Back Paws On

Purpose 

This exercise strengthens the front end, especially the muscles surrounding the shoulders and thoracic region — including the trapezius, triceps, biceps, deltoids, and latissimus dorsi. It also engages the core, helping your dog maintain stability and postural control.

If your dog’s hind paws are placed on balance equipment, the exercise also activates the hindlimbs, including the thigh muscles, lower leg, and stabilisers around the hock.

Movement into the position changes the muscular emphasis:

• Walking backwards onto equipment targets the hip and stifle extensors (e.g., glutes, quadriceps).
• Walking forwards onto equipment targets the hip and stifle flexors (e.g., sartorius, iliopsoas).

This makes Back Paws On a versatile and foundational strength exercise.

Equipment Needed

• Stable platform or balance equipment for the hind paws
• Flat, non‑slip surface for the front paws
• Treats
• Optional: balance equipment for the front paws that is lower than the back paws (advanced)

How To Do It

Method 1: Walking Forward Onto Equipment

1. Stand on the opposite side of the equipment from your dog.
2. Use a treat lure to guide your dog straight over the equipment.
3. Allow the front paws to step on, then off, until the hind paws land on the equipment while the front paws remain on the ground.
4. Do not release the treat until your dog is in position.
5. Reward frequently at first to build value in the position.

Method 2: Walking Backwards Onto Equipment

1. Ask your dog to walk backwards toward the equipment (as taught in the backwards walking exercise and paw targeting).
2. Use a treat lure to guide them back until the hind paws step up onto the equipment.
3. Do not release the treat until your dog is in position.
4. Reward frequently while moving back, and while in the position to reinforce the behaviour.

What Good Form Looks Like

Viewed from the front:

• Front paws directly under the shoulders
• Hind paws directly under the hips - not wide or narrow
• All paws facing forward, not facing in or out

Viewed from the side:

• Topline level — not arched up or dipped down
• Head and neck neutral (the angle of the muzzle should match the angle of the topline)
• Forearms and rear pasterns vertical

Overall:

• Paws remain still once in position
• Even weight distribution
• Dog looks stable and controlled

Common Mistakes & Troubleshooting

• Dog steps off the equipment
  Reset and reward more frequently. Ensure the equipment is stable and not too high.
• Dog leans heavily forward or backward
  Check lure placement — reward in line with the topline to maintain neutrality.
• Dog widens the hind paws
  Use a smaller target or adjust equipment width to encourage correct placement.
• Dog’s topline dips or arches
  Reduce equipment height, shorten duration or reduce reps/sets. Ensure the dog is not fatigued.

Repetitions & Sets (General Guidance)

• Start with 3–5 second holds
• 2–3 repetitions
• 1–2 sets

Progression strategy:

• Add 1–2 seconds every 1-3 sessions
• Reduce reps as duration increases
• Work up to a maximum of 60 seconds in excellent form

Stop before your dog tires — stability should remain consistent.

Progressions

Weight Shifts

You can add controlled weight shifts once your dog can hold the basic position confidently.

Lured Weight Shift

• Shift weight into the hindlimbs:
  Gently lure the head up slightly.
  Be cautious — too much lift can cause topline dipping, especially on higher equipment.
• Shift weight into the forelimbs:
  Lure the head down slightly.
• Lateral weight shifts:
  Lure the head left and right for gentle side‑to‑side loading.

Important:

• Movements should be small — only slight head changes are needed.
• The dog should not move any paws during weight shifts.
• You can use a treat, a moving hand target, or a focus cue while you reposition yourself.

Pressure Shift

• Shift weight into the hindlimbs:
  Gently place pressure with a flat palm on your dogs chest.
  Be cautious — too much pressure can cause topline dipping/arching, especially on higher equipment.
• Lateral weight shifts:
  Gently place pressure with a flat palm on your dogs shoulder.
  When they are comfortable with pressure on the shoulder you can place pressure on the ribs.
  When they are comfortable with pressure on the ribs you can place pressure on the hips.
  Move back very gradually, as the further back you place the pressure, the harder it is for your dog to balance. 

Safety Notes

• Ensure equipment is stable and appropriate height.
• Avoid slippery floors — use a yoga mat if needed.
• Keep movements slow and controlled.
• Stop if your dog shows signs of fatigue, shuffling paws, or loss of form.