Dog Walking As A Wheelchair User

Walking a dog as a wheelchair user can be challenging. Leave your suggestions and solutions in the comments below.
#wheelchair #dog #wheelchairlife #disability

[@tiffanyhakunashi9257]

A really awesome trick for wheel chair walking is a therapy band (open ended stretch band) tie around your waist with the leash looped through. ❤️ Your drive is proof anyone can walk their dog❤️

[@chiisai9877]

Could you link what you mean? Is it the rubbery things like those workout resistance bands? I looked it up and that's all I saw😅 I'm getting a rollator soon so I'm trying to figure out the logistics of walking my dog! Right now my fiance does it for me and I really want to be able to myself.

[@MeantToBeLindseyB]

I think that’s what they were referring too.

[@bluchu22]

I’ve been thinking about adopting a dog for years but haven’t done it yet mainly because I couldn’t figure out how I could walk the dog in my chair. I’m glad I came across your video.

[@anniewithane2851]

I find the retractable leash less useful with a manual wheelchair. I put the loop at the top of a conventional leash around my wrist. For me it is easier to push my wheelchair and feel secure that the leash doesn’t get away from me. I have an 8 lb 7 month old puppy. She is not expected to get heavier than 10 lbs. it is slow going to reach her to heel but she is still learning. I put my freewheel on the front of my chair which makes it easier to roll through the grass. I live in a very small town and most neighborhoods don’t have sidewalks much less dog parks. But some of us use the local baseball park since it has a concrete walking track around the perimeter. So far I am practicing in my backyard. I stop when she runs ahead and go when she comes beside the left side of my chair. I have seen trained dogs walk beside a young girl’s chair while carrying the leash in her mouth. I dream of Bella getting to that point. Everything is new at this point and she wants to investigate everybody and everything. 😊

[@JeffeSailor]

This is awesome! I am so inspired and would love to see more on how things develop how you learn with each other, this is totally kick arse and want a weekly tv show to watch on it.

[@MeantToBeLindseyB]

Thank you so much! If you have ideas for future videos, definitely let me know. :)

[@juliebetts2620]

I'm a wheelchair user too, I'm getting a puppy soon, and it was great to see that you can walk a dog.

[@MeantToBeLindseyB]

Good luck with puppy training!

[@Alakalioankaraka]

Hello! Fellow wheelchair user. If anyone wants to MacGyver this idea it’s fairly cheap but you can of course purchase things too. I found it difficult to push myself and not have the leash get caught inbetween my breaks and her so even if she’s doing well on the leash she breaks me by accident. It got super annoying so I got a small pvp pipe and I put the leash through it then carabiner the loop end of the leash to my belt loop. The short small pipe helps to keep her to my side and prevents the leash from getting caught in my wheels. I have seen but not purchased similar designs for people who bike with there dogs and it’s kinda the same. There’s a stiff part that you can attach to a tube on a bike (or wheelchair) that keeps them a small radius away then it transitions into a normal flexible lead. Hope y’all have a great day!

[@MeantToBeLindseyB]

Have you had any issues with getting pulled out of your chair doing this? I've considered this method but it just sort of scares me to try it.

[@zr2jake]

I wish you lots of good walks with the wonderful Pup! Enjoy!

[@mandytaylor7792]

I'm a wheelchair user but I have an electric chair I use to go out independent and I hook lead to the handle bar nice and secure and he walks perfectly. Also I have a lead that is a clip extension lead instead of automatic extending which could loop around the chair also. GL x

[@MeantToBeLindseyB]

Great info! Thanks for sharing!

[@Zanflower]

I haven’t done this yet but I’m gathering supplies for walking my cat while in my wheelchair and the plan is to wear my go-to Amazon Mosiso sling backpack (it has a durable plastic D ring towards the top) and attach her retractable 6’ leash while she’s on her harness to that loop with a climber’s grade carabiner clip, that way her leash stays higher up towards my chest and out of the way of the wheels and keeping to a 6’ leash keeps her from going too far/too much reaching to adjust the length limit. I wouldn’t recommend this for someone with less upper body strength/stability or someone with a large dog, but it’s something!

