
by Putthebootin
Thursday, February 23 2012, 6:35PM
“Mole 10, i dont think your idea of getting these old dogs out gritting the road is a sensible one, some of these fat old dogs are very scary in the day light,imagine if you can, the sight of one of these fat old dogs, looming up in front of you out of a dark snowy night, spreading grit with a shovel? I should think it would scare you witless! And possibly make you want to hit them with the shovel,
paaang!”
by doghelper
Thursday, February 23 2012, 5:02PM
“Readers should note that you can build a manual dog treadmill for a lot less than motorized ones. There are inexpensive plans (or blueprints) available.”
by mole10
Thursday, February 23 2012, 12:08PM
“Why not get the old dogs out gritting the roads when it snows?”
by Cheshire2010
Thursday, February 23 2012, 11:53AM
“What a fab idea, I hope he does really well with this, if I were a lazy and somewhat selfish dog owner and had a fat dog I would definitely go!! Beautiful dog he's got himself there as well.
I hope this will be more of an opportunity for owners of older dogs however, who can't neccesarily exercise them appropriately as the equipment at this place will be a much safer way to adequately exercise an older or poorly dog.”
by mole10
Thursday, February 23 2012, 11:26AM
“I had a hamster once which had its own treadmill wheel.
It did thirty miles a day and I had free electric for hours on end.”
by Putthebootin
Thursday, February 23 2012, 11:12AM
“I should think he would be snowed under with work,i was driving up Dawlish Drive the other day and i must have seen at least fifteen fat dogs.”
by WilliamGibson
Thursday, February 23 2012, 10:35AM
“What a great idea. Now all we have to do is get their fat owners to exercise.”