At first glance, FitPAWS Paw Pods might seem too challenging for a Tripawd dog to tackle.
But with steady practice they make a fantastic strength-training activity for your canine amputee!
Strengthen with FitPAWS Paw Pods
About one year ago, we started teaching Wyatt Ray how to balance on Paw Pods. Today, Wyatt can stand on all three pods as we feed him his favorite treats. He makes it look easy, but it wasn’t always such a breeze . . .
At first Wyatt hated Paw Pods. He was a foot-phobic dog and would fight whenever our hands came anywhere near his paws.
Before we could envision the ultimate goal of having him place all three legs on three pods, we had to meet our first goal, which was getting him de-sensitized to our touch.
For the first few weeks, we asked him to place one paw on top of a Paw Pod, then rewarded him with a treat. The Pods’ nubby surface helped get his feet used to touch.
By the time he would let us place his two front feet on his Paw Pods, we realized we were close to helping him conquer his foot phobia.
Benefits of Paw Pods for Tripawd Dogs
For nearly a year, we’ve played with the Paw Pods a few times a week.
Today, Wyatt can stand on all three! It’s a little challenging to place his feet onto them (eliminating distractions is key).
Sometimes it takes two of us to get him up there, but once he’s balancing, he’ll stay there as long as we bribe him with treats!
FitPAWS Paw Pods, in combination with Wyatt’s Giant Balance Disc, have improved the muscle tone of his rear leg.
And there are other positive changes that aren’t quite as obvious, but just as beneficial. For example; Wyatt can go on longer walks without his rear end dipping down.
With stronger core muscles, his hind quarters are better supported, which means he has greater endurance during physical activity.
His newfound strength is exactly why we encourage all Tripawd pawrents to cut back a little on walks and spend more time having fun together doing strength-training games, like the ones offered by FitPAWS.
Read More About FitPAWS Gear on our Fitness Page!
Recommended Reading:
FitPAWs Paw Pods Update: Wyatt Ray Gets Stronger
Tripawds Do Amazing Feets with FitPAWS Paw Pods
FitPAWS Balance Disc Dog Exercise Video
Tagged: exercise, fitpaws, three legged dog, training
Now that winter is finally here, we want to make sure your Tripawd stays warm and toasty. So until January 31, enjoy a $5 rebate on the Ruff Wear Climate Changer Fleece Jacket for dogs!
Just order the Climate Changer with regular FedEx Home Delivery ground shipping, and we’ll rebate you $5 via PayPal after we receive your order.
Our original review explains why we love the Climate Changer so much. In a nutshell, here’s why we’re fans of Ruff Wear’s comfy winter jacket.
Ruff Wear Climate Changer
Product Review at a Glance
Wags
- Great for front-leg Tripawds; covers stitches
- Durable, water and dirt-resistant fabric
- Interior stays dry even when playing in snow
- Available in Black and stylish Lichen Green
- Nice form fitting shape
- Machine Washable
- Bonus Points: Made from 87% recycled material!
Whimpers
- Closing side zipper takes practice in squirmy dogs
- Won’t cover stitches for rear leg amputees.
Quick dry, breathable soft Polartec® fabric is ideal for Tripawds, especially right after amputation surgery. Gives warmth and insulation without added weight. It’s made from recycled (and recyclable!) materials, and is durable and machine washable.
Check out Tripawds’ original Climate Changer review and
Save $5 today!
Tagged: apparel, clothing, coupons, jacket, Ruff Wear, savings, three legged dogs, warmth, weather, winter
The Ruff Wear Webmaster dog harness continues to be the number one selling padded mobility harness for canine amputees. Pawrents whose Tripawd already wears the Webmaster can spend all day telling you why it’s so helpful, but if you only have a few minutes, here’s why we’ve found it’s the best post-surgery aid for three legged dogs.
(See Spirit Jerry’s original Webmaster review here)
The Webmaster:
Helps you help your dog navigate tricky surfaces. From the day your new Tripawd dog hops out of the hospital, to your routine playtime in the park, the Webmaster’s sturdy top handle gives you a way to aid your dog up, over or around obstacles when it appears they may present too much of a challenge.
