Pivot
Benefits:
Strengthens your dog’s Adductors and ABductors
Engages your dog’s core
Improves overall balance and coordination
Works on forelimb stabilization and strengthening
Equipment:
A stable elevated object like a stool or an up-sidedown rubber feed bowl
Set-Up:
Just place the object on a non-slip surface
How To:
Stand in front of the object and toss a treat behind it.
When your dog front foot targets, help your dog find a balanced stand.
If they’re still learning how to find a balanced stand, do your best.
Decide what direction you want to go in. Bring your hands with a treat to their mouth, slightly turn their head to the opposite direction you want them to go. Then apply pressure into their body.
For example, if you want your dog to move to the left, then turn their head to their right and place pressure into their body.
As your dog begins to move, rotate with them.
Only go one or two steps, then stop and reward.
The goal is to go slowly. You want them stepping with individual feet. Stopping frequently also allows you to adjust their form as you go along. You want to make sure their hocks stay relatively perpendicular to the ground and forelimb straight under their shoulders.
Goal:
Your dog should hold their forelimbs steady on the elevated object. They should be able to keep their forelimbs straight under their body and hold their hocks perpendicular to the ground.
Ideally, you want their outside leg to be leading with each step.
For example if you’re going to the RIGHT, then they should step with their RIGHT rear limb first, then their LEFT limbs should follow.
This coordination will come with time. Don’t worry too much about it when they’re first learning. Just get your mechanics down so they learn the movement.
Note - One side will inevitably be easier for your dog. Similar to how people are left and right handed, dogs have a side they often favor as well. If your dog has a very clear imbalance, do a couple of more reps on the weaker side. Over time, they should become more even. Once you notice both sides have evened out, then you can do the same number of reps/sets on both sides. We aim for as much symmetry as possible.