This exercise should always be performed on a non-slip surface.
To perform the Posture Down, the dog should lay down so that the same legs on the right side and on the left side are within the same forward facing direction – often referred to as a “sphinx” position. To achieve the Posture Down position, the dog flexes its shoulder and elbow 10–20° depending on size of the dog, rolls its pelvis forward, and extends its spine to form a straight line from the nose to the base of the tail (see photo). During the movement, the dog’s stifles should move above or just forward of the hindlimb digits.
(A) Shows the Posture Down in the correct position. Note the straight line from the head to the base of the tail. The forelimb is flexed at the elbow and shoulder. The stifle is dorsal to or just cranial to the digits. (B) Shows the Posture Down in the incorrect position. Note the extended elbow and rounded spine (cervical, thoracic, and lumbosacral). The hindlimbs are abducted and the stifle is caudal to the digits. The red arrow indicates the abduction of the hind foot. (C) Shows the correct position of the Posture Down from above (the dorsal view) the dog. All four ipsilateral limbs are aligned in a sagittal plane, and the hindlimb digits are obscured by the stifles.