Have you ever brought out a new balance disc or wobble board and your dog acted like it was a trap? 😅 You’re not alone! When introducing unfamiliar equipment—especially for fitness or physical therapy—it’s crucial to go at your dog’s pace.
Whether you’re using a FitPAWS product or a budget-friendly dupe from Amazon, the key is to build confidence, not fear. In this post, I’ll walk you through how to introduce your dog to balance equipment in a safe, empowering way—especially if your dog is shy or hesitant.
🛠 What You’ll Need
- A balance object (e.g., a FitPAWS disc, cushion, or similar)
- A non-slip surface (like a rug or yoga mat) under the object
- Tasty, high-value treats
- Patience and lots of praise 💛
- Clicker (if you use one) but a verbal marker will do! (if you want to start using a clicker, here’s a blog post all about how to start clicker training)
🧠 Step 1: Start With Just Approaching
Before you ever ask your dog to put a paw on it, reward them for simply noticing or approaching the object. For a nervous dog, even standing near it is a win.
✨ Pro Tip: Toss a treat away from the object every so often. This gives your dog a break and lets them re-approach it on their own—building confidence with every pass.
🐾 Step 2: Reward Tiny Wins
If your dog accidentally touches it or lifts a paw, click and treat! You’re not looking for perfection—you’re looking for progress.
You can even use tricks your dog already knows (like “shake”) to increase the chances they’ll interact with the object in a natural, low-pressure way.
🛑 What Not to Do
❌ Don’t place your dog on the object.
❌ Don’t withhold treats until they do the full behavior.
❌ Don’t rush the process.
Forcing your dog onto the equipment might get a result faster, but it won’t be built on trust. And that can backfire when it comes to more advanced training later on.
🎉 Step 3: Celebrate Accidental Successes
When your dog finally does place a paw (or two!) on the object: jackpot reward. Let them know they just did something amazing. Even if it happened by accident, it was a huge moment.
Just because they touched it once doesn’t mean they’re fully comfortable yet. Continue to reward small efforts and avoid pressuring them to repeat the behavior right away.
🐶 Why Balance Work Matters
Aside from building confidence, balance equipment helps dogs:
- Improve proprioception (awareness of their body in space)
- Build core strength and stability
- Become more comfortable with new textures and surfaces
This is especially valuable for service dogs, puppies, senior dogs, and shy or fearful dogs.
🐕 FITPAWS BALANCE DISC VS AMAZON DUPE?
I love using FitPAWS because they’re sturdy, well-designed, and safe for dogs with longer nails. But if you’re just getting started or want a lower-cost option, there are some decent alternatives on Amazon. (Just be sure your dog won’t puncture it with their nails.)
Final Thoughts
Helping your dog feel confident around new objects isn’t just about the trick—it’s about the trust and relationship you’re building.
Go slow. Celebrate the small stuff. And remember: your dog’s emotional safety matters more than any training goal.
Let me know in the comments…what balance object are you starting with? And how did your dog react the first time?