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Walkin’ Wheels® Medium User Manual ©2015
1. When starting this process we suggest that you use the dog’s favorite treats
to reward your dog for walking forward. You won’t need to keep using these
treats every day, just in the beginning of the training process. A hungry dog
is a motivated dog! Work with your dog before you have fed him a meal. He
will be more eager to pay aention and earn the food reward if he is hungry.
2. Do not immediately put your dog in the wheelchair. Assemble the wheel-
chair and leave it in an area where your dog can see it, smell it and touch it.
3. Once the dog is comfortable near the wheelchair, put the front harness on
and heave him or her alone for a while. Let the dog get used to the feeling of
the straps.
4. When your dog is comfortable, try puing him in the leg ring support
system and aach the front harness to the wheelchair. Give him a treat for
positive association.
5. Aer your dog is in the wheelchair hold the food reward right at his nose
level. Feed him several pieces. en you can move one foot backwards,
again holding the food reward in front of you. He should then walk toward
you to get the treat. Before you know it, he is walking in his Walkin’ Wheels!
Again, give him a treat and positive praise.
6. Work in very short (5-10) minute sessions, several times a day. Give your
dog rest periods between each session.
Note: Keep in control of the dog’s movement at rst. Keep the dog in a clear
area and keep him on a short leash. If the dog does become ightened, then
disconnect the harness om the wheelchair and try again later.
Until your dog gets used to the Walkin’ Wheels, limit the amount of time
spent in it. e Walkin’ Wheels is designed to allow your dog to get exercise
and physical therapy. Dogs cannot lie down in the wheelchair but will be able
to urinate and defecate while in the wheelchair. Start with short periods and
increase slowly. Make sure you don’t overdo it the rst day.