EQUIPMENT FOR DOGS OF ALL BREEDS AND SIZES
Selecting the correct size of equipment for your dog is essential to the effectiveness of conditioning & rehabilitation exercises.
We recommend completing the steps below to ensure the size of platform you select is well suited to your specific dog.
Step 1: Determine your Dog's Width
Needed for Stand & Sit Platforms, and Paw Target zones
There are a few ways you can measure the width of your dog, but for all of them we recommend setting up a recording device so you can focus on handling your pup!
Measure Method
1. Place your dog in a down position with a measuring tape or ruler placed on the ground behind their rear.
2. Measure the distance between the hocks; the bony parts identified in our instructional image.
You really want to find the measurement of the bones, so make sure to tuck in any fluff!
3. If your dog is a wiggle butt (pun intended...) or is a fluff monster, you may also measure the distance between the femurs or upper thigh bones; the bony parts identified in our instructional image.
4. Reset your dog from their down position and try again. A total of 3-5 measurements should give you enough data points to estimate their width.
5. Review your video to collect the measurement information!
Try & Test Method
Some dogs don't like things around their rear, which may make it difficult for you to take measurements. Don't worry, if that's the case then this is the method for you!
1. Cut a piece of cardboard to a width you think would be suitable for your dog.
- Your dog will physically be sitting on this piece of cardboard, so make sure you cut it long enough to give them an actual target! If you don't know where to start, try cutting a length that is double the width you are testing. e.g. if I am testing an 8" wide piece of cardboard, I would cut it to 16" in length.
Don't worry if you guess wrong, it's just trial and error at this point!
2. Place your dog in a down position with their rear paws physically on top of the cardboard.
- You may need to attempt a few times, especially if you and your dog are new to using target platforms. Don't get discouraged -- learning together is fun!
3. Review your video to collect the measurement information, and repeat with different widths as needed.
Step 2: Determine your Dog's Length
Needed for Stand Platforms
- Place your dog in a down position.
- Measure the distance from the tip of the front paw to the back of the hock. This is shown in the example image.
Step 3: Determine your Dog's Paw Size
Needed for Balance Bars & Precision Paw Targets
1. Place your dog's paw on a piece of paper or cardboard.
2. With your dog's paw firmly on the ground, trace around the paw.
3. Repeat with all 4 paws.
4. Measure the length and width at the widest parts of the tracing. Take the largest measurements from all 4 paws!