[@MeantToBeLindseyB]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@cloefulk5481]

waist leashes can help also you could see if a bike leash would work for your chair.

[@tiffanyhakunashi9257]

So you hyping the dog up before the walk is why they may not be the best on leash. It starts inside the house and will determine how your dog walks on leash. Sincerely, a dog trainer

[@slave288]

I use a traditional, non-retractable leash. Take the loop end that typically goes around the wrist and put it around the frame of your chair, and then put the clip end that attaches to the dog through the loop and pull it all the way though, this will create a slip knot around the frame of your chair...then you can attach your dog and then your leash is firmly attached to the frame of your chair and you don't have to worry...the only issue I've run into this arrangment is keeping from rolling over the leash with your casters or wheels as you roll along...other than that it works pretty prefect.

[@MeantToBeLindseyB]

Thanks for the suggestion! Might try this. My only concern would be that my dogs would flip me or pull too hard if I attached it to my chair.

[@slave288]

@@MeantToBeLindseyB yes if you have a big, strong dog then yes, there is a possibility they may pull you and you not be able to hold them back. As for flipping, If you attach the leash low on your frame, like shin height, then as they pull it will be a completely horizontal pull, and will not have the ability to flip you. One thing to consider is that this arrangment will allow you to have full power control on your rims to grip and hold them back as they pull without having to worry about the leash at all, so you will have both arms...where as with how you are currently doing it the leash in your lap would just slip free and your dog would basically run off leaving you trying to chase them down and get them to stop.

[@jimjennings7623]

I recommend you attach a safety flag to your wheelchair. Also, if you must wear black, wear a scarf or hat or something very bright colored that makes you show up. -- I have a scooter and we're getting a new puppy. We have worries but we are determined. Your experience gives me hope. When I could walk, we had FOUR(4) large Golden Retrievers. We MUST have a dog! I will keep you posted and hope you continue to add to this too. I like your dog!

[@dawnwyatt7453]

Interesting. I've always held the leash handle in my right hand while propelling myself in my chair.

[@MeantToBeLindseyB]

I struggle with that. I’ve hurt my wrists trying it & she tends to get more tangled up when I’m holding it in my hand. I switch back and forth though depending on how much they’re trying to pull. Neither way really works great for me honestly. I wish I could find a better method.

[@NessaRossini...]

I haven't walked my dog because of the wheelchair. I was thinking of getting her a harness with a handle and tie the leash to the handle but couldn't think how I would hold the leash and push the wheelchair. I love your home, it's huge and roomy. Love the brick and white window look.

[@MeantToBeLindseyB]

Nessa Rossini If you ever find a way that works for you, definitely let me know. I love learning how other people find solutions. I feel the same way you do. Trying to push and keep control with a leash and a crazy dog (lol) is hard.

[@Lisa.274wheels]

I use the ezydog vario6 for my medical alert and assistance dog he’s a very big German shepherd it takes a bit of training at home then outside to get them used to walking to heal with the chair so I’d advise getting a trainers help with this

[@cathiruss1686]

I do that exactly the same way with my two dogs. As long as the retractable leash isn’t too old and retracts properly and I don’t try to “run” the dogs it’s fine. But they like to stop and pee every two seconds so it’s a nice slow walk anyway.

[@allanrobinson5342]

Thanks for the video, I hope you have found a better way, to attach your dog to yourself. I noticed the retractable lead, almost left you at one point 4:00 please be careful.

[@timothyjames1303]

I use my y belt, I attaches the lead on it, I’ve two cockerpoos, but it comes down to training, I tend to run them off in a local park off lead

[@timothyjames1303]

That’s if u have good balance and enough strength waist height it leaves hands free to control lead if on leads, best way is good recall

[@PanoramicView-o5p]

I have a cat but was thinking about getting a dog because I love dogs and cats also I recently got out the hospital and I am going through rehab right now and they're going to be sending me home with a walker and a wheelchair and if I have to go long distances I will be using my wheelchair and I was thinking about adopting a dog because maybe that would help me you know get out more and exercise just a little bit more but I was worried that I wouldn't be able to walk the dog because I would you know be in a wheelchair but watching your video has really helped me to be a little bit more confident when wanting to adopt a dog from the shelter and also I'm going to be adopting an elderly dog not a young dog but either way this video has helped me tremendously be a little bit more confident in me being able to walk the dog

