Treadmill treat for dogs at Little Revel End

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) January 19, 2009 -- The top-of-the-range treadmill, specially developed for dogs and featured in the BBC TV programme ‘Dragon’s Den’, attracted an investment of £100,000 in the product from serial entrepreneur, venture capitalist and multi-millionaire, James Caan.

Triche Williams, Proprietor of Little Revel End Kennels and Cattery, in Redbourn, explained: “The treadmill allows you to walk dogs at varying speeds on various inclines – both ‘uphill’ and ‘downhill’. This helps the dogs to build up muscle tone and fitness.

“We’re using the treadmill to help dogs to recover after accidents or surgery,” she added. “It is particularly helpful in treating cruciate ligament problems, for example.

“But it is also helpful in toning muscles in preparation for agility and ‘showing’,” Triche said. “And, of course, like overweight humans, overweight dogs can benefit from regular exercise on the treadmill!”

Although all dogs need to be walked every day in order for them to keep their health and vitality, a poll of 2,000 dog owners, reported in The Daily Express*, revealed that one in ten dog owners never takes their dog for a walk; almost a third exercise their dogs no more than twice a week; one in 20 merely lets their dog run around the garden - and yet one in ten owners admit that their dog is overweight.

“Many people don’t walk their dogs fast enough to build up a good level of fitness and tone up their muscles,” said Rhoda Burdett, the Kennels’ Manageress and specialist Trainer/ Behaviourist. “That’s where short but regular – say three times a week - sessions on the treadmill can help dogs get fitter.

“All the dogs – from Dachshunds to Great Danes - who have used our treadmill seem to have thoroughly enjoyed the experience and are always keen to use it again!” she said.

Fit Fur Life claims that using the Treadmill not only improves the overall health and vitality of a dog, it also helps to curb destructive behavioural problems, increases life span and prevents obesity.

“Moreover, it helps to keep the dogs’ muscles toned and so prevents injuries from demanding events such as Agility and Working Trials or Racing,” said Jolan Altria, Senior Kennel Assistant at Little Revel End.

“We use the Treadmill for show ring practices and gait analysis to ensure that dogs are in top show condition – and to give them a better chance of winning,” said Triche. “In addition, the treadmill is useful to help dogs keep fit when bad weather prevents them taking part in an outdoor fitness programme.”

Little Revel End Kennels and Cattery boards up to 30 dogs and 20 cats and also has capacity to care for other small animals, including rabbits, guinea pigs, small rodents and birds. It provides dog grooming and training – including preparing dogs for show – and also has a shop, selling a range of pet supplies.

* Published in The Daily Express on 20th March 2008.

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