Balance Balls for Rear End Awareness

nbrard said:
Oh my gosh, I learn something new every day!! I had no idea that they used this kind of equipment and exercises for dogs! Are they used to increase strength and fitness for agility etc.?
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Yep! The ones Cheryl posted are used to create rear end awareness, which is basically the dog realizing that they have back legs that can move somewhat independently. Using the balls allow them to work that, plus strengthen their muscles.

There are also other balls (like people exercise balls) that can be used to strengthen a dog's muscles everywhere.

Here's a good video: http://www.youtube.com/user/wizardofpaws1?blend=22&ob=5#p/a/u/0/TgBcd11zGO0
 
Thanks for the video link Ashley it was really interesting to watch. I have been picking up the people balls at garage sales when I see them because we are trying to teach Brie and Mikos to use a soft touch so that they can herd them. I guess there could be more than one use for them now.
 
We have to peanut balls a large one and a small one. We start the puppies out on the small one when they are little to get them use to movement and to help with muscle strength. A little goes a long way with babies. Diva demoed the balls at the state fair a couple years ago. SHe loves it.

I have been using the ball to strengthen Ember post last years surgery and then for weight loss. Ember really doesn't care to be that high. I have been looking at getting the discs for her but for the time being I have been making due with the balls. The little is going for stretching the core and the large we do most of the balance work.

Here is a video from last winter so you can see the type we have. We were just introing the Golden to the ball. Bock really wanted to get up there. Little davedevil monkey he is.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvdnBpBOVRc
 
Great video, Shelli! Bock was too cute trying to climb up.

Just curious if you had any core strengthening exercises you could recommend for Bentley's rehab (in the weeks/months to come...not ready yet).
 
I got peanut and balance disks from local TJ Max/ discount clothing retail store/ they often sold in human section of yoga mats and such
so we have several. I have been teaching mine to balance 4 paws on one, then stretching 2 front and 2 hind legs on 2 separate discs, then walk a trail of discs from one doggie bed to another. I also use one balance disc for shaping perch work.
 
I've had Starr on balance balls since he was 9 weeks old - I think it's a great tool. I bought a Fitpaws one, and also a human one they were selling at a local store. The fitpaws one is more challenging than the Human one (because of the shape/inflatability). He doesn't like the nubs at all - we can't use that side of the ball. Overall, it's a great tool.
 
corbinam said:
Great video, Shelli! Bock was too cute trying to climb up.

Just curious if you had any core strengthening exercises you could recommend for Bentley's rehab (in the weeks/months to come...not ready yet).
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Let did up the list and I'll get back to you.
 
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