Equipment You’ll Need for a Dog Gym – Dogster

Is it your New Year’s resolution to start physically training your dog? Or maybe the weather tends to get in the way of your long walks, thus driving your dog (and possibly you) crazy. Personal dog gyms are starting to become a trend, not only for show dogs but also for dogs whose owners are looking for a new way to keep them healthy strong and dynamic.

Working with a certified dog rehabilitation professional or conditioning trainer can help you get the right background on the dog-friendly exercise equipment you’ll need where to set up the gym. Your fitness level and what exercises are appropriate for your dog’s size and health goals. “Make sure you get specific instructions from you,” says Bobbie Lyons, CSCC, CCFT, KPA CTP, program director of the Canine Certified Strength and Conditioning Trainer Program. North Carolina State Veterinary Medicine. “It’s ideal to make sure you’re improving your dog’s physical condition and building strength in all the right places.”

Also, ask your veterinarian before you start any new exercise routine with your dog.

Exercise equipment for dogs

While it’s best to customize your dog’s equipment based on his physical needs and goals, there are a few key points that Bobbie recommends for home dog gyms:

• One small balance platelike the one you can get from FitPAWS, which stabilizes your dog’s core for balance. Just like how important core work is to a person’s overall physical health, the same can be said for a dog. When inflating the disc, be aware of the amount of air you add — varying the air level in the cushion encourages different muscles to work.
• One communicationsuch as Cato Board from Outdoor Cato or Klimb from Blue-9 Pet Products Not only does it provide you with a place to train your dog and a “place” to find their controlled area, but it also helps isolate leg movement (i.e., train your dog to lift his hind leg and get off the podium) and keep your balance in your work. Read our article for more information on how to use platform for dog exercise and training.
• Wood 2×4 Also gives you the opportunity to exercise your dog’s foot awareness. This is an easy DIY device. Make sure the boards are cut to about 12 to 18 inches long and have a non-slip surface on the bottom so they don’t slide under your dog. “We use them for the front and back feet to get the right position when standing,” explains Bobbie. “If you put the boards close together so that each paw rests on a board, it will allow the dog to sit while keeping the joints aligned and you will work to align the hind paws under the hips. “
• soft floor Will prevent slip and injury on tile or wooden floor. An exercise mat or an area rug or yoga mat are all acceptable options for keeping your dog safe.

Other items that Bobbie uses as staples in her dog gym include FitPaws Paw Pods and K9FitSkeletal Available in different sizes to fit a wide range of dogs.

“Understanding the correct posture and position for each exercise is key to targeting the correct muscles for the exercise,” says Bobbie.