In Part 1 of this three part series we discussed the various different platform types that are commonly used in canine fitness, and what each one is good for. But measuring for platforms can be a little overwhelming if you don’t know what you’re measuring for.
So, in Part 2 of this series I will cover how to measure your dog to make sure your canine fitness platforms are the correct size, as well as give you an overview of the formula for calculating the dimensions you’ll need for each type of platform including Sitting Platforms, Standing Platforms, and Foot Targets.
Lastly, in Part 3 of this series, I will show you how to build the platforms yourself.
Here you can download…
How to Measure for Platforms
Measuring Width
This INITIAL WIDTH measurement will be used across all your Canine Fitness Platforms, including your Sitting Platforms, Standing Platform, and Foot Target. To determine your initial width, measure the distance between the Point of the Hocks (marked in green), then measure the distance between the Knee / Stifle joints (marked in blue). Add the two measurements together and divide by two to find the average. This will give you the initial width we will use for our platform calculations detailed below.
NOTE: Taking the average is critical for dogs with a “sloppy down”, Cow Hock postural deviation, whose rear limbs toe inward, or other deviations from proper position. For dogs whose hocks track parallel to the midline, typically the hock width is sufficient to estimate width correctly.
Measuring Length
The INITIAL LENGTH measurement is used for the Standing Platform only. To find the initial length, measure from the front Toe Tips to the Point of the Hock. This will give you the initial length we will use for our platform calculations detailed below.
TIP: When measuring for platforms I set my phone on a tripod and record video as I move my dog into position for measuring with a measuring tape or yardstick / meterstick. Then I watch the video back in slow motion to capture my measurements.
Calculating Platform Dimensions
Now that we have found the Initial Width and Initial Length measurements, we can use the formula below to calculate the correct platform dimensions for your pup.
Sitting Platform Formula
Width = Initial Width + 10%
Length = Width x 2
Height = Width x 25%
EXCEPTION: Dwarf breeds require a 2.5-3x length calculation for Sitting Platforms
Standing Platform Formula
Width = Initial Width + 10%
Length = Initial Length + Width
Height = 1 inch or 2.5cm
NOTE: We make Standing Platforms intentionally thin / without feet to keep them versatile and light weight, allowing us to place them on top of Foot Targets to add height, use on an incline / decline, or span two inflatables.
Raised Foot Target Formula
Width = Initial Width + 10%
Length = Width x 50%
Height = Width x 25%
What About Large Platforms??
Large Platforms like Cato Boards, Cato Planks, and Wobble Boards don’t need to be as specifically sized due to how we use these large platforms in canine fitness exercises.
For more context, I would look through the specific program you’re following to get a better idea for how these types of platforms are being used before stressing about them too much. Some examples are Ipsilateral Foot Target: Foundation and Kick Up Stand: Expert.
Platform Measurement Example
Here you can see a set of example measurements taken from Ron Burgundy’s platforms. To give you some context, He’s 75 lbs, and 25 inches at the withers.
Sitting Platform Measurements
Width = 12 inches
Length = 24 inches
Height = 3 inches
Standing Platform Measurements
Width = 12 inches
Length = 38 + 12 = 50 inches
Height = 1 inch
Foot Target Measurements
Width = 12 inches
Length = 6 inches
Height = 3 inches
NOTE: These ratios are intended to serve as a guide. They are not “law”. Do your best to follow the formula within reason.
The majority of dogs will be able to use dimensional lumber as the platform top. Large and extra large dogs will need to use ¾ – 1 inch plywood with dimensional lumber “feet” added to achieve the appropriate height. This is covered more extensively in the Building Platforms – Part 3 blog post.
Summary: To find your Initial Width, measure the distance between the Point of the Hocks, as well as between the Stifle / Knee. Add these measurements together and take the average. To find your Initial Length, measure from the front Toe Tips to the Point of the Hock. Then follow the formula outlined above to calculate your pup’s perfect platform length, width, and height!
Got questions? Need Clarification? Drop me a comment below!
Has part 3 been published? I was unable to find it using the search functionality.
Hey Deb!
