Making Pawpads
A pawpad is a small elevated “perch” big (and stable!) enough for the pup to put his two front feet on. You might find a pawpad useful for working around distractions (Pawpads for Fantastic Focus) or confidence-building (Have No Fear Pawpad Is Here!).
MacGyver It!
Look around your house, garage, or shed and you just might find something that will work as a perfect pawpad. You want something heavy enough so it isn’t easily tipped, flipped, or knocked. If it’s slippery you might need to add a non-slip cover.
What Size?
- HEIGHT: up to about 6" (Low enough they don’t worry about getting on, tall enough it’s clear when they’re on or off).
- WIDTH: Large enough for both front paws to fit comfortably (probably 8-12” wide for most pups).
Some Ideas:
- A book with piece of shelf liner or yoga mat wrapped around it.
- Pieces/blocks of wood.
- Rubber dishes/livestock feeders.
- Bricks (several can be placed together).
- Cut up horse stall mats placed on top of each other, bound with duct tape.
Pawpad Examples
A sturdy rectangular object wrapped in duct tape with a piece of yoga mat adhered to the top.
Books individually wrapped in duct tape with pieces of yoga mat adhered to the tops.
Painted 2x4 wood blocks glued together with a piece of yoga mat adhered to the top.
A rectangular computer monitor desk riser with a piece of yoga mat adhered to the top.
A rectangular storage box wrapped in duct tape with a piece of yoga mat adhered to the top.
A durable rubber livestock feeder pan turned upside down.
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