The Canine Mobility Anti-Knuckling Device (AKD) is comprised of an elastic shock cord that connects at one end to a dog harness (not included) and to a material paw strap at the other end (see inset diagrams). The paw strap is configured to include a toe loop that fits around the dog’s two middle toes, and a metatarsal loop that fits around the dog’s leg at the lower end of the metatarsus (above the paw). This configuration assists with both the forward movement of the dog’s hind leg and the upward movement of the dog’s toes, effectively preventing or reducing the frequency of hind leg knuckling.
Measuring Your Dog for the Anti-Knuckling Device
- In order to fit your dog for the Anti-Knuckling Device, you will need a halter or chest harness that has a “D” ring on the back in the area between the shoulder blades. For a video demonstration of the measuring steps below, please check out the link here.
- Measure the distance from the “D” ring (A above) to the paw of the leg being fitted (B). This measurement is the Shock Cord Length (to be used when ordering).
- Measure the circumference of the lower leg (see C above).
- Measure the circumference of the widest part of the paw being fitted (see D below). This measurement should be larger than the lower leg measurement in No. 3 above.
- Measure the distance from the back of the rear pad (E-F below) to the point at the front of the paw between the middle two toenails (F below).
- Add the measurements for C, D, and E-F together; this measurement will be used to determine the Paw Strap size from the sizing table below.
For paw measurements D, and E-F
Important differences between the Anti-Knuckling Device and other products.
There are several notable differences between the Anti-Knuckling Device and other canine rehabilitation products on the market. First, our innovative design brings the affected leg forward while simultaneously lifting the toes. Other products that fasten around the dog’s leg (versus the toes) do not promote the natural flexion of the foot.
Additionally, resistance from the shock cord as it is applied to the leg while walking promotes the strengthening of atrophied or weakened hind leg muscles, often present in dogs recovering from injuries or surgery. This is an important feature that is not present in other brace and/or splint-type products on the market.
Lastly, the Anti-Knuckling Device is a permanent solution that can be worn for extended exercise periods. Other products advertised as “temporary training” tools to be used for two to five minutes do not offer the same long-term rehabilitative attributes.
The Anti-Knuckling Device reduces or eliminates hind limb knuckling while at the same time promoting the strengthening of weakened hind leg muscles in dogs that are otherwise ambulatory.
The device comes in several sizes in order to properly fit your dog. See the Measuring instructions above on how to measure your dog.
Configuring the Anti-Knuckling Device for Your Dog
The Shock Cord When your dog is standing in a neutral position (as shown above) there should be the slightest amount of tension on the shock cord. The purpose of the shock cord is to engage the foot when the dog walks and then return it to a neutral position. The shock cord can be adjusted by squeezing the ends of the cord lock together while pulling the cord.
The Foot Harness The webbing of the toe loop portion of the foot harness fits over the middle two toes, crisscrosses over the top of the paw, then wraps around the lower leg (above the paw) and buckles in the back. The toe loop should slide easily over the two middle toes and there should be a half inch of space between the top of the dog’s paw (underneath the middle slide buckle and “D” ring) and the webbing where it crisscrosses. The foot harness can be adjusted by sliding the slide buckle forward or backward, and then adjusting the Velcro end of the strap accordingly.
Frequency of Use The Anti-Knuckling Device should be used for short walks initially, 5 to 10 minutes at a time, for the first week. Time with the device can be added in increasing 5-minute increments, as the dog becomes accustomed to it. The device should be removed immediately after use and should not be worn continuously. See our Best Practices Guidelines here.