[@MeantToBeLindseyB]

Awww! This makes me so happy! You definitely should! Animals offer great companionship. Plus, with trial and error, you’ll find a way that works for you and your fur baby when you decide to get them. Keep me posted if you do adopt!😊

[@VulcanOnWheels]

5:23 That should go without saying. I wonder if there's a way you could attach your leash to your wheelchair because I would hate to think what could happen if it would suddenly be out of your reach.

[@MeantToBeLindseyB]

Bert Visscher A few people have privately messaged me with possible solutions. I may try some of them and turn that into a video in itself. I think it’s really awesome that people want to help me figure out a solution. We’ll see if any of them work for me. 😊

[@kr3wchi3f]

I have an American Bulldog, I'll clip his leash to my seatbelt and use my freewheel, he's pretty strong so he does most of the pulling (great workout for him), the key thing is the freewheel, you won't have to worry about a caster getting caught and end up being dragged or on the floor. I'm a t3 complete.

[@MeantToBeLindseyB]

That sounds like a good solution for anyone who might having a seat belt (or the free wheel). That is not the case for me but I always like hearing new suggestions and solutions because you never know who they might be able to help. :)

[@robincrego4222]

Maybe a c clamp hook or it might be called a d clamp that rock climbers use, looks like it could go on the post...looks like it would be hard to puck up after the dog. I'm checking how to do this in case I need knee surgery which would be 7 weeks of no weight bearing and my 5 month old pup needs walks!!

[@bebehowell4777]

Have you always been a full time wheelchair user?

[@MeantToBeLindseyB]

bebe howell No. For me, it has been gradual. I started out when I was really young walking almost all the time with leg braces. When I was about 3, I walked with leg braces and a walker. As I got stronger, I only used braces except for long distances (shopping, theme parks, etc) then as I got into class changes, I started to use the chair a little bit but always walked at home. By high school, I used the chair mostly at school but not at home and then once I got into college, I started using the chair full time. I can still stand if I need to and I can get up and down a full flight of stairs walking but I don’t really walk unless I have to. For me, it’s been a pain issue and a gradual weakening of the hips that led to it but honestly, it doesn’t bother me. It’s way safer because I don’t have to worry about falling as much and as long as I don’t sit in one position for too long, it’s more comfortable. I also feel less insecure than when I walked more because I don’t feel like people stare as much because I don’t wobble like I do when I walk. For me, it was an easy transition to the chair. I preferred it by the time I got old enough to need it more. Sorry for the long answer to a short question. 😊

[@bebehowell4777]

Thanks Lindsey...great explanation ...you are truly such an inspiration! They are working with Evie Brave to get her walking...she is the sweetest , funniest child!

[@Lisa.274wheels]

I use a double ended lead like a police or military lead and attach it to the front of my chair where your cup holder is it solves a lot of the issues you seem to be having you can also put it across your chest I normally use the webbing ezydog brand one as I find it works best for me

[@MeantToBeLindseyB]

mauimastiff I’ll definitely check into this. Thank you for the suggestion!

[@sweetwheels]

Have you tried a hands-free leash? They can be worn cross-body, some around the waist and such.

[@MeantToBeLindseyB]

Angela Pichon No. I’ll have to check that out. Thanks!

[@sweetwheels]

@@MeantToBeLindseyB I can give you a link or 2 if you like.

[@MeantToBeLindseyB]

Angela Pichon Yes please.

[@sweetwheels]

@@MeantToBeLindseyB This is the one I have right now(I've only used it a few times. I can give you more feedback once I've used it more) www.amazon.com/oneisall-Hands-Multifunctional-Training-Double/dp/B077SY92QS/ref=sr_1_9?keywords=hands+free+leash&qid=1570130737&sr=8-9 This one is specifically made for service dogs and is what I almost got(my dog is my service dog. 90 ish pound Doberman) boldleaddesigns.com/shop/8-way-lead-6-ft-multi-functional-leash/?doing_wp_cron=1570126846.9988129138946533203125

[@MeantToBeLindseyB]

Thanks for the info! I'll definitely look into these. I'm sorry it took so long to respond to this. This comment was held for review and I didn't realize it. Thanks again!

