Can Dogs Use a Walking Pad? How to Train Your Dog Safely

Yes, many dogs can use a walking pad, as long as you train them slowly and stay beside them for every minute the belt is moving. It is a useful extra on days when heavy rain, coastal heat or dark evenings rule out a proper walk. It should add to your dog's outdoor walks, which they need for sniffing, exploring and meeting other dogs, rather than replace them.

Check with your vet first if your dog is a growing puppy, elderly, overweight or has joint, heart or breathing problems.

Which dogs suit a walking pad

Small and medium dogs usually fit a walking pad's belt comfortably.
Large and giant breeds may have a stride too long for a compact belt. If their back feet reach the end of the belt, it is too short for them.
Calm, food-motivated dogs learn fastest.
Nervous dogs may never like it, and that is fine. Do not force it.

How to introduce your dog to a walking pad

Let them explore it switched off. Put treats on the belt and let your dog sniff and stand on it. Do this for a few days.
Switch it on without moving the belt, if your model allows it, so they get used to the display and the sound. Reward calm behaviour.
Start the belt at the lowest speed, 1 km/h, with your dog standing beside it, not on it. Let them watch.
Lead them on at the slowest speed. Stand in front, hold a treat at nose height and keep a loose lead in your hand. Reward every few steps.
Keep the first sessions to 2 to 5 minutes. Stop while your dog is still relaxed.
Build up slowly over two to three weeks, adding a minute or two each time.

Safe speed and session length

Increase the speed only until your dog walks at a relaxed, natural pace. For many small dogs that is about 2 to 3 km/h, and for medium and large dogs about 3 to 5 km/h. If your dog is trotting to keep up, pulling back or looking anxious, slow down.

Most dogs do well with 10 to 20 minutes once they are used to it. Watch for panting, lagging behind or drifting to the back of the belt, and stop at once if you see them. Always offer water afterwards.

Mistakes that cause injuries

Tying the lead to the machine. Never do this. If your dog falls or panics, they cannot get away from the belt.
Leaving the room. Stay beside your dog the whole time, with the remote in your hand.
Running speeds. Our walking pad reaches 14 km/h with the handrail up. That is for people. Keep dogs at walking speeds.
Long first sessions. Sore pads and tired joints come from doing too much too soon.
Walking straight after a big meal. Wait at least an hour, especially with deep-chested breeds.

Walking pad or dog treadmill?

Dog treadmills have side panels and longer belts made for a dog's stride. They suit large breeds and owners who will use them every day. A walking pad works well for small and medium dogs, and you can use it yourself the rest of the time.

Keep it safe when you are not using it

Fold the walking pad away and unplug it after each session, and keep the remote out of reach. A curious dog should never be able to start the belt or climb on a folded unit. Our guide to walking pad safety with children and pets has more house rules.

Frequently asked questions

Can dogs use walking pads? Yes. Many small and medium dogs learn to walk on a walking pad with slow training and close supervision. Large breeds may need a longer belt.

Is a walking pad safe for dogs? Yes, if you stay with your dog the whole time, keep to walking speeds and never tie the lead to the machine. Check with your vet first for puppies, older dogs and dogs with health problems.

What speed should a dog walk on a walking pad? Start at 1 km/h and increase only until your dog walks at a relaxed pace. For many small dogs that is about 2 to 3 km/h, and about 3 to 5 km/h for medium and large dogs.

How long should my dog walk on a walking pad? Start with 2 to 5 minutes and build up over two to three weeks. Most dogs do well with 10 to 20 minutes per session.

Can a walking pad replace dog walks outside? No. Dogs need outdoor walks for sniffing, exploring and socialising. Use the walking pad as an extra on rainy, hot or dark days.

See the foldable walking pad treadmill, KSh 24,800, with slow speeds from 1 km/h.