The adjustable treadmill represents an early step towards modern-day mechanical automation. Since only the animals’ weight was used, the amount of power could be controlled by adjusting the angle of incline of the track. While horses were used to power large machinery at least as early as the 16th century, smaller animals such as dogs, goats or sheep were later used to automate household appliances. 

This tread, for example, is designed to be powered by a dog and would have been used mainly for pumping water and churning butter. It was formerly the property of Ezra O. Barbour, and was used from about 1890 to 1910, before being given to the Northrup boys in 1933. Few small animal treads survive today, but they were popular in the late 1800s, with dog treads being first patented in 1871. Dogs in particular seemed to love running the mills, so these sort of treads provided an efficient source of energy for many home owners. This particular tread is housed in the Albert County Museum’s agricultural exhibits.