[@maxxx4242]

I'm about to get my wheelchair and was curious about how I could walk my dog with one. I am so afraid to run over his paws 😬

[@MeantToBeLindseyB]

The chair dynamic is always a learning curve for the wheelchair user and the pup but you and they usually figure it out pretty quickly.

[@briannaholmes4660]

Hey girl! Try a quick release wrist band and a leash with a bungee cord no more than 4 or 6 ft. Train in doors around the house first then work your way out doors. It will get better 😊

[@MeantToBeLindseyB]

Thanks for the tips!

[@kassandraahuero7962]

You can use a large key holder clip with a long leash and clip him to your wheelchair tie downs I use an electric wheelchair and people in my town seem to think I drag him because I use an electric wheelchair and he walks behind me too keep from getting his leash caught in the wheels I was horrified I would never do anything to injure my dog it really upset me 😢 I use a key holder clip you clip the ring to the handle part of the leash I put two clips and link it together you could also clip to t to your belt loop

[@teddycrane6743]

I have a carabineer I walk my two dogs to pitt bull rottweiler mix and blue heeler

[@SBWHEELS81]

Have you considered a bike springer? I’ve seen those on the side of wheelchair.

[@MeantToBeLindseyB]

I’m not sure what that is, but I’ll look into it. 😊

[@SBWHEELS81]

I can send you a link on Facebook if you want.

[@MeantToBeLindseyB]

Denise Gunderson Yes. Please.

[@KaGamer123]

I see this video is 11 months old .. Have you come up with a solution yet ?

[@cassandrawilson7878]

Put the handles from the leash inside your seatbelt on your wheelchair

[@MeantToBeLindseyB]

I do not have a seat belt.

[@cassandrawilson7878]

@@MeantToBeLindseyB well you can loop it to a part of it

[@micaelasalatino9684]

Thx for the video and lessons! Check out TTouch for leashes/harnesses as well as techniques for training.

[@bitesizechihuahuas7559]

can you put her leash through your seat belt or buy a running leash that goes around your waste A harness would help you with her pulling

[@MeantToBeLindseyB]

Running leash might work if it doesn’t hurt but I don’t have a seat belt.

[@carin9568]

Hey just watch your video. 1st informers I want to start off with the fact that I think it's awesome that you are training and wanting to get your dog to be a big substantial part of your life and that you are doing it on your own.. (AWESOME) Anyway I am paralyzed a quadriplegic I have been training dogs and service dogs for about 15 to 20 years We also have our own business it is called freestyle dog training USA. We actually just open door business approximately 3 to 4 months ago and where already booked solid until December. I am reaching out to you because if you have not been able to Successfully train your dog on a loose lead walkingAnd no matter the distractionsAnd of course the dog should not be pulling you in any way shape or form with that being saidDo to the fact that it is very rare and hard to find people like yourself and mine that injoy to train dogs and we are in wheelchairs I have not yet in the 24 years of being paralysed met anybody who has the same desire and Passion that I doWhen it comes to training dogs and also honestly to have the understanding of the way the dog mind works and dogs body language dogs behaviour when you know if it's the human which usually 99% of the time is the human being that is not relaying the message to the dog correctly. If You are still looking for some help into guide you into the correct steps I can offer you A free 15 to 20 minutes face time evaluation. Just msg me✌ Please Don't hesitate to check out our Facebook page Which still currently is under my husband's name until our website is complete Marcel Goncalves and I also have Videos of trained service dogs That I will have no problems sending you if you would like.. Wishing you nothing but the best and I wish you and your furry friend All the best....God glass

[@MeantToBeLindseyB]

Aww! Thanks for reaching out and offering. I really appreciate it! I will definitely keep this in mind. :)

[@burtonh1]

My advice is to teach your dog to heel off-leash. Find a good dog trainer to help you.