Q:
How do you get a dog to walk on the Dog Trotter?

A:
It is best if your dog is leash broken. Walk your dog up to the rear of the machine and try to get him to jump up on the machine. If he will not gently pick him up and place him onto the running surface and just hold on to the leash. Some dogs will take off as if they were born on it! Others will need a little coaxing. If he does begin to walk or run simply hook him up to the adjustable hookups. If he does not begin to walk right away, do not hook him up to the hookups just yet. Simply move to the front of the mill and get down at face level and give the dog some encouragement while holding him by the sides of the his collar.  Be patient and let the dog just stand there. This helps your dog gain familiarity with the treadmill and will ease any fears the dog may have of the machine. You should entice him with gentle words of encouragement or even a treat. You should repeat these steps until the dog is at ease on the treadmill. Then once he is familiar with the machine you should put him on and hook him up to the adjustable hookups, move to the front of the treadmill and entice him to move. You may also give the belt a gentle push to get him started. Always give the dog plenty of praise when he starts to walk. After awhile he will jump up on the mill and take off before you can get him hooked up!