Home Exercises Between PT Sessions

What we did at home — and how it progressed

PT sessions gave Max expert guidance and equipment we didn’t have at home. But recovery happens in the hours between sessions too. The home exercise routine we built — progressing in difficulty as he got stronger — was a meaningful part of his overall progress.

A note before starting: get guidance from your rehab vet before beginning any home exercise program. What is appropriate depends entirely on your dog’s neurological grade and where they are in recovery. What worked for Max at week 4 may not be appropriate for another dog at the same point.

Yoga mats everywhere. This is non-negotiable in the early weeks. Max needed traction to attempt any of these exercises safely.

Early phase exercises (weeks 1–6)

Passive range of motion (PROM) Gentle, slow cycling of each affected limb through its full range — hip, knee, ankle, shoulder, elbow. Hold each position briefly before moving. This maintains joint health, stimulates nerve pathways, and maintains awareness of the limb. Do this 2–3 times daily.

Assisted standing Support Max under the belly with a sling or folded towel and help him hold a standing position for 30–60 seconds. The weight-bearing, even with assistance, is neurologically stimulating. The goal is not movement — just standing.

“Bicycling” the legs With your dog lying on their side, gently and rhythmically cycle the hind legs in a pedaling motion. This maintains range of motion and mimics the walking pattern even when voluntary movement isn’t present.

Mid-phase exercises (weeks 6–12)

Sit to stand, stand to sit Assisted transitions between positions. As strength builds, reduce the support you’re providing. This builds hindquarter strength and teaches the dog to use both hind legs symmetrically.

Individual leg lifts Support your dog in a standing position and gently lift one front leg, forcing them to bear weight on the remaining three — including the affected hind leg. Progress by lifting for longer durations and by trying different leg combinations.

To make this harder: have your dog place their front paws on a slightly elevated surface (a yoga block, a low step). This shifts more weight into the hind legs, increasing the demand.

Wobble cushion / balance disc Stand your dog on an inflated balance disc or wobble cushion for 30–60 seconds. The unstable surface challenges proprioception — the nervous system’s awareness of where the limbs are in space. This was a key tool in Max’s mid-phase rehab.

Tug Playing gentle tug forces a dog to use their hind legs to backpedal and brace. It’s also mentally engaging and fun — which matters. A dog that is mentally stimulated heals differently than one that is bored and confused.

Later phase — addressing gait patterns and posture

By February 2024 — about five months in — Max was around 85% recovered. But I noticed something concerning: he had developed the habit of relying predominantly on his front legs to get around. He didn’t fully trust his back legs yet. He also had a slightly hunched posture.

I was worried about orthopedic consequences down the road if this continued — a dog that habitually compensates forward is setting himself up for front end problems.

I tried several things. Booties on the front feet to make him lift higher — they kind of worked, but didn’t fit well and seemed uncomfortable. A front-end harness to shift weight back — didn’t feel safe or natural.

Then the donut cone idea came to me.

The cone/donut trick for posture and weight shift A soft donut collar or e-collar, worn during walks, forces the dog to keep their head up to prevent the cone from hitting the ground. This naturally straightens the spine, engages the back muscles, and shifts weight toward the hindquarters. I started making Max wear his donut on every walk.

The results were noticeable. His back muscles toned up significantly. His weight distribution across all four legs improved. His posture straightened.

This was something I figured out through observation and improvisation. I’ve not seen it recommended elsewhere. It may not be appropriate for every dog — but for a recovering FCE dog with a forward-compensation habit, it’s worth discussing with your rehab vet.