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Equipment, Accessories, Treats and Miscellaneous Info for Canine Conditioning
Below you will find exercise equipment that we commonly use in our studio. Setting up a home gym for your dog doesn't have to be expensive or take up much room. There are many alternatives or DIYs that, with a little creativity, can work well. Just make sure that any equipment you use is safe and stable for your dog. Check your local online marketplaces for free or inexpensive items that can become excellent fitness props for your canine fitness studio.
This is a growing and continually evolving list, as new, safer, and more affordable props and equipment are always being discovered. Be sure to check back regularly for updates and new recommendations!
Please contact me for any questions or suggestions!
Happy Training!
Important Considerations for Canine Fitness Equipment
When choosing canine fitness equipment, safety, stability, and proper fit for the individual dog should always come first. Equipment should support healthy postures and movement. It should also help build confidence rather than create stress or instability beyond the dog’s abilities.
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Important considerations include:
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Safety and stability — Equipment should be secure, sturdy, and non-slip to help prevent injuries and build confidence.
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Appropriate size — Props and equipment should match the dog’s size, structure, and movement abilities.
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Surface traction — Dogs should be able to grip the surface comfortably without slipping.
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Adjustability — Equipment that can be modified for different heights, challenges, and skill levels is often most useful.
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Progressive difficulty — Exercises should gradually increase in difficulty as the dog develops strength, balance, and body awareness. Stable equipment > Inflatable/unstable equipment
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Quality of movement — Proper form and controlled movement are more important than difficult exercises or advanced equipment.
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Dog’s confidence and comfort — Some dogs need time to build confidence around unstable or unfamiliar surfaces.
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Mental engagement — Equipment should encourage thoughtful, positive interaction and enrichment rather than frustration or overwhelm.
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Supervision and guidance — Exercises should be introduced carefully and ideally under the guidance of a qualified canine fitness professional.
Stable Equipment
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DIY-Platforms Made from Solid Wood
As part of fitness foundation, these platforms help teach dogs proper foot placement and healthy alignment. Cut solid wood boards to the sizes listed below. A thickness of about one inch is usually the most versatile option, as thicker boards can become heavy. For safety, it is very important to apply anti-slip tape, yoga matting or rubber matting, to all wooden platforms to provide secure traction. When deciding on platform size, it is generally better to make them slightly larger rather than too small.
Balanced Sitting Platform:
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For the width, measure between the outer point of the hocks + 1-2” (smaller dogs) or + 2-3” (bigger dogs).
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Length is approximately 2x the width (longer for long backed dogs).
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When dog is in a balanced sit, one to two paw lengths may remain in front and back of platform.
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Balanced Stand and Down Platform:
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Width is the same as the sitting platform.
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The dog should be able to lay down comfortably in a sphinx position, without toes hanging off the front.
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Measure for one to two additional paw lengths in the front and the back.
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See below for posture stand and down platforms that are available for purchase.
Foot Targets:
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Width is the same as the sitting platform.
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Length is about half the width measurement, or with enough room for paws to fit on them comfortably, but no more than an extra paw length at both front and back of the platform.
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The below foot targets are made of thin plywood (~1/4") with thick yoga matting hot glued to it.
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These mats are great for teaching foot targeting and have the bonus of sensory input from texture.
Extremely versatile and durable piece of equipment. Avoid the turf surface option as it is too slippery.
A very durable and versatile platform
Great option for bigger dogs, but I recommend additional traction material like yoga mat.
Blue-9 Products KLIMB Platform
High quality, elevated platform. The legs are removable. The company sells a custom non-slip mat, but yoga mats will work, too.
Versatile and sturdy (12"x16"x18"). Generally non-slip, but thin rubber targets (FitPaws) can be used as additional precaution.
The Baby-Bjorn step-stool is light weight and has excellent traction.
"Unstable" Equipment
These high-quality balance discs have both a “nubby” side and a smooth side. I prefer having the dog’s paws on the nubby surface, as it provides excellent sensory input and additional traction. The smooth side can be somewhat slippery, making it less ideal for most canine fitness exercises.
