Choosing the correct size and shape of ball for your dog depends on what type of exercises your dog will be doing on the ball. The size printed on the ball is the maximum inflation height. You can decide whether or not you want to inflate the ball to its maximum height or to a lesser height, but never go over the maximum height printed on the ball.

The FitPAWS Peanut is naturally longer than the FitPAWS Egg and provides more of an elongated surface training area. In addition, the shape of the peanut provides an easier balance challenge because it rolls in only one direction at a time. This makes the FitPAWS Peanut a good choice for dogs just starting a core-conditioning program as well as for weight-bearing exercises. The FitPAWS Egg is a better choice for advanced core strengthening exercises because it is more unstable than the peanut, rolling in multiple directions.

Core Conditioning

If you plan to use your ball mainly for core conditioning, your dog should be able to stand in a natural stance on the top of the ball without being hunched over or roaching his back. To select the correct size ball, measure the distance from your dog's front legs to his back legs while he is standing on the ground.

You can always use a large ball for a small dog, but you can't use a small ball for a large dog. If you have more than one dog in your household, choose a size that fits your largest dog. You may also find it more comfortable for your own back to work with your dog on a larger/taller ball. Using a larger ball for a small dog also has the added benefit of providing more surface area to work on.

Weight-bearing Activities

For weight bearing activities (when a dog is standing partially on the ground and partially on the ball) choose a ball that is slightly small than your dog's height at the withers (highest part of the shoulders where the neck meets the back). If you need a ball smaller than 40cm, purchase the 40cm ball but don't fully inflate it.