Setting up treadmill conditioning programs
Posted: Mon Jul 10, 2023 7:54 pm
I have been asked to set up a treadmill conditioning plan for some agility dogs. They have access to both an UWTM and a land treadmill (Dog Pacer). These dogs already do other fitness exercises, but were looking to increase endurance, stamina and speed. They already have a balanced fitness program focusing on strength, flexibility and proprioception through a fitness trainer. One dog is a corgi and the other is a border collie, these owners will do anything, but I would like to be more targeted in my recommendations.
I have been looking for journals or reputable discussions on how to set this up, but it is hard to find specifics on how to start and how to assess to increase difficulty. HIIT seemed to be the preferred method to increase speed and stamina.
Questions I have as I try to think through this are:
1. Where to start, these dogs are healthy, active in their sport, walk/hike 1-3 miles a few times a week. 1 dog also runs with its owner 3 miles 2-3 times a week the other strictly walks/hikes.
2. Is there a benefit of land over UWTM or vice versa? Or are they both similar enough that it is personal preference?
3. Is the max speed a fast trot or is there any benefit for faster sprints (if the machine is capable)?
4. UWTM what water height would you recommend? Hock or stifle for trotting or even higher?
5. I would think that trotting is the more beneficial for these dogs vs fast walking but then the water adds more resistance so that could be beneficial too
6. The Dog Pacer has its own programs, do you know if these are adequate? I can't imagine running the corgi on the programs, but it looks appropriate for the border collie.
I am sure I will have more questions but I wanted to start somewhere. It just seems like the information that I could find was very vague and often more about research than real life.
Thank for your help
I have been looking for journals or reputable discussions on how to set this up, but it is hard to find specifics on how to start and how to assess to increase difficulty. HIIT seemed to be the preferred method to increase speed and stamina.
Questions I have as I try to think through this are:
1. Where to start, these dogs are healthy, active in their sport, walk/hike 1-3 miles a few times a week. 1 dog also runs with its owner 3 miles 2-3 times a week the other strictly walks/hikes.
2. Is there a benefit of land over UWTM or vice versa? Or are they both similar enough that it is personal preference?
3. Is the max speed a fast trot or is there any benefit for faster sprints (if the machine is capable)?
4. UWTM what water height would you recommend? Hock or stifle for trotting or even higher?
5. I would think that trotting is the more beneficial for these dogs vs fast walking but then the water adds more resistance so that could be beneficial too
6. The Dog Pacer has its own programs, do you know if these are adequate? I can't imagine running the corgi on the programs, but it looks appropriate for the border collie.
I am sure I will have more questions but I wanted to start somewhere. It just seems like the information that I could find was very vague and often more about research than real life.
Thank for your help