12/19/2025
WHY TEACH REAR END AWARENESS?
(And why it matters for canine body conditioning)
Most dogs move through their life front-heavy - Especially the large breeds like Marvel. They will lead with their head, shoulders, and chest. While the back end just follows along for the ride.
That’s where rear end awareness comes in to assist in teaching a dog how to intentionally control their hips, back legs, and feet. Instead of dragging, swinging, or compensating their rump!
Annnnd it’s one of the most important foundations for proper posture in safe movements.
1️⃣. Dogs Don’t Automatically Know Where Their Back End Is
Dogs don’t naturally think about their back feet.
Without introducing rear-end activities, many dogs will:
• Pivot sharply on their front legs
• Swing their hips wide
• Twist through the spine
• Lose balance on turns or obstacles
Rear end awareness helps dogs understand where their body is in space (not just where the food is).
2️⃣. Strength Starts From the Back
A dog’s true power comes from the rear:
• Glutes
• Hamstrings
• Hip stabilizers
• Core muscles
When the rear isn’t engaged, dogs compensate with their shoulders and spine. Resulting in increasing wear & tear, and possible injury.
Rear end conditioning:
✔️ Builds functional strength
✔️ Activates underused muscles
✔️ Encourages correct movement patterns
This is especially important for:
• Large breeds
• Growing puppies
• Senior dogs
• Sport & working dogs
** All should be done or introduced with the help of a trained/certified professional to prevent any accidental/preventable injuries **
3️⃣. Injury Prevention & Joint Protection
Poor rear awareness often leads to:
• Excess strain on shoulders & elbows
• Hard landings
• Awkward turns
• Spinal twisting
Teaching rear end awareness:
✔️ Improves weight distribution
✔️ Reduces front-end overload
✔️ Supports healthier joints
✔️ Helps dogs move with their bodies, not against them
This isn’t “extra or fancy training”. It’s preventative care.
(Well it can be used to start extra or fancy training… common now 💁🏻♀️)
4️⃣. Balance, Coordination & Confidence
Dogs who understand their rear end:
• Balance better
• Recover faster if they slip
• Navigate stairs, platforms & new surfaces more confidently
• Move with intention instead of panic
This is HUGE for:
• Puppies
• Nervous dogs
• Rehab dogs
• Confidence-building programs
You know that Marvel is nervous of various types of flooring, we have been very open about that. This has given the girl a MAJOR confidence boost and trust in herself.. just look at her glow 😍
5️⃣. Better Training Starts With Better Body Awareness
Speaking as your dog trainer now, rear end awareness improves:
• Straighter sits
• Tighter turns
• Cleaner heelwork
• More precise skills
It teaches dogs that how they move matters! (not just the reward).
6️⃣. Long-Term Mobility & Quality of Life
The rear end is often the first area to weaken as dogs age.
When building rear-end awareness early, dogs will:
✔️ Support long-term mobility
✔️ Slow muscle loss
✔️ Help them stay active & confident longer
Think of rear end awareness as movement literacy for dogs.
📍 Now you know, this is why we include rear end awareness in our conditioning, training, and enrichment programs at NYEK9S.
