Planet Blue Dog

FitPAWS® Canine Conditioning Equipment is designed to develop core strengthening, balance, flexibility and coordination in dogs of all ages and sizes.  The Peanut is the most versatile and great for stretching!

Adding this activity to your dog’s cross-training activities 3-4 times a week, has many benefits, including:

• Improved reaction and control
• Increased trunk and core strength
• Stabilization of weak areas
• Improved balance and proprioception (awareness of the body’s position in space)
• Increased range of motion in joints & elongation of the muscles
• Improved sensory & body awareness
• Made of of strong PVC (puncture resistant)

Choose from 5 Sizes: 40 cm (15.5"H, 32"L), 50 cm (19.5"H, 36.25"L), 60 cm (23.5"H, 44"L), 70 cm (27.5"H, 50.75"L) or 80 cm (31.5"H, 62" L).

Note: Use indoors only and store inside.

Includes: FitPAWS Peanut, hand pump and training DVD. 

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Important Note: When purchasing a peanut, you should use a Safety Harness. Balls ship flat.

The FitPAWS Peanut is a peanut-shaped stability ball designed for canine core conditioning. The professional-grade heavy-duty PVC material is formulated for use with dogs, provides superior gripping and resists damage caused by dog nails. 

It is used for core conditioning of sporting and working dogs as well as for animal rehabilitation and therapy. The unique shape of the peanut limits its movement to front/back or side/side, important for dogs new to this type of training. You can also adjust the balance challenge by under-inflating, so the ball is not as firm. 

Helpful inflation hint: The Peanut is inflated by measuring to a desired height, not by air pressure (psi.) The size printed on each FitPAWS Peanut is the maximum inflation height the ball is designed to inflate up to, but you can always use the ball less inflated, if you wish, so that it is easier for your dog to balance on. 

The FitPAWS Peanuts can be inflated with an air pump or compressor that has a cone-shaped attachment. If you want to reach the maximum height but feel like the ball cannot take more air, let it sit overnight partially inflated with the plug in the ball. The material will soften and expand a little and be easier to fill. The next day continue to inflate to desired size. When you have reached the desired height, make sure you press the plug all of the way in, until the head of the plug is flush with the ball’s surface. This will ensure a good seal. 

At maximum height, the FitPAWS Peanut will feel tight and be the most challenging for your dog. 

• Easily inflates with hand-held air pump, now included!
• We recommend your dog wear a safety harness you can hold onto, while your dog is exercising on the ball. Read all safety, care and use instructions before using your FitPAWS Canine Conditioning Equipment

FitPAWS® SIZING GUIDELINES:

Choosing the correct size and shape of ball for your dog depends on what type of exercises your dog will be doing on the ball.  The size printed on the ball is the maximum inflation height.  You can decide whether or not you want to inflate the ball to its maximum height or inflate to a lesser height.  Never go over the maximum height printed on the ball.

If you plan to use your ball mainly for core conditioning, measure the length of your dog when it is standing from the front legs to the back legs.  Your dog should be able to stand in a natural stance on the top of the ball without being hunched over.

You can always use a large ball for a small dog, but not a small ball for a large dog.  If you have more than one dog, choose a size that fits your largest dog.  You may find it more comfortable for your own back to work with your dog on a larger/taller ball.  Using a larger ball for a small dog also has the added benefit of providing more surface area to work on.  The FitPAWS Peanut is naturally longer than the FitPAWS Egg and provides more of an elongated surface training area. 

Size Recommendation by Breed:

40 cm

Chihuahuas and Toy Breeds

50 cm

Terriers and Shelties  

60 cm

Border Collies and Australian Shepherds

70 cm

For Labs and Golden Retrievers

80 cm

For German Shepherds (larger breeds) and Mastiffs (giant breeds)

Note: If you choose a Peanut that is too large for your dog, the surface area will be too stable and not give your dog a good work out.

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For natural stances: Use this size Peanut

Up to 20" length - 40cm, 50cm, 60cm, 70cm, 80cm 65cm, 85cm
Up to 24" length - 50cm, 60cm, 70cm, 80cm 65cm, 85cm
Up to 30" length - 60cm, 70cm, 80cm 85cm
Up to 41" length - 70cm, 80cm
Up to 46" length - 80cm

For weight bearing activities (when a dog is standing partially on the ground and partially on the ball), choose a ball that is slightly under your dog’s withers (or highest part of the shoulders where the neck meets the back.)  If you need a ball smaller than the 40cm, consider purchasing the 40cm and decrease the amount of air you pump in so that the ball is shorter than its maximum height of 40cm.

My dog’s shoulder height: Use this size Peanut
16" – 19" length - 40cm (15.5" tall at maximum inflation)
20" – 23" length - 50cm (19.5" tall at maximum inflation)
24" – 27" length - 60cm (23.5" tall at maximum inflation)
28" – 31" length - 70cm (27.5" tall at maximum inflation)
32"+ length - 80cm (31.5" tall at maximum inflation)

The FitPAWS Peanut is a good choice for beginners and for weight-bearing exercises as the unique shape of the peanut provides an easier balance challenge and rolls in one direction or plane at a time.  The FitPAWS Egg is a better choice for advanced core strengthening exercises as it more unstable than the peanut and rolls in multiple directions or planes.