FitPAWS in UK - Dog Rehabilitation Equipment - Improve Strength, Motion & Mobility

FitPAWS is a USA company who specialise in rehabilitation, training and fitness equipment. Many of their products e.g. the Bone and Peanut, help athletic dogs stay strong (for example agility dogs) or help dogs who have been in an accident or are getting older.

FitPAWS are used by many physios and rehab clinics in the USA, and we are one of the first places to stock them in the UK.

The Bone is the most popular product in the FitPaws range. A bone can be used by a professional or by a dog owner at home.

The Bone is great for instability training on the K9FITbone™ helps build core muscles, body awareness, and balance.

The Bone is smooth on one side and nubby on the other side. The nubby side stimulates the nerves in the dogs paws and sends info to the brain about their limbs – this is what helps improve the dogs weight distribution and limb awareness.

There are 3 sizes you can purchase:

• Mini 11.5" x 6.5" x 2.5"
• Regular 23″L x 10”W
• Giant 35.5″L x 15.7″W

Depending on what exercise you would like them to do, all size dogs can use all sizes of the K9FITbones. If you want dog to stand on the K9FITbone lengthwise, then measure the length of your dog standing from front paw to back paw and compare to the lengthwise measurements above. If dog is too long, you can use two K9FITbones.

A multi-functional equipment piece, designed with a dog-specific shape to promote proper form and alignment. It’s excellent for dogs who need core, balance or stability training, who need to improve their joint health, an older dog who needs overall strengthening or a puppy whose confidence needs improving. It has a ribbed surface for better traction and neural stimulation and a centre cradle for stabilisation. This powerful conditioning tool strengthens the muscles of the entire body. The Peanut can also be used as a touch target or an obstacle. It provides a high-to-ground and moderate-to-high level balance challenge and can be used to improve balance, cardio, flexibility, and strength.

The new Trax Donut was engineered to be a bit smaller than the previous donut to increase the challenge and improve results while maintaining the same functionality. *product can slightly vary in size and color
The FitPAWS® TRAX™ Donut Ball is uniquely-shaped inflatable fitness ball designed specifically for dogs. Its flattened base offers more stability than other inflatables. With your assistance, your dog can learn to stand, sit, lay, side step and perform other beneficial exercises.

Real-Time Results
Subtle movement of the Donut under your dog’s weight causes a shift in your dog’s center of gravity. Your dog will naturally try and maintain balance, causing the muscles to engage and strengthen. It’s that simple.

Expand Your Dog’s Playground
A strong core is the powerhouse between front and rear body movement. If you are a dog, it helps you when you sit up, stand up, run, turn, twist, jump and play. Too cold or hot to walk your dog outside? Exercise your dog indoors on a FitPAWS playground!

FitPaws 36” WOBBLE BOARD - great dynamic balance training for motor skills and core strength

FitPaws 20” WOBBLE BOARD - great dynamic balance training for motor skills and core strength.

CanineGym® K9FITbone® XL BONE - ideal for instability training, improved coordination, senior dog strengthening, puppy confidence building

CanineGym K9FITbone Regular (2) - ideal for instability training, improved coordination, senior dog strengthening, puppy confidence building

CanineGym K9FITbone Mini (set of 2) - ideal for instability training, improved coordination, senior dog strengthening, puppy confidence building

CanineGym AGILITY KITS (2) - motor skill training, body awareness, gait training, cardio, better communication skills and increased confidence

FitPaws Balance Disc (22” and 14”) - encourages the finding and maintaining of centre of gravity, and teaches muscle coordination for unstable conditions. Ideal for stability training, building muscle and joint strength, rehabilitation, and attention focus.

Peanut TRAXTM Yellow 40CM - promotes proper form and alignment, strengthens muscles of entire body, improves core stability,  balance, and joint strength.

Peanut TRAXTM Red 50CM - promotes proper form and alignment, strengthens muscles of entire body, improves core stability,  balance, and joint strength.

Peanut TRAXTM Blue 60CM -  promotes proper form and alignment, strengthens muscles of entire body, improves core stability,  balance, and joint strength.

FitPaws TRAXTM DONUT & Circular Product Holder (2 of each) - multipurpose tool - equipment stabilisation, trick training, limb awareness, confidence building 

FitPaws Ramp - turns flat surface into a dynamic one for general or rehabilitation training for core and limb strengthening

Balance Pad (2) - improves motor skills and balance, and engages core and limb muscles, as well as joints, for rehabilitation or conditioning, because of the destabilising surface.

GETTING STARTED

For advanced core strength & balance training, begin by introducing your dog to the Pods positively and then place them on the floor in the approximate foot position of your dog. Begin by asking your dog to place his individual front feet on the individual pod. You may need to physically place the feet with your hands.

Positively reinforce this action with praise or treats. Once he is comfortable with the front feet on the front pods, place his individual back feet on each individual pod. Positively reinforce this action as well. Once he is comfortable on the pods, begin by offering him treats to encourage small head movements to help with balance. Encouraging him to lift his head up will encourage more weight bearing on the rear. Encouraging him to place his head down will encourage more weight bearing on the front.

Turning side to side will encourage weight bearing on each individual side. Advanced exercises include gradual weight shifting while the dog is standing on the pods – gently give the dog a little pressure on each side and then from front to back to encourage weight shifting. Additional advanced exercises include lifting one limb at a time for a few seconds to encourage the dog to place weight on the three remaining legs.

For stacking training, begin by placing the dog on the pods as stated above. The pods should be positioned in the desired stacked position for each individual dog. Once the dog is stacked and all four feet are placed on the pods, encourage the dog to maintain the position by utilizing treats or bait. Begin with thirty seconds and work up to ten sets.

The stacking will encourage proper balance and core strength in the performance and conformation dog. This will help maintain a good solid back posture and top line. The stationary activity will promote balance and strength and assist in the training of dogs. This may be started on puppies when beginning their handling experience. The soft texture of the pods allows for a kinder surface and allows more flexibility in their stance while working on their posture.