Allows you to aid your dog on stairs. When a dog loses a leg, stairs can seem like an insurmountable obstacle at first, but they eventually figure them out with a little guidance. Front leg Tripawds will have a harder time going down stairs, while rear leg amputees will find ascending more challenging. We’ve found the Webmaster is the best solution for helping your three-legged friend learn to use stairs without putting extra force on remaining limbs. The Webmaster’s handle lets you gently guide your dog up or down staircases of every type. Check out this video of Tripawds’ founder Jerry learning how to use stairs with the help of a Webmaster.
Lets you lift your dog up into and out of vehicles. Whether you have a family sedan or a monster truck, if your Tripawd is wearing the Webmaster, you have an instant opportunity to help your dog get in and out of the vehicle when traveling. Since canine rehabilitation veterinarians warn against allowing your dog to jump from a vehicle, the Webmaster also helps you preserve your dog’s joints by giving you the ability to aid your dog in and out of the vehicle. We find that it’s even better than owning a car ramp, since this harness doesn’t require setting up a heavy object.
Is there when you think you won’t need it. If you get into the habit of putting the Webmaster on your dog every day, you’ll always be ready for the unexpected. For example, a senior dog might not always need help getting up off the floor, but the moment he does, you’ll be ready to help lift him and build confidence. The harness is also a valuable tool when visiting new places, since even the most benign surfaces may cause a new Tripawd to panic in unfamiliar environments. The Webmaster harness’ top handle gives you a way to rapidly aid your dog in potentially distressing situations.
Gives you more control while providing better balance. the Webmaster no pull harness is your best alternative to a collar, allowing better distribution of pulling force to prevent choking. With your leash attached to the centered aluminum V-ring, you have ultimate control over Tripawds who tend lunge, without pulling them off balance. For example, we’ve found that when sometimes overly-aggressive Tripawds Spokesdog Wyatt Ray meets new dogs, the Webmaster’s handle gives us an instant way to gently lift and extract him from an escalating situation.
Works on front and rear leg Tripawds. We have used the Webmaster on both front and rear leg Tripawds on a daily basis with Spirit Jerry (missing a front left leg) and Wyatt Ray (missing a right rear leg), and found that the harnesses’ effectiveness is equally the same on both types of canine amputees. The only difference is that on front leg tripawds, the harness will gradually slip down the missing limb side as the day goes on. However this rotation is purely aesthetic, since it is easily adjusted at the moment of use, and still perfectly functional.
Provides comfortable, all-day support. the Webmaster‘s breatheable padded straps and durable vest construction doesn’t interfere with a dog’s movement and is comfortable enough to be worn all day long, even during hot weather. And in winter, your dog can wear a sweater the Ruff Wear Climate Changer underneath, just by loosening the straps at five different adjustment points..
These are just a few reasons why we believe the Ruff Wear Webmaster is so perfect for canine amputees. Did we miss any?
Tell us why you love your Webmaster in the comments field below!
Order Your Webmaster for $48.95 including shipping, here!
Why buy from Tripawds? Purchases made on this site help support our continuing efforts to raise awareness about canine cancer and amputation as a viable treatment option. Because we believe it is better to hop on three legs than to limp on four.
Tagged: dog, harness, Mobility, Ruff Wear, three legged dogs, tripods, video
December 30th, 2011 by admin in News · No Comments
We wish all Tripawds and their people have a hoppy, healthy new year! If your resolutions include keeping your three legged dog comfortable and safe, consider these top products from the Tripawds Gear Shop in 2011.
Best Dog Support Harnesses
The Ruff Wear Webmaster harness continues to be the most popular harness for canine amputees. Ideal for helping dogs in and out of cars or up and down stairs, the Webmaster comes in handy for providing assistance when needed. Watch our demonstration video and read Jerry’s product review for complete details.
For larger dogs and those requiring more full body support, the Get A Grip Harness from AST has proven to be helpful for many new members. The Get A Grip provides superior under-belly support, and is especially helpful for lifting heavier dogs.
See Wyatt’s demo video for an example of use on a rear leg amputee, or Jerry’s front-legger review of the original AST Pet Support Suit.
Best Dog Sweater
This time of year, The Ruff Wear Climate Changer remains the most popular choice for keeping dogs warm in winter. This zippered fleece dog sweater is especially nice for new Tripawds while their fur grows back.
