Training Tips to walk my dog from my electirc wheelchair - can it be done ?

Answer 1

Why couldn't it be done?
Do it like you would if you were walking.
The only thing is...I hope you don't think, that just because you are in a wheel chair that exempts you for picking up the poop.

Answer 2

As you're in a powerchair I know you have arm/hand problems, so the obvious caution is not to get a strong 'pulling' dog. If you already have one then you have a problem.
Of course walking a dog from a chair is possible - I'm in a powerchair and can't think why you're asking! To ask suggestions for a type or breed most suitable would make sense - but it sounds like you already have a dog. So get it on a lead and walk it - and pick up the poop!

To cathi - no, one cannot get a dog already 'trained' . However there is a charity which will help to train the dog one already has.

Answer 3

hi, There is absolutely no reason why you can't train your dog to do everything an able bodied person could train them to do. Depending upon where you live there are different organisations that will help. In the UK there are organisations who will work with you and your dog and help with basic obedience, as well as training them to help you in everyday activities. If you search 'assistance dogs' or 'dogs for the disabled' on yahoo, then their websites should come up and give you contact details. One of the big advantages of having your dog trained as an assistance dog is you can then take them anywhere with, just like guide dogs. But if you just want to have a dog that you can walk nicely down the road, and if you struggle to stop your dog pulling, try something like a 'gentle leader' or a 'haltie'. You can get these from any pet store. I have a border collie who I do competitive obedience with, and she still pulls non stop normally. I have a back problem so can't have her pulling me around and the gentle leader made a huge difference - she doesn't pull!

Answer 4

Its tricky to train if you have restricted mobility but it can be done; you'll have much better results if you see a trainer who's used to doing this sort of training. Don't try to learn from a book, you need hands on advice!
Once you start getting some results and get the hang of how to handle and train your dog, you'll both improve; and youp'll start thinking of other things you can do with your dog as well. You should be able to train it to fetch things for you.

Answer 5

oh harry of course it can be done. there are dogs that are trained for helping people in wheelchairs so im sure you can walk your dog from your chair. it would be a good idea to contact some place like pet smart. they have obedience school for dogs. or contact paws with a cause, im positive they should have some tips for you. good luck =0)

Answer 6

Yes it can be done.

The best tip I can give you is to be careful not to run over the dogs paws or tail, as this would not be a very good training experience!

Perhaps you could get in touch with the Guide Dog Association or something similar and see if they can give you the names of any contacts that may be able to assist you. Maybe certain nursing homes or hospitals may even have dogs that are trained in this way that could help you out.

Good luck and don't give up!

Answer 7

I would think so....This might sound odd, but read all the way through.

Therapy Dog International http://www.tdi-dog.org/
certifies therapy dogs to work in hospitals, nursing homes, etc.

Now while they couldn't train your dog, they might be able to refer you to someone in your area who has trained THEIR dog how to behave around wheelchairs and walkers, etc.

So if you could find someone who has already trained their dog to walk with a wheelchair they could tell you how to do it or where they learned.

For example, my dog's sire is a TDI dog who is accustomed to going into hospitals, nursing homes, etc and he is completely comfortable around electric wheelchairs. I know he would heel next to one without a problem.

You might want to look into other service dog groups---not because you want a service dog, but because you need to know how they have trained theirs.

Hope this helps.

Answer 8

Yes you can I have seen it done. Persistance is the key. If your dog wants to sit and not walk, lift a little on the leash to bring the front feet off the ground and move forward. After doing this a couple times the dogwill walk. If your dog is all over the place you have to keep it focused on you. When he looks any where else but straight forward you give a small tug on the leash just enough to get his attention and keep him focused on moving forward.

Answer 9

Of course it can be done. I don't know if you have the use of your arms or not so it's hard to answer. If your dog already knows some basic commands such as sit & stay it should be farely easy to teach it to walk with you not ahead of you.

Answer 10

How old is this dog? It can be done. People have even shown in AKC obedience from chairs. Mine are put around chairs, crutches, walkers, ect... to get them used to them. You probably need to find a good trainer for this to get you started.