Gone are the days where most houses have large back yards and the family dog can run freely. As outdoor spaces are getting smaller and people are working longer hours, often household dogs struggle to get the exercise they need. I must admit I'm a little uncomfortable with the idea of a super-sized mouse wheel, but for the family pet it may just well be a great solution for keeping active and happy.
Similar to the idea behind the Fit Fur Life Treadmills (but with a much cheaper price tag), GoPet is a North American company that manufactures tread wheels for the family dog.
The durable metal tread wheels are available in different sizes to suit your dog breed and can also come with a separate exterior cover to keep your pooch safely enclosed.
The idea is that while you are away you dog will remain entertained by running safely on the wheel.
Maybe one day we'll see an updated version where the energy from the wheel can be used to power a light in the dog's kennel or keep its bed warm at night.
Tread Wheels are available from GoPet starting off from US$375. The company also sells dog treadmills modeled on the human variety starting at around $540.
Via ChipChick
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Yes dogs do walk to stimulate their brain and collect and leave scents and smells, but in todays society most dogs do not get that stimulation and are never offleash to experience that type of exercise. In todays society taking a dog for a walk is what keeps him fit and stimulated and able to be fulfilled as a pack animal. People\'s time constraints health concerns and weather can keep them from getting a dog the proper amount of exercise it needs to function on a daily basis. The wheel is not a substitute but a tool that can be used in conjunction with walks. In a perfect world there would over 50% of the dog\'s in the US are overweight and that contributes to health problems. Decreasing food amounts is one way to help them lose weight but dogs like people will plateau and an increased exercise regimen will help them lose more weight. Dogs learn to use the Treadwheel quickly due to the fact that they get the same endorphin rush or stimulation from walking or exercise they go because they want to go. # 1 take a dog out for a hike and get fit yourself # 2 If there is a reason you can\'t get that much needed exercise people have tools and equipment to use and there is no reason a dog shouldn\'t have that tool to help keep it fit. # 3 There would be less high energy dogs that people dump off to shelters if they just had a way to burn off excess energy! GoPet its all about the dog!