It’s still under construction (pun intended) 😆. In all seriousness though, it’s being edited together right now, and I should have it up by the weekend 😊
I’m so anxious for Part 3, as I’m excited to start putting together my own platforms! Has construction been completed yet? (Pun also intended, hehe!)
Tomorrow!!! I almost got it finished today… But needed to put in the subtitles!
This is a great series!
Hey thanks! I’m excited for part 3!!
Hi!
Im mesuring my 2 working dogs, a borgi and a border collie. i just want to know if my length is ok for sitting platforms.
The borgi is 23 cm w (about 9 inch) so the length is 61 cm, (24 inches). She is a dwarf dog, but i find it waaaay to big or it is ok?
And the BC is w 25 cm (10 inch) and 51cm ( 20inch).
Is this ok? i find the borgi one super massive but i wanted to follow the instructions. And is there a way i can mesure the exact length they will need?
Should i give them 1-2 inches on the sides or should the width size *needs* to be exact?
Hey Mila!
It’s definitely better to have the platforms be too long than too short. Length being 2x the length is definitely not too long… Especially not for a long backed dog.
I don’t think this blog format allows for posting media… But if you want to join the Canine Conditioning and Body Awareness Exercises Facebook group and make a post there, I’d be happy to take a look at some photos.
I am having a hard time measuring my dog. He’s an aussie with lots of fur and a very sloppy sit/down, so he tends to roll to one side. I think it’s 10 inches, but should I put him on a 12 inch board and see if I see how much extra room he has? Also it seems like some of the pictures of your platforms are not solid 2 inches and are raised off the ground – is that important or can I use the 2 inch board? Thank you
Hey Lori!
I think using a 2×12 is a good starting point if your pup is measuring 10 in between the hocks (tibiotarsal joint). A 2×12 is actually 11.5 inches wide… So we’ll leave you with a little extra margin, but not too much. This is what I use in the videos that show Ron Burgundy as a grown dog.
Regarding the height of the platform, some of the platforms I use are scavenged pieces of laminated I-beam from a local construction project. Those are the ones that appear to have “legs”.
In general, I like my platform to be about 2-3 inches tall for large size dogs (Border Collie, Aussie, Labrador, etc) as that provides enough obvious separation between the platform itself and the floor that the dog is very aware when they are on the platform versus off the platform.
If the platform is too low, it can be hard for the dog to determine if they are correct or not because the change is too subtle. For smaller or tiny dogs of course we would want to adjust that height.
So if you are quite handy, you can certainly add legs to your sitting platform… But often I just stack the sitting platforms to reach the desired height.
This is also what I do with my standing platform. It looks like it has legs, when in fact it is just stacked on top of a few sitting platforms.
I hope that answers your question. If not, you can reply here or shoot me an email.
annalee@canineconditioningcoach.com
So I am still in the process of building this equipment. Am I correct in thinking I need 2 standing platforms – in my case that is around 36 x12. 2 sitting platforms which would be 12×24. I have one Klimb, and two kato boards, so am I covered for the large square or do I need to build something else? I am confused as to how many foot targets. Since I am using 12 inch board these are to be 12×6? and then 2 of the balance bars that would be 4×24? Before I start cutting my wood, I want to make sure I know how many I need. I also have one fitpaws bone and disc. I do not have bosu ball or extra fitpaws bone – do I need to add to my collection. Thank you for your counsel.
Hey Lori! I apologize for the delayed response! Some of the equipment needs depend on the specific program you are implementing. But I will try to answer as specifically as I can.
1. You only need 1 standing platform. 36″ seems a bit short for a dog requiring a 12″ wide plank… The measurement for a standing platform should be the length of the front foot to the back of the hock + about 12″.
2. 1 Klimb + 2 Cato Boards is sufficient and a Large Square Platform isn’t needed.
3. 2-4 Foot Targets is usually recommended, and these can be used in place of the Rubber Feed Bowls in most cases. And their dimensions should be 12×6″.
4. If you’re making Foot Targets, Balance Bars are not required.
5. Regarding the Bone or Disc… That really depends on which specific program you are implementing. But the program always progresses from stable to unstable. So you should be able to start with what you have for sure.
It may also be helpful to take a look at the PDF and get an idea of how the equipment is used in the various progression. Then you can make a better decision regarding purchasing inflatables.
This is great!