Benefits:

• Proprioception

• Core Strengthening

Equipment:

1. Two, Low Stable pieces of equipment - can be the same 2 objects (like 2 stools, 2 yoga blocks or pads).  

1. Start with whatever your biggest piece of equipment is to increase the chances of your dog succeeding.

2. It does not necessarily have to be the same 2 objects but they should be about equal in height to start out.

Set-Up:

1. To determine the distance between the 2 objects you must measure your dog’s body length. 

1. To find your dog’s body length — measure from the withers (the highest point of the shoulders, at the top of the scapula) to the base of the tail (where the tail begins). This length will determine how far apart to place the two pieces of equipment.

1. Place one end of the measuring tape at the center of the first object then place the other side of the measuring tape at the center of the second object. 

2. It can be helpful to set up a mirror or position your phone camera so it faces you and provides a live preview. When your dog first steps onto the equipment, check the reflection or camera view to ensure your dog is standing correctly — with the hocks perpendicular to the ground and the forelimbs straight and positioned under the shoulders. If your dog isn’t able to maintain this stance, adjust the distance between the pieces of equipment as needed. Once you’ve made the proper adjustments, record the final distance between the two pieces of equipment at the end of the session.

1. Take a look at the Form video to know exactly what to look for.

How To:

1. Toss a cookie behind the equipment, as opposed to the side. It’s always easier for your dog when they have a straight on approach to the equipment.

2. As soon as the dog front feet targets the object closest to you, reward. You can lure a bit to help your dog get their back feet onto the second object. But if you’ve chosen objects that are large and low enough, inevitably their back feet should follow their front feet.

3. For the first few reps, maybe even sessions, only be concerned with your dog’s front feet form. Make sure they are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the ground being held straight under their shoulder. 

1. After your dog is confidently front feet targeting with proper form, begin asking for more precision with their back feet. When your dog first comes into the stand, work on getting their back feet to be parallel and perpendicular first. Once their back feet are aligned, then adjust the front feet. Generally speaking, it’s easier for dogs to move their front feet independent of the back feet, as opposed to the other way around.

1. Training Tip: For back feet alignment, move your hand and body pressure forwards and backwards. For front feet alignment, move your hand side to side (left to right). 

2. Once your dog is confidently front and back feet targeting 2 separate objects, you can transition to smaller objects. Smaller objects will help your dog independently find balance with less luring help from the handler but it means the distance between the 2 objects must be more precise to ensure proper form.

2. Variations & Progressions:

1. Adding Distance: You can begin throwing the cookie farther and farther away behind the objects. This means your dog will have more momentum coming onto the objects, making it more difficult for your dog to find a balanced stand.

2. Around the Clock: You can start throwing cookies off to the sides instead of straight back. If directly behind the objects is 12 o’clock and you’re sitting at 6 o’clock, start throwing cookies at 10-11 and 1-2 o’clock. Then you can progress to 9 and 3 o’clock. Eventually, you can throw cookies behind you (the handler at 6 o’clock) and your dog will come find balance from that position. The closer you get to 6 o’clock, the more difficult it will be for your dog to find balance.

Goal:

1. Your dog should be able to confidently and independently front and back foot target a variety of 2 independent objects with proper form.