skye
Newbie
Posts: 2 
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Post by skye on Mar 23, 2013 12:42:06 GMT
Hi,
I unfortunately find myself having to use a mobility scooter as I can't now walk far but I still ejoy the outdoors and want to exercise my dogs. Does anyone have any advice on introducing my dogs to the scooter and training them to walk beside it?
I'd appreciate any help.
Skye
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Post by fatamorgana on Mar 23, 2013 12:53:17 GMT
How well trained are your dogs? Training them to walk alongside your scooter should be no more difficult than training them to do other things. Have they 'met' your scooter?
I would initially let them get comfortable with the sight and sound of the scooter, engine off, then engine on. Then slowly move around in it without asking them to walk alongside. When they are happy, then I would put their leads on - training one dog at a time - and perhaps doing a 5 minute session somewhere familiar to them, but not necessarily formal walk at heel thing.
If you are familiar with the clicker that could speed up the training as well as making more fun for the dogs. Don't rush it, you are building a foundation and that has be solid.
Enjoy the training, in the meantime play more games such as fetch to drain the dogs' energy to make up for the lack of walkies. |
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skye
Newbie
Posts: 2
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Post by skye on Mar 23, 2013 17:37:21 GMT
Thanks for this, it's good to know I'm thinking on the right lines. Both girls are well trained and love the clicker. My only concern will be the younger one who (though I hate to admit it) can be a bit of a dimwit at times. But at least I'll have loads of time to get them comfy with the scooter.
Cheers
Skye
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Post by gladys on Mar 23, 2013 17:50:44 GMT
Let us know how you get on.  |
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Post by BorderTerrier on Mar 23, 2013 20:17:07 GMT
Hi skye, You should introduce your dogs to the scooter by letting them have a look and a sniff at it whilst it is not in action. Keep it in one.place for a while and let your dogs get used to it. Let your dog's watch you on the scooter before you gradually get them to walk calmly next to it. Tell us how you get on please. |
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tillytubbie
Established member
YOURDOG Member Since: Sunday, 16 March 2008
Posts: 152
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Post by tillytubbie on Mar 23, 2013 21:03:59 GMT
When I had to use a scooter after an operation, I just got on it, grabbed the leads and went! They already knew how to run next to my bike without pulling, so there was no problem |
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Post by johnl on Mar 30, 2013 19:51:55 GMT
I quite often see an elderly lady using a scooter at shows, she actually uses it to take her dog into the ring and the dog runs around next to it.
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Post by BorderTerrier on Apr 10, 2013 8:53:37 GMT
The dog(s) must be well used to the mobility scooter to be well behaved and calm around it - especially if the person sitting in the big machine (as dogs would see it as) was holding their lead.
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