accomodating a less than cooperative pet

[marag]

We're thinking of getting a walkin wheels for our dog. We'd like some reports from those who have used them. Since our fellow can be a bit uncooperative we'd like to know how easy people have found it to get their dogs into the chair. Any advice or experience on this front would be much appreciated. General reactions to the product are also very welcome. Thanks very much.

[Bobbie]

I have the world's most stubborn corgi who is getting slowly used to his K9cart...I do it by treating it as a training exercise. He gets rewarded (treats) for walking in the cart (not bribed, or lured, but rewarded when he moves forward.) He's getting it. (The brand of cart doesn't really matter here.. having a well-fitted cart does, though, as you can't get a dog used to a cart that hurts him.)

It can be harder if your dog does not want to be touched as touch-sensitive dogs don't like to be put into the cart. So the question is, how is your dog uncooperative?

[GabrielDeafBlindPupFamily]

Also, you can acclimmate puppers by having it in another room, then slowly moving it into your room, maybe put it on the couch next to you, play with it, let puppers know it is harmless and a silly happy thing. Do you have any parapups locally? Buckshot is the greatest cartdog (except for BOBBIE'S ) who races through life in his Freedom Wheels. He can be found in theparalysis forum, doing donuts in his Wheels.

Edited to add, Found his pic!

[markcrobinson]

Some suggestions we've found really helpful include:

Get him used to the harness first. Leave the front and back harness on for a while so they can get used to it. If you are useing the harness as a lifting harness, wither with the straps that are there or with the optional carrying straps, this will be helpful as the dog will get accustomed to being supported and helped by the harness.

You may also want to leave the cart out so the dog can get used to that as well, before putting it on him or her.

In a few cases, we have found that the dog will absolutely, positively not allow the cart to be used. In this case, you'll need to return it (be sure to check the return policies -- some of the custom-made carts are difficult to return.

Warm Regards,
Mark