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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 square object wrapped in colorful duct tape with a piece of yoga mat taped to the top.

A sturdy rectangular object wrapped in duct tape with a piece of yoga mat adhered to the top.

Two stacked books of similar size individually wrapped in duct tape with a piece of yoga mat taped to the top.

Books individually wrapped in duct tape with pieces of yoga mat adhered to the tops.

Two stacked wooden blocks with a piece of yoga mat adhered to the top.

Painted 2x4 wood blocks glued together with a piece of yoga mat adhered to the top.

A rectangular shaped computer monitor riser 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 teal rectangular storage container with a piece of pink yoga mat duct taped to the lid.

A rectangular storage box wrapped in duct tape with a piece of yoga mat adhered to the top.

A durable round rubber 4- quart animal feeder pan turned upside down.

A durable rubber livestock feeder pan turned upside down.

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