Works well as sitting platform for small to medium dogs or as pivoting or foot target for big dogs.
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This disc works well for small dogs <40 lbs. It is too soft for bigger dogs, even when well inflated. It is not expensive, so definitely worth getting if you have a smaller dog.
These are durable and essential for fitness training. You can get multiples and cut some of them to size for foot targets or sitting platforms for smaller dogs. Handlers with knee problems can also use them to kneel on during practice.
These are high quality pods for small dogs.
These work well for small dogs, too. Some dogs may find the nubs a little too spiky.
These are high quality pods, commonly used for bigger dogs.
Very versatile and durable for any size dog.
FitPaws Traxdonut and Donut Ring Holder
The stabilizing ring can also be used for other exercises.
Another inflatable, durable platform. Its stability is somewhere between stable and unstable, so it can make a nice transition from a stable platform to a more unstable inflatable such as a FitBone.
Honestly, I rarely use a peanut ball. Most exercises can be performed with the use of other, safer props. It is extremely important that the peanut ball is secured during exercises or well controlled by the handler. You can find DIY instructions online for how to make a peanut ball holder out of PVC piping.
Another high quality option
If you look around your house, you will find! I use these stretchy, machine washable cushion covers.
Other Equipment
For adequate conditioning results, a set of at least 6 poles (12 cones), are ideal. See my blog about how to make your own.
The below Cavaletti set is also a reasonably priced and well made.
Large board, appr. 30”x30” - DIY (Yoga mat glued to board)
Or you can buy the Giant Rocker board from FitPaws
DIY teeter board (anti-slip tape or yoga mat glued to board)
Use it as a fun way of teaching side to side or front to back (small dogs) weight shifting. You can also use it as a regular board and prop it up on one or both sides.
Training Surface
A floor that is non-slip and with good traction is extremely important in canine fitness because it allows dogs to move safely, confidently, and with proper body mechanics. When a dog feels secure underfoot, they are more likely to perform exercises with proper posture, coordination, and body awareness. Good traction helps dogs engage their muscles correctly, maintain stability during exercises and prevent injury.
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​You don't need a big space for a dog fitness home studio, but please invest in an appropriate training surface. Carpet alone can be dangerous, as many props that are used for fitness may slip out from underneath the dog. Add yoga or exercise matting as outlined below. If you have hard surface flooring, a shock absorbing mat covered with yoga/exercise mats is safe and the least expensive option (see below). You can also cover your floor with heavy duty gym flooring.
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For shock absorption on hard surface floors. Use under yoga mats or exercise mat listed above. It is too slippery to use on its own.
Accessories
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A Big Mirror (Or Two)!
It seems luxurious and over the top, doesn't it? But no! It is very useful for glancing while performing to check form and posture and correct movement of your dog. You can find free mirrors on Marketplace or Craig's list all the time.
This is a lightweight, extendable tripod for iPhone and Android.
Taking a video of both you and your dog in action is highly recommended as you can easily pick up misalignments in posture or movement.
I'm a fan of shaping behaviors in fitness and trick training with the use of a clicker. I prefer this kind as it is ergonomic and has a pleasant sounding click. I recommend getting the multi-pack, because you tend to misplace them! They are available with a wrist band attached as well.
Food Rewards
​​​​​​​​​​​If your dog is food motivated, your dog's daily kibble may be high value enough for training. In general, you should cut back on breakfast/dinner, as you will be feeding A LOT during a workout. The last thing we want is for your dog to become overweight. If your dog has not had a particular type of treat before, please make sure that their GI tract can tolerate it. Feed only a small amount initially. Less food motivated dogs should get high value treats during fitness sessions. Some of these are listed below. If you make your own, make sure they are small, non-crumbly, not sticky and easy to swallow. I make my own for my food allergic dog and use this silicone mat and bake them. Reach out for a great recipe!​
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These are high value treats that were approved by my dogs :) Click on them for the link.
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Mats from $15-$28
Holee Roller tugs from $10-$25
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