Equipment Manual

This is a list of common equipment used in canine fitness exercises. There are many other common household items that can be utilized for fitness when working with your dog. Feel free to get creative, as long as the equipment is stable and not a big risk for slipping, tipping, or sliding. Your dog's feet and legs should be about 1-2 inches from either sides of the equipment and are not slipping off.

We are not endorsed or associated with any fitness equipment brand, this list is based on our personal experience using various equipment. This certainly is not an exhaustive list of every possible type of equipment, but hopefully it will give you ideas of what you might need to get started. Feel free to get creative with your equipment to find what works best for you and your dog, while keeping their safety in mind with non slip and nothing easy to tip over.

If you have any questions about equipment, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at k9performanceunleashed@gmail.com.

Great for Targeting

Silicone Coasters

Pros Cheap Easy to store Cons May be too small for bigger dogs

2 x 4’s

Pros Cheap Easy to make and store Versatile Cons Need to prevent tipping Need to cover with grip tape

Rubber Feed Bowls

Pros  Cheap, Versatile Come in multiple sizes  Nonslip, can stack Cons Can tip if not stacked Can cave if heavy dog or not stacked

Fitpaws targets

Pros  Easy to store and move Cons Not a big tactile difference from the floor Can slide

Area rug/ bath mat

Pros  Cheap, easy to find  Easy to move and store Provides tactile difference from floor; multiple textures available Generally non slip Great for traction under other equipment if you have a slippery floor Cons Larger target; doesn't require as much precision if used on its own May move across the surface its on or bunch up

Step Stools

Pros  Readily available and cheap Variety of sizes and heights Cons Can be unsteady/wobbly or tip/flip over

Great for Sitting, Standing, Down platforms

Klimb

Pros  Can stack and bridge to build height or depth Can remove legs to angle or leave flat on ground Great for travel Cons More expensive Can be slippery so need traction mat or grip tape One size; Likely too big to enforce a square sit

Cato Board

Pros  Nonslip, sturdy Lightweight  Can be angled or stacked Cons One size Non adjustable height More expensive

Cinder Blocks

Pros  Cheap, nonslip Heavy so will not tip Can stack to height/length needed Cons Heavy to move around Will need a decent amount for a large sized dog Can be challenging to store or travel with

Home-Made

Pros  Individualized sizing Can make as light or heavy as needed Can use wood, rubber stall mats, yoga mats, etc. Cons Need to add grip tape to wood More effort to customize

Aerobic step

Pros  Non Slip and lightweight Multi-purpose Adjustable height Cons Cannot adjust size May slide on hardwood floor Not as easy to store

Plyo Box

Pros  Some models you adjust height depending on which side of the box is up Some are non slip Cons Takes up more space to store Some may be slippery or have a surface that could rip

Great for Instability

FitPaws K9Fitbone

Pros  Lightweight Can adjust inflation  Cons Sizing is set May slide on hardwood floor Awkward shape Becomes VERY unstable when inflated too much- Rolling risk

Totofit Nubby PawPawds

Pros  Very sturdy, do not tip Comfortable grip nubs Easy to move and store Versatile for many exercises Cons Often need to wait for restocking to purchase

FitPaws PawPods

Pros  Easy to move and store Versatile Inflation can be adjusted Cons Some dogs do not appreciate the texture on this particular model If over inflated they do not sit flat on the floor (Rumor has it the newer model fixed this)

Blue-9 Propel Air Platform 

Pros  Great square shape Doesn’t wobble as much when inflated compared to the fitpaws bone- Not a rolling risk Cons Cost One size

Bosu ball 

Pros  Is a very sturdy inflatable Versatile for human and dog fitness Can flip over for more advanced instability  Cons More space consuming for storage Can be expensive to buy new

Balance disc

Pros  Variety of uses Size is usually good for most dogs Cons Can slide on the floor Is a slightly “domed” surface which can be difficult for some dogs who do not appreciate props moving below them

Balance pad

Pros  Lightweight and great for travel A variety of uses Cheap Can buy in various amounts of “squishy” instability  Stable contact with floor surface Cons Nails can rip them up Can tip/flip if step on the edge

Peanut

Pros  Can be used for a variety of exercises Cons Need something to hold it in place Takes up space to store when inflated Can pop  Can be more expensive

Donut

Pros  Wide base so it doesn’t roll and plenty of room for even large dogs Cons More space consuming to store Relatively expensive Not imperative for fitness

Great for proprioception

Cavaletti Poles & Cones

Pros  Lightweight, generally easy to store and move Tons of uses Cons Poles may not be able to adjust to height you need Easy to knock over