Ruth Counter wrote 12/02/2006 03:52 PM Dog Pulling a Wheelchair #119445 - 12/02/2006 03:52 PM
Ruth Counter Webboard User Reg: 11-16-2005 Posts: 185 Loc: Utah, U.S. Offline	I have learned so much from you great folks. I hope to get help with this question. When is a dog too young to assist mobility by often pulling a wheelchair...more so now that the weather is getting bad? The dog in question is a 9 or 10 month-old lab/newfie mix. She's a big girl and still growing, powerful, with lots of energy. The dog is certifying as a multi-task assistance dog teamed with a slightly built woman who uses a wheel-chair. This team is in one of the service dog classes I teach. I think the dog is too young to pull anything, especially with snow and ice to work through. Should she be fully grown to start this part of her work? My issue is with another trainer and it will be my call. If I'm wrong, the harness will go on and I know the dog will be thrilled. In fact, everyone will be, including me. I've been the holdout to wait. Thanks, Ruth
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Eva Czarnojanczyk wrote 12/02/2006 04:47 PM Re: Dog Pulling a Wheelchair [Re: Ruth Counter ] #119450 - 12/02/2006 04:47 PM
Eva Czarnojanczyk Webboard User Reg: 10-25-2006 Posts: 320 Loc: Southern CA Offline	I'd personally hold off with the actual pulling until she finishes growing, so she doesn't hurt herself. Have you looked at what weight-pullers or sledders recommend as starting ages for the serious work? "A dog is a mirror of a man's soul"
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alice oliver wrote 12/02/2006 04:50 PM Re: Dog Pulling a Wheelchair [Re: Eva Czarnojanczyk ] #119451 - 12/02/2006 04:50 PM
alice oliver Webboard User Reg: 09-14-2005 Posts: 843 Loc: Offline	giant breeds should not do any weight-bearing work until they are 18-24 mos. old. working Mastiff
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Eva Czarnojanczyk wrote 12/02/2006 04:58 PM Re: Dog Pulling a Wheelchair [Re: alice oliver ] #119453 - 12/02/2006 04:58 PM
Eva Czarnojanczyk Webboard User Reg: 10-25-2006 Posts: 320 Loc: Southern CA Offline	Heh, heh, ya beat me to it, Alice. I just looked at a mushing site & they recommend skeletal maturity before anything serious. "A dog is a mirror of a man's soul"
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Ruth Counter wrote 12/02/2006 05:21 PM Re: Dog Pulling a Wheelchair [Re: Eva Czarnojanczyk ] #119455 - 12/02/2006 05:21 PM
Ruth Counter Webboard User Reg: 11-16-2005 Posts: 185 Loc: Utah, U.S. Offline	Mushing! I did searches on pulling in harness, found some interesting info, but nothing about age. Thanks for the replies. I know hard running and jogging should wait. I wasn't sure about pulling in harness. This is a beautiful pup who is eager to work. Would it be appropriate to post pics of dogs in class?
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