With quick-drying, breathable, machine washable fabric the Climate Changer is ideal for new Tripawds during recovery.
Best Traction Solutions for Dogs on Slippery Floors
Many members have found that Power Paws Traction Socks for Dogs help provide traction for three legged and mobility challenged dogs on hardwood floors and other slippery surfaces. These affordable and comfortable dog booties are fun and functional with many sizes and styles to choose from.
For dogs used to wearing booties, Ruff Wear Bark’n Boots have always the preferred solution for protecting paws and providing traction indoors and out.
Skyliner dog boots provide everyday traction for slippery floors and paw protection from heat, cold, abrasive surfaces, road chemicals/salt, and unseen hazards; while Grip Trex dog boots have a high performance Vibram® sole for active Tripawds needing extra traction in rain, snow, ice or on the trail.
See all our recommended traction solutions for three legged dogs in Jerry’s list of the Best Traction for Tripawds!
Best Dog Beds for Surgery Recovery
This year we updated our list of the best recommended orthopedic dog beds for amputation recovery. Choose from this wide selection of orthopedic dog beds for comfortable rest during recovery and for years to come. These plush yet firm beds are recommended since they will not bunch up, making it easy for recovering dogs to get comfortable without stumbling on unstable bedding.
Best Canine Conditioning Gear
This year we’ve also expanded our line of FitPAWS Canine Conditioning Equipment to include more fun tools for keeping Tripawds fit and strong. From Balance Pads and Discs for beginning unstable surface work, to the Peanut and Paw Pods, the Tripawds Fitness Shop now offers a wide variety of equipment for rehabilitation and core strengthening.
What is your favorite Tripawds gear? Leave a comment or write a review for us to share with others!
Tagged: bed, boots, fitness, fitpaws, harness, sweater, traction
December 26th, 2011 by admin in Safety · 2 Comments
The post-surgery confinement phase is critical for a good recovery after a dog’s amputation procedure. Since you can’t go on a walk, exercise your dog’s brain with challenging, interactive games that prevent boredom, sharpen the mind and strengthen your bond.
During this time, you’ll need to find new activities for your new Tripawd, like the confinement games we’ve previously discussed here. Today we want to add one more cognitive dog game to the list: Nina Ottosson DogTwister Interactive game.
Dog Twister Tires Your Dog’s Mind
Did you know that you can tire a dog out with mental games, just as much as you can by taking a long walk? Activities like the the DogTwister Interactive game can do this, while working your dog’s natural hunting instinct.
The DogTwister game encourages dogs to look for treats hidden underneath movable blocks arranged in a circular pattern. The game features bone-shaped pegs on top that can lock the blocks in place, making the activity even more challenging by requiring your dog to remove a peg in order to move the brick and reveal the treat!
Watch how it works:
Tripawds Spokesdawg Wyatt Ray recently won The DogTwister game thanks to Modern Dog Magazine‘s recent Nina Ottoson dog toy giveaway. He tried his out on Christmas day.
After teaching him that the object wasn’t to pry the blocks off with his teeth, he quickly learned how to slide the blocks around to find the treats. After a few minutes of play, he was literally exhausted from the game!
Watching him use his tracking instinct was fascinating and a lot of fun. We played, we laughed and we praised him whenever he found one. As he grew more confident, we made it increasingly more difficult by using the plastic bone-shaped pieces to lock some blocks in place, then placing fewer treats within the entire circle. To make it even harder, we’ll try teaching asking him to “wait” “find it” and “sit” before he’s allowed to enjoy his treat.
Be aware that this game requires you to sit and play with your dog; it’s not a game like the StarMark Everlasting Treat Ball, which dogs can use alone. Although Wyatt spit out the pegs because he knew something better was waiting underneath the blocks, these pieces can be swallowed whole by unsupervised dogs, so keep an eye on your pal when you’re playing.
We can’t think of a better way to help your new Tripawd feel better during the amputation recovery phase and keep both of your minds off of the surgery. The best part is, The DogTwister game isn’t the only one made by Nina Ottoson. The company has dozens of awesome games like this (available in both plastic and wood) that can help the post-surgery recuperation time pass quickly.
See all interactive dog toys by Nina Ottosson
Paws up to Modern Dog Magazine for allowing us the opportunity to try this activity! Try it yourself and let us know what you think.
