Would it be wrong for me to have a dog? Lots of questions.

[Mixedupworld]

I'm a wheelchair user. Can't walk at all. I live in a ground floor flat with small patio area which my back door opens on to. Completely enclosed.

I live on my own and would love a companion but also to potentially train up to help me with simple tasks around the house such as getting the post, maybe unloading the washing machine, picking things up that I drop etc.

I would get a dog walker in every day to take him/her for a proper off lead walk and then I can take him/her for a slow walk on the pavements (I have an electric wheelchair). Plus they would have constant access to the patio area.

My questions are..

Firstly, is it wrong for me to have a dog? It would have to be a puppy for me to be able to train it to do what I need.

Is there such thing as someone who would train the dog for me? Either someone who would come in daily or who I could send the dog to stay with.

What breed would be good? I'm thinking labrador or golden retriever.

The general plan in terms of dog ownership is fine.

The training you refer to is however highly specialised, and not all dogs will be up to the more complex tasks (there is quite a drop out rate from the formal programmes for assistance dogs). But that's not a reason not to try, but yes assistance with training is a good idea and I'd say necessary. As is being realistic about what range of tasks your dog will eventual do.

You'll need some sort of poo grabber to use from your chair - I've seen one being used, but don't know if it's a regular grabber or if you'll need a special one.

Not sure about emptying a dishwasher!
But a puppy is a handful, so I think you are looking for a trained dog - one that maybe is not quite good enough to be a fully fledged service idig but that can do some tasks like picking up what you have dropped. Get in touch with some agencies that deal with this.

That's very specialised training you'd need op.

How big is your flat? A lab or golden retriever would need a lot of space.

OP if you have a look at assistance dogs uk there is a helpful faq page under I want an assistance dog. Includes how and where to apply. I would go via one of these charities who specifically train dogs for this purpose.

I feel a dog would be great for you but I would look for a proper assistance dog as mentioned above, they are life changing for the better.

Yes assistance dog would be a brilliant idea.

Otherwise could you speak with rescues about older dogs? Possibly smaller ones that would love the company and not feel 'claustrophobic'

Sounds like you could offer a lovely home

Thank you. My flat is open plan and very spacious so a big dog wouldn't be a problem.

I've looked into assistance dogs and the waiting list is ridiculous.

@Mixedupworld

Thank you. My flat is open plan and very spacious so a big dog wouldn't be a problem.

I've looked into assistance dogs and the waiting list is ridiculous.

Unfortunately the reason for the ridiculous waiting list is because the training is really hard and like others say, the drop out rate is high. My family has been involved in caring for future assistant dogs as puppies, and it's a lot of physical work, especially little puppies that need to be able to be picked up, clean the floor after accidents, redirect etc.

I think that you sound like you could be a wonderful and loving companion for a dog as well as them being a companion and support for you, but not a puppy.
If you are looking for a few simple things, you could deal well with an young and trainable dog of 1-2 who has perhaps been fostered as a rescue so has basic training already in place. Alternatively, I'd suggest getting your name down on the waiting lists and explaining your needs.

What *OvertheRubicon said. I think you could definitely have a dog but a puppy would be hard hard work. Toilet training for instance tends to require lots of quick 'scooping up' of puppy and getting them outside before accidents happen, and then also accidents do inevitably happen and for everyone's wellbeing they should be quickly and thoroughly cleaned with a specialist odour neutralising spray (if an area smells of poo/wee pup is more likely to toilet again in that area) which might be difficult from a wheelchair. Basically puppies are a PITA in general, they whine and howl, cry all night, nip, chew, steal and ruin important possessions, they can't be left alone ever, they get sick in the car, they eat inappropriate things and get sick, they can't walk far and have to be carried, they have no sense of self-preservation whatsoever - like fluffy needle-toothed toddlers basically! It's enough to test anyone's sanity without the additional challenges of being a wheelchair user - just look on some of the puppy support threads if you don't believe me. Not saying you couldn't do it, of course you could if you really wanted, but if your only reason for wanting a puppy is trainability I wouldn't put yourself through the pain - I think you'd be much better off looking for a young adult dog - a nice bright 1-2 year old will have no trouble learning the tasks you want it to - in fact I think most service and assistance dogs don't start 'proper' training for their jobs until about 1-ish anyway, before then it's all just about installing basic training, house training, lead walking, recall etc. So if you can find either a rescue or someone privately selling/re homing a dog that's had at least some attention paid to these things you'll be in a much better place to start with!

Re the training, yes you can get trainers and behaviourists to come to you for training sessions (pre Covid anyway), you might even be able to find someone with assistance dog experience - not heard of 'stay away' training outside of the formal assistance dog training schemes through the charities, but maybe it exists? The trouble with that would be you really want the dog familiar with you, your commands and the 'home environment' rather than being drilled by someone expert and in an artificial or different environment and being totally confused when it all changes in your home, so I'd go for the in-home option initially, unless you also went to stay with the dog at the 'bootcamp'??

Good luck!

