Health & Anatomy

Balance Exercises for Dogs: Training for Muscles and Joints

Balance exercises involve controlled training on unstable or elevated surfaces, which trains the dog's deep muscles, coordination, and body awareness.

What do balance exercises for dogs involve?

Balance exercises for dogs are specific training methods in which the dog must maintain balance and perform controlled movements on unstable surfaces (wobble boards, balance pads, Pezzi balls, rollers). The goal is to activate the deep muscles that stabilize the joints and to train proprioception—the sense of one’s own body position and movement in space.

In canine physical therapy, balance exercises are a well-established component, both for preventive care (senior dogs, young dogs after their growth plates have closed, and dogs involved in sports) and for rehabilitation following surgery, intervertebral disc problems, or cruciate ligament injuries. They are not merely “play equipment,” but rather training with physiological benefits.

Background + Scientific Context

The scientific basis stems from human physical therapy and has been applied to dogs over the past 15 years. Frank-Hassinger (2010, 2014) systematically documented the effects of unstable surfaces on trunk musculature and joint stability in German-language canine physical therapy literature. Reicher (2015) demonstrated in a pilot study on muscular activation that balance equipment engages deeper muscle chains than movement on a firm surface.

EMG-based studies in dogs (McKean & Dahl 2018, Bockstahler et al. 2017) demonstrate that training on unstable surfaces produces a measurable increase in activity in trunk stabilizers—similar to the effects observed in humans. Proprioception training improves neuromuscular control, which is particularly relevant following injuries (Drum 2010, Frye et al. 2022).

Important note: The evidence base is solid regarding how balance exercises work, but limited when it comes to long-term outcomes. We know that balance exercises are effective—but we have less clear information on how much training is optimal for which dog.

Vitomalia-Position

We recommend balance exercises as a valuable component of an exercise program—but in moderation. They are particularly beneficial for senior dogs, during rehabilitation, and in training young dogs once their growth plates have closed. However, they are no substitute for a veterinarian’s examination, physical therapy assessments, or daily exercise.

We view balance exercises as a TikTok trend that lacks professional guidance: unstable Pezzi balls for puppies with open growth plates, excessive strain on the spine, or exercises designed purely to “look cool” increase the risk of injury. If you want to be on the safe side, consult a certified canine physical therapist.

When do balance exercises become important?

  • Senior dogs with osteoarthritis or muscle atrophy – gentle stability exercises help maintain mobility (see Osteoarthritis).
  • Rehabilitation following cruciate ligament surgery, disc problems, or hip surgery – under medical supervision.
  • Young dogs after their growth plates have closed (12–18 months, depending on the breed) – developing body awareness.
  • Sports dogs in agility, mantrailing, and obedience – injury prevention.
  • Dogs with sensory deficits, e.g., following neurological disorders.
  • Indoor activities when physical activity is restricted (due to rest, heat, or illness) – see Activities.

Balance exercises are not recommended for dogs with acute injuries, unexplained lameness, puppies with open growth plates, or dogs with symptoms of intervertebral disc instability.

Practical application

  1. Choose the right surface: For beginners, use a thick cushion or a yoga mat. Then move on to wobble cushions, balance pads, air cushions, and donut balls. Pezzi balls are only recommended for advanced users.
  2. Start with a static position: all four paws on the pad, standing still. Hold for 5–10 seconds, repeat several times.
  3. Dynamic stretching: Shift your weight by moving the treat—sideways, forward, backward. This exercise trains lateral stability.
  4. Just 2 paws: front paws on the pad, hindquarters on the ground – this engages the hindquarter muscles. Do the opposite to engage the shoulder and core muscles.
  5. Duration: 5–10 minutes per session; 2–3 times a week is sufficient. More isn’t better.
  6. Take breaks: Let your dog relax between exercises. A tired dog is more prone to injury.

Common Mistakes & Myths

  • “Puppies benefit the most.” On the contrary—balance pads are risky when growth plates are still open. Only start using them once growth is complete (depending on the breed).
  • “More is more.” Balance training is high-intensity stabilization training. Overexertion leads to poor posture and micro-injuries.
  • “A Pezziball for every dog.” A large ball = high instability. Beginners should use flat pads, not rolling balls.
  • “Balance replaces going for a walk.” No. It’s a complementary form of exercise, not a substitute for free movement and social interaction.
  • “If the dog is trembling, it was effective.” Trembling can indicate muscle exhaustion—often a signal to stop, not a sign of success.

State of the art in 2026

The evidence supporting balance exercises as part of a physical therapy regimen is well established. Studies (Frye et al. 2022, Bockstahler et al. 2017) demonstrate measurable effects on muscle activation, balance ability, and postoperative function. The evidence is weaker regarding purely “lifestyle”-oriented use in healthy pet dogs—there is a lack of controlled long-term studies on the actual preventive benefits. Initial findings suggest that moderate training (2–3 times per week) is more effective than very intensive or very infrequent training (Mille et al. 2022).

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age do balance exercises become beneficial?

Once the growth plates have closed—which takes between 10 and 18 months, depending on the breed. Wait longer for large breeds. Before that, gentle body awareness exercises on solid ground are sufficient.

How long can a balance session last?

5–10 minutes is usually enough. For young or inexperienced dogs, keep it shorter with longer breaks.

Which device is the best?

For most owners, a balance pad and a wobble cushion (e.g., Cuddly Balance Pad or Airboard) are a good place to start. Pezzi balls, donut balls, and K9 fitness equipment come later.

Does this replace physical therapy?

No. For conditions such as hip dysplasia, osteoarthritis, or following surgery, balance training should be part of a medically supervised rehabilitation plan.

Related terms

Sources & Further Reading

  1. Frank-Hassinger, B. (2014). Canine Physical Therapy: Fundamentals – Diagnosis – Treatment. Sonntag Verlag, Stuttgart.
  2. Reicher, V. (2015). Activation of the trunk muscles in dogs on unstable surfaces. Wiener Tierärztliche Monatsschrift, 102, 211–220.
  3. Bockstahler, B., Tichy, A., & Aigner, P. (2017). Compensatory load redistribution in dogs with limb fractures. Veterinary Journal, 222, 12-18.
  4. McKean, M. R., & Dahl, M. (2018). Effects of unstable surface training on canine core muscle activation. Veterinary & Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology, 31(2), 110-117.
  5. Frye, C. W., Shmalberg, J. W., & Wakshlag, J. J. (2022). Physical rehabilitation in canine veterinary medicine. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 52(4), 869-885.
  6. Mille, M. A., McClement, J., & Lauer, S. (2022). Physiotherapeutic strategies for canine osteoarthritis: A scoping review. Animals, 13(1), 6.
Wissenschaftliche Einordnung

Veterinary studies on proprioceptive training and deep core muscles in canids.