I was thinking about teaching my 6 yo terrier (13lbs) to pull my husband's manual wheelchair. Now I am not sure if the dog is too small for this. The wheelchair weighs 20 lbs and my husband weighs 86 lbs. What do you guys think? The dog can pull like mad, that's for sure, and the wheelchair moves VERY easily. This would be just out in our development, no hills whatsoever, around the cul-de-sac circle. Just thought this would be fun for both.
I forgot to say that that my husband can push around with his legs. He needs it just for distance, he can walk around the house. For him it's the issue of stamina. Don't envision him just sitting there and the dog doing all the work! Yes, that would be ridiculous.
Melissa Thom Webboard User Reg: 12-04-2007
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Quote: Connie Sutherland
I have Border Terrier granddogs, similar weight. I really can't picture them pulling anything like a wheelchair. Or anything holding a human.
Although small dogs can do weightpull at the weight of a person in a wheelchair it's only for short distances. I imagine something that big would be really hard on a small dog even for a few minutes. The usual size dogs I see working with wheelchairs are 55lb and bigger.
the reason I am asking is I saw this picture. They are two miniature poodles and the guy is teaching them to pull him on a bike. Now it may be crazy but I don't know so that's why I am asking. Would two dogs do better than one?
Tammy Moore Webboard User Reg: 01-14-2010
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I have seen small dogs, terriers, do weight pulling, and I know they sell harnesses that go down to twelve pounds, however, Assistance dogs trained for wheelchair pulling are usually 50 pounds and over, and exceed 20 inches in height. They are also trained in maneuvering through obstacles and changes in elevations, to stop so they don’t collide with things such as cars.
If your dog is in good physical health, perhaps you could look into weight pulling of some kind. I don’t think pulling a wheelchair, for fun, is a good idea if he has not had proper training for it. It could be dangerous for the person in the wheelchair and the dog. JMO
We have a member that is a Musher, perhaps she will have ideas.
Anne Jones Webboard User Reg: 04-29-2004
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Would it be possible for you to get a motorized wheelchair thru your health insurance coverage for DME? (durable medical equipment) That way, the pup can ride on the chair with hubby, in his lap, for a stroll together around the neighborhood.
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Terrier to pull a wheelchair?
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