DISCLAIMER: I am not a veterinarian, please consult your veterinarian before starting any new exercise program. I am trainer and lover of dogs.
The peanut is another great piece of core conditioning equipment for dogs. The peanut is very similar to the human balance ball, except instead of a round shape, it is shaped like a peanut! So you may be asking ‘Why would I purchase a special peanut shaped exercise “ball” when I have a perfectly good one for a human?’ Very simply the peanut allows the dog to be in a very natural stance.
Depending on the size of the dog, a round, convex can cause the dog to take an unnatural stance, their paws can slip off and there can be a curvature of their back, all of which can make the exercise difficult if not a little bit strenuous.
Today we have included a video! Our very first for OhMyShihTzu, so please forgive us. 🙂 Riley demonstrates a few basic moves with the peanut, including: 2 paws up; sit, down, stand, puppy push up & puppy squat. Riley is on the peanut for an extended period of time in the video, but Riley has been working out on the peanut for some time now, so if you are new to the peanut and core conditioning with balance balls, please remember to do short sessions of 5-10 seconds to start with a minimal amount of reps, and performed every other day until they become nice and strong. We never want our dog to be sore and limping the next day.
Today in our demonstration we used the FitPAWS Peanut, Red 50cm (19.5″H, 36.25″L),
Though you may find similar pieces of equipment made for humans, I would highly suggest buying FitPAWS equipment. The FitPAWS equipment has been specifically designed to be used by dogs. Please remember that these are not toys and should never be left alone for a dog to play with.
Disclaimer: FitPAWS did not provide the above equipment nor did we receive any monetary compensation for our post.
We are happy to be joining FitDog Friday, hosted by SlimDoggy, Peggy’s Pet Place and To Dog With Love .
This is so amazing! Love the peanut and love this video!
BoingyDog recently posted…Learn to Enjoy Walking Your Dog – Work the Walk
The video is great…very clear on what your doing and how Riley is responding…we do similar work using fitness balls
GizmoGeodog recently posted…Urban Exploring for K9 Kamp
LOVE the FitPAWS equipment! We carry it on our site too because they also believe in designing for a dogs unique needs and body! Resists nail punctures and is sized correctly for a variety of dog sizes! Their harness is a great addition to help out with stability during learning. Great demonstration Christina!
DogTread recently posted…Balance and Stability Exercises for Dogs
Ohh… completely forgot about the vest! Thanks, I will be sure to include it in our later videos. I love using the harness especially on my bigger dogs.
We are working on a K9FITvest for smaller dogs too! Stay tuned!
Smaller than the one Gizmo has? His fits really well
GizmoGeodog recently posted…Urban Exploring for K9 Kamp
Is Riley same size as Gizmo? If so then the XS is the one that would fit. I thought he was a little smaller – if not the XS is good.
DogTread recently posted…Balance and Stability Exercises for Dogs
Riley is only 17 pounds… she is a little larger than my “normal” Shih Tzus… I should have tried on the K9 Fitvest at superzoo 🙂
Do you know her girth? Our XS is for dogs 15-20 lbs, and for Girth measurements 17-21.5″
Ohhh we will love that!!
I was just saying I wish you made one in my dog’s size. He’s 6-7 pounds and 12-13 in girth. We would love to try one when you make one!
Tenacious Little Terrier recently posted…This ‘N That Thursday: Halloween
Good stuff Christine and Riley. We love these kinds of exercises — for both dogs and humans.
As you say, there is a learning curve for the dog so anyone wishing to try these drills should start slowly and build up. Be patient as your dog figures out the moves!
-Slimdoggy
SlimDoggy recently posted…The SlimDoggy iPhone App Update
Great use of video. Can see how it really works the dog & Riley seems supa confident on it too. Well done. Some great FitDog tips here…..
Paws and Pedals recently posted…Clever Dogs vs not so Clever Dogs
Thanks… I really loved using the video as you can get a better feel of how the dog is on the equipment. Riley has been working out on FitPAWS for over two years so she is an old pro. 🙂
Riley looks like she is enjoying herself! How do you stop the other dogs from wanting to “play” too?Different rooms?
For the taping of this video we did perform in another room, as they all want to “play”, you can hear Chicky barking in a section of the video. As in the first post of this series, you can tell from the pics I had everyone around… it can get a little crazy, so sometimes it’s best to separate them. Also it keeps the dog focused on you and not another dog trying to jump on the equipment with them… yes I have had to little dogs on the peanut at the same time!! lol