Equipment for the Canine Conditioning Course
This course uses a small number of versatile training props designed to support alignment, body awareness, and controlled movement.
Most exercises in this course use:
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1 Platform
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2 Standard Feet Targets
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1 Elevated Feet Target
All equipment should be stable, non-slip, and sized to your dog’s proportions.
Platform
The platform is the primary piece of equipment used throughout the course. The physical boundaries of a platform provide clear tactile feedback that helps dogs understand where their body should be positioned, making platforms especially useful for promoting good alignment during canine fitness exercises.
Proper sizing supports alignment while still allowing natural, comfortable movement.
Platforms should be:
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Long enough to support the dog’s body in a down
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Narrow enough to encourage proper alignment
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Low and stable
Refer to the Platform Sizing Lesson for full measurement instructions.
Standard Feet Targets
Standard feet targets are used frequently alongside the platform to:
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Communicate foot placement
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Refine alignment
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Modify exercise difficulty
Two targets are typically used:
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One for front feet
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One for rear feet
Refer to the Feet Targets Lesson for detailed sizing instructions.
Elevated Feet Target
This item will be used for exercises that create a height difference between the dog’s front and rear limbs, including Front Feet Elevated, Pivot, Elevated Rock Back Sit to Push Forward Stand, and Pivot + Step Up.
This prop should be:
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Square or circular
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Wider than the dog’s shoulder width
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Measure your dog from the outside of one front paw to the outside of the other front paw while standing in a neutral stance. Multiply that measurement by 1.5 to determine the appropriate width.
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Stable and non-slip
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Tall enough to elevate the front feet between the height of the dog’s carpal joint and elbow joint
Prop Ideas
Common options include:
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Yoga blocks with a reduced height to length/width ratio: foam chip yoga block
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Stable step stools:
Note: Traditional yoga blocks are not recommended, as they tend to tip during movement.
Equipment Safety Notes
When setting up your equipment:
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Ensure all surfaces are non-slip
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Confirm props do not wobble or tip
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Place equipment on stable flooring
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Choose sizes appropriate for your dog
Summary
You do not need complicated equipment to begin canine conditioning. A well-sized platform, two standard feet targets, and one elevated feet target can support a wide range of exercises when they are stable, non-slip, and appropriate for your dog.
The right equipment gives your dog clearer training information, helps you set up exercises more consistently, and supports better posture and movement quality throughout the exercises.