Front Paws On

Purpose 

This exercise targets your dog’s rear‑end stabiliser muscles, including the hamstrings, glutes, quadriceps, and gastrocnemius, while also engaging the core, hip flexors, and the muscles of the lower thoracic and lumbar spine.

If your dog’s front paws are placed on balance equipment, the exercise also activates the forelimbs, including the shoulders, upper thoracic region, and carpal stabilisers.

Front Paws On is a versatile strength and stability exercise that builds awareness, control, and balanced posture.

Equipment Needed

• Stable platform or balance equipment for the front paws - always start on stable
• Flat, non‑slip surface for the hind paws
• Treats

Starting Position

Begin with your dog in a neutral square stand on the ground.

Viewed from the side:

• Topline level as it slopes down toward the equipment
• Forearms and rear pasterns vertical
• Head and neck neutral, with the head slightly above spine level once in position

Viewed from the front:

• Front paws placed squarely on the equipment
• Hind paws directly under the hips
• All paws facing forward

How To Do It

1. Stand on the opposite side of the equipment from your dog.
2. Use a treat lure to guide your dog straight onto the equipment until only the front paws are on it.
3. Reward frequently to build value in the position.
4. Reward with the dog’s head looking forwards and slightly above the level of their spine.

• • If the head is too low → the core and rear won’t engage correctly.

1. Keep the movement slow and controlled.

What Good Form Looks Like

Viewed from the front:

• Front paws placed vertically under the chest
• Hind paws square and facing forward
• No paws placed wide/narrow or rotated in/out

Viewed from the side:

• Topline level as it slopes down — not arched (roached) or swayed
• Forearms and rear pasterns vertical
• Head slightly above spine level

Overall:

• All paws remain still once in position
• Symmetrical stance
• Dog looks stable and balanced

Common Mistakes & Troubleshooting

• Dog’s topline arches 
• The front paws may be too close to the hind paws. Increase the distance slightly.
• Dog’s topline dips 
• The equipment may be too high, back paws too far back or the dog may be fatigued. Lower the height, adjust hind limb placement or shorten the hold.
• Dog’s head drops too low 
• Raise the reward slightly — this helps engage the core and rear correctly.
• Dog widens the front paws 
• Reset and reward for correct placement. Use a smaller surface if needed.

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 good form

Stop before your dog tires — quality should remain consistent.

Progressions

Weight Shifts

Once your dog can hold the basic position confidently, introduce controlled weight shifts.

• Shift weight into the hindlimbs: Lure the head up slightly.
• 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.
• You can also use the gentle pressure version of weight shift here. 

Important:

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

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, stepping, or loss of form.