Recommended Reading
Tripawds Gear Blog: Keep Recovering Dogs Entertained for Hours
PetFinder: Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome in Pets
The Dog Guide: Mental Exercises for Dogs
Tagged: amputation, confinement, dog, recovery, three legged dog, tripawds, tripods
If you live in a snowy climate, what’s the one piece of advice you would give to a new Tripawd pawrent when it comes to hopping around on snow and ice?
Being weather wimps ourselves, we have to admit we don’t know much about living with the daily challenges of living as a Tripawd while trying to navigate slippery, icy surfaces like sidewalks.
While we typically recommend trying traction solutions such as Ruff Wear Grip Trex Boots and using the Climate Changer Sweater to stay warm, we know that lots of you have many other ways to make your three-legged hero’s life easier during winter.
- So, in a nutshell, what’s been your experience when it comes to living with snow and ice on three legs?
- What kind of gear do you recommend for new Tripawds pawrents?
- What are your favorite tricks for making sure that you’re both safe when going out on walks?
Please share in the Comments field below, we’d love to collect everyone’s comments in this one location. Thank you!
Tagged: amputation, Ruff Wear, three legged dogs, traction, weather, winter
The Potpourri Group is not a place we normally turn to for the best in dog gear, but after discovering a number of items for keeping pups warm this winter we thought we would pass along some more holiday savings!
Affordable Apparel To Keep Dogs Warm
*Prices subject to change.
Please visit the Potpourri Group’s In The Company of Dogs selection for more big savings on great gear and gifts for dogs and the people who share their lives!
Tagged: coat, savings, sweater, warmth, weather, winter
December 9th, 2011 by jerry in News · No Comments
Hey Tripawds Ruff Wear fans, check this out: Enter the Ruff Wear Adventure Dog photo contest and win a free product of your choice from the good folks at Ruff Wear.
Let’s show the world that Tripawds rock their Ruff Wear Gear!
The rules are so easy:
Contest Rules:
- Submit your best photo of your dog and their Ruff Wear gear IN ACTION no later than December 30 at 9am Pacific time
- Photo must be of a dog in action wearing Ruff Wear gear outdoors on your greatest adventure!
- All photos are subject to eligibility review by the Ruff Wear staff. By submitting a photo, contest entrants give Ruff Wear permission to use the photos on Facebook and on ruffwear.com.
- Only one photo per dog may be submitted for contest consideration.
To submit your photos email to: tara@ruffwear.com
See the original Ruff Wear post here for details. Good luck!
While you’re waiting to find out if you won, be sure to
check out Tripawds recommended Ruff Wear Gear for Tripawds!
Tagged: apparel, contest
December 5th, 2011 by admin in News · 2 Comments
Tagged: coupons, holidays, savings
November 28th, 2011 by admin in News · No Comments
Cyber Monday Savings Sale Ends Sunday 12/04
Act now to save on numerous Ruff Wear products certain to help your Tripawds – or four-legged friends – stay comfortable and safe all year long.
Save on Ruff Wear Gear for Dogs with Tripawds Rebate
Place one order for any two (or more) eligible Ruff Wear products* from the Tripawds Gear Shop and receive a $10 rebate!
Simply place a single order for a Webmaster Webmaster Harness and Climate Change Fleece Dog Sweater or any of the products listed below and we’ll send you $10 after processing your order with Ruff Wear.
But Hurry, offer ends at Midnight Sunday December 4, 2011.
Items must be purchased at the same time. Products purchased via separate orders will not qualify for the rebate. Click the Continue Shopping button before checking out at PayPal to add other items to your cart. Ruff Wear only ships via FedEx Home Delivery to the continental U.S. only. Offer not valid for Hawaii and Alaska addresses. No P.O. boxes allowed. One rebate per order.
Keep dogs cool next summer with the Swamp Cooler Cooling Vest, help them swim with a Float Coat Life Jacket, or protect paws and provide traction with Bark’n Boots! No matter what size dog you have, or if he has three legs or four, you’ll find Ruff Wear Gear to help him get out and about.
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*Eligible Ruff Wear Products Qualifying for Tripawds Rebate:
NOTE: Single boots and Boot Liners are not eligible for rebate
Tagged: holidays, savings
