At Firepaw, we get asked this question frequently, so we’ve put together some basic guidelines to help you create an effective workout plan for your dog. Whether you’re training for power, endurance, or rehabilitation, the key is to adjust the frequency and intensity of your dog’s treadmill workouts based on your goals and your dog’s current condition.
How Often Should You Train?
- 3 times a week, every day, or even twice a day: The frequency of your dog’s treadmill sessions depends on what you want to achieve and your dog’s current fitness level. You can tailor the intensity, duration, and type of workout accordingly.
Types of Workouts:
- Short Sprint Sessions for Power and Muscle Mass
- 5 x 2-minute sprints with 2-minute rests in between
- Ideal for building strength and increasing muscle mass.
- Endurance Training
- 20-30 minutes of medium-speed jogging
- This is great for improving cardiovascular health and stamina.
- Rehabilitation and General Health
- 1 hour of walking at a low speed
- Perfect for older dogs, dogs recovering from injury, or maintaining overall fitness.
Pay Attention to Your Dog’s Physical Signs
Younger, athletic breeds and dogs already in good shape can handle more intense workouts. The key is to monitor your dog for physical signs of exhaustion. When you notice your dog is tired, let them rest until their breathing normalizes before continuing with another 1-3 short sessions.
My Personal Training Routine
For a time-efficient workout, I start with a short warm-up on the Phoenix mill, setting the speed between 6-10 km/h for 5-10 minutes. After that, I switch to the Dragon mill for 3-5 power sessions, each lasting 1-2 minutes. The Dragon mill requires more effort to spin, making it perfect for building strength and muscle mass, especially in pitbulls, though every dog is different. If you don’t have a Dragon mill, you can achieve similar results with sprint sessions on a slope using the Phoenix mill.
Long vs. Short Sessions
- Long, low-speed running sessions: Great for building stamina, burning fat, and improving basic physical condition.
- Short sprints and running on a slope: Excellent for developing muscle mass and power.
Diet Recommendations for Optimal Results
I recommend sticking to a BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) diet, which includes:
- Proteins: Raw muscle meat for strength and muscle development.
- Fats: Essential oils for energy.
- Fruits and vegetables: For vitamins and fiber.
- Eggs: As a source of essential nutrients.
Firepaw Treadmills: Tailored for Your Dog’s Needs
- With the Phoenix treadmill, you can train your dog for power and muscle mass through short sprint intervals or incline running. For endurance, you can use long, low-speed sessions. The Phoenix treadmill is also used for treadmill races across Europe, allowing your dog to reach its maximum speed potential.
- The Dragon mill, on the other hand, is ideal for strength and muscle-building workouts. These sessions are always intense but short, designed for maximum power gain.
Whether you’re looking to build strength, improve stamina, or maintain general health, Firepaw treadmills offer versatile, high-performance solutions that can adapt to your dog’s individual needs.
For more detailed guidance on training routines and treadmill models, feel free to contact us at info@firepaw.eu or DM us anytime.
Georgi Simeonov
Firepaw
owner
Read more:
How to introduce a dog to the slatmill
