STABLE EQUIPMENT:

• Definition: Any surface that is unmoving on both the top (part the dog interacts with) and bottom (part that interfaces with the ground)

• Examples: the Ground, Yoga Pads, Step Stools, Rubber Feed Bowls

• Goal: Helps build your dog’s strength

• Advantages:

  • Easier and safer to teach proper mechanics to both the dog and handler

  • The handler can prioritize their dog’s form

  • It’s easier to asses your dog for any areas of concern

UNSTABLE EQUIPMENT:

• 2 Different Types:

  • Compliant Unstable Surfaces - The bottom part that touches or interfaces with the ground is flat and stable. The top part the dog interacts with is unstable.

    • Examples: Paw Pods, Wedge, Bosu Ball

    • Advantages: More predictable and safe for the dog. It still helps with proprioception and balance goals but is still very safe.

  • Truly Unstable Surfaces - The object is unstable all around

    • Examples: Peanuts, Propel Air Platform, Balance Discs, Wobble Board

    • Important to Consider: Always place the equipment on a surface that will minimize movement (i.e. carpet, yoga mat)

• Goal: Helps improve joint stability

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• ALWAYS begin with stable equipment before progressing to unstable equipment.

• One is not better than the other, they just give different results. Both have their place in canine fitness. The vast majority of dogs will mainly work on stable equipment. It is always dependent on you and your dog and your personal goals.

RECOMMENDED PIECES OF EQUIPMENT:

Below is a personal list of equipment I work with most frequently. You do NOT need all of it. Pick and choose the pieces that make sense for you and your dog. You will notice the vast majority of the listed equipment is considered stable.

• Customized Sit & Down/Stand Platforms (stable) - I use these nearly everyday

• Step Stool (stable) - Very versatile piece of equipment. You will need to apply a non-slip surface to the top of the stool, like grip tape or gluing down a cut piece of yoga mat.

• Rubber Feed Bowl (stable) - Also quite a versatile piece of equipment.

• Yoga Foam Balance Pads (stable) - These are a great, already non-slip option

• Yoga Blocks (stable) - These are smaller than the balance pads and great for challenging your dog’s ability to find a balanced stand. Make sure they are heavy enough so they don’t go flying. Many of the foam ones are too light.

• Paw Pods (compliant) - This is the piece of unstable equipment I use the most with my dog.

• Wedge (compliant) - This is also a great versatile and safe option in terms of unstable equipment.

• Yoga Exercise Mat (stable) - This is a great non-slip surface to lay down wherever you practice canine fitness. You can also use it for your own workout purposes. Some carpets are non-slip enough but some will slide around too much or have too smooth of a top surface.

HOUSE HOLD ALTERNATIVES

*Any equipment you purchase, whether it’s made for dogs or not, should already have or be easily made into a non-slip surface.

• Ikea Stool - I like this for smaller dogs but for bigger dogs or dogs who have a tendency to fling their bodies, the Ikea stool can be too unstable and slippery of a surface, which can be dangerous.

• Bar Mats for Drinks - Awesome for further fading out equipment for the balanced stand.

• Bath or Kitchen Mat - Most people have one or both already in their house. As long as it’s not going to slide around too much, it’s a great flat piece of equipment. If it does slide around, you can try placing a heavier object on top to keep it from slipping around.

• Rubber Coasters - Good for teaching individual paw targeting.

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

• Grip Tape - I use grip tape not just for my customized platforms but it’s also useful for applying to items that have a slippery surface, like a step stool.

• Therabands - Wonderful for adding a different texture to your sit/down/stand platforms and to slowly fade your raised foot targets

  • **Do NOT use the bands to restrain your dog in any way. I use these ONLY to give textural feedback for the dog.

• Cones - I like ones that have holes in them but you can also purchase ones without and punch your own holes

• Cavaletti Poles - You can buy bundles with cones or buy PVC pipe and cut it. If you don’t have enough cones, then you can crush soda cans, use the holes in cheap laundry baskets, or egg cartons to help hold the poles steady.

• Remote Feeder - This is not essential at all but can help make manual exercises you have to perform with your dog easier. It can also be used for any other dog sports you might be participating in so you can get your money’s worth out of it.

• Sensi-Mat - This is a great flat piece of equipment but is not necessary. There are many cheaper alternatives for flat surfaces.

• Cato Boards - These are handy but not essential. I went for years without them.

• Klimbs - This is a more expensive option for a raised platform. If you already have one, great but if you don’t, then there’s really no need to go out and buy one. If you do have one, then make sure there is a non-slip surface laid on top.