A large, strong and untrained Labrador could easily pull you over? I spent hundreds on training and a behaviourist and mine was still very unruly (at least with me). Maybe I was just unlucky though. A slightly older, calmer Labrador could work better.

Yep getting a dog in your situation is a great idea. There are a lot of trainers who will help you train your own dog to do assistant work (I am one of them!)

Once your dog has a few specific foundations assistance work is straight forward.If you can get a dog to hold, tug, touch with nose and paw you are on your way to having the door shut, washing machine emptied, card payment sorted, picking up things you have dropped , helping take on and of clothes, fetch you things you need etc.

I would do your research in your area (pm me if you need help with this) and contact a Dog aid or Shelrock Holme assistance dog and Assistance Dog UK.

Some will help you choose an older rescue dog that would fit your requirements some may be able to help with the puppy days if this is the route you want to go down.

Go for it!

Is there such thing as someone who would train the dog for me? Either someone who would come in daily or who I could send the dog to stay with.

Ultimately, you will need to train the dog. Training is a lifelong process, with reinforcement needed for life - else they will simply forget how to do many things.

There are, however, people who can come in and teach you to train your dog. You would probably benefit from one-to-one sessions with a properly qualified dog trained (APDT apdt.co.uk/ ) who can teach you the skills necessary to train your dog. I'm certain you wouldn't need daily sessions - a preparatory chat over the phone, with some weekly sessions (and then perhaps some less frequent ones to deal with emerging issues / teaching assistance type skills as the dog grows up a bit) should be ample.

The reality is that dog trainers don't directly train dogs. They train the owners on how to train their dogs For this reason, residential training isn't recommended - both because you need to learn, and because dogs are crap at generalising skills from one situation to another - meaning that they might be perfect at the trainer's home, but not realise that the same rules apply at yours!

I know labradors and golden retrievers are traditionally used for assistance dog work, but it's worth noting that they're not handed to the person they will be assisting until they're 18 months old or so - well trained, and past the teenage pest stage! I could see it being hugely challenging trying to deal with a bouncy young labrador when you're in a wheelchair.

For that reason, I would consider getting a smaller breed, with a fairly intelligent but biddable disposition. For instance, toy / mini poodles, and papillons, are often used for competitive obedience and agility work, they grow to a sensible size, and they are biddable friendly companion breeds. Unless there are tasks where you specifically need the dog to be able to reach up to a certain height (e.g. kitchen counters) or picking up very heavy objects, then I see no reason why a smaller dog couldn't fit the bill, such as picking up things.

If you get a lab get one from a steady working strain. Black male labs are usually the calmest, not always but usually.

I'm.a single parents
Also full time powerchair user
My lab boy is 6 this year

I have had him.from a puppy and have trained him to do a few things round the house with help of a trainer

Sorry do not know your level of disability so may not be relevant

Few breeders did turn me down as they could not see pass my chair but found one in End who was willing to discuss at least

I found toilet training was very hard trying get hold of a small wiggly puppy and getting him outside in time especially at night so did not go to bed till very late to avoid transfers

Also I did in winter and was so cold I wore a lot of onsies

He wore an harness when younger with clip on top so could reach from powerchair

Also from young age we worked on not pulling so by time older/stronger was not an issue
Does not pull at all and walks loose lead

Can say he never once used his full 37 kg strength but I do know I can hold if ever needed to .
Recall was another important thing as cam not chase off road

Walk wise we do a lot of walking again depends on your Power chair and ability

I now have off road chair so we go pretty much anywhere we want but even my nhs chair is fairly tough

Cam you amd yourl chair cope being out walking in wet and rain .I have a cape covers me and my chair

Transport do you drive or access to car if so get him used to it asap .
Mine will get in and go to his spot and wait be clipped in

Poo picking up I have a long poo pick up grabber looks like long handled dustpan

Agree dog walker are useful I have one for times I can't or unwell they also my home boarder .But I do 99% of his walks

I can hook his lead on my chair if needed
Top tip longer lead than normal as they need be able walk further from wheels
Teach them.word go behind if narrow paths so will follow behind (another reason for long lead

What side is your controller on as anyone who walks the dog will need to make sure always walk him on the same side that you have a free hand so that he not confuse and cross in front of your wheels

Hair wise can you Hoover up as typical lab hair is everywhere

I don't regret it and would not be without him but it's hard work .Would I do from a puppy again honest answer no but some of the reasons are similiar to non wheelchair users (tiredness etc )

You have all given me a lot to think about. Special thank you to @Gingerninja4

@Mixedupworld

If you want to ask any more questions etc you are welcome to message me direct if rather not ask here

I would be tempted to contact some gun dog trainers and see what they recommend. I would want a trainer in place, to support you in training your dog, before I even had my name on a waiting list for a puppy.

Guide dogs sometimes have retired guide dogs or dogs who hadn’t made it past puppy walking available. Obviously that depends on their criteria for rehoming and the dog itself being suitable. But they are already trained, bred to work and usually behaved and calm - my boy was ex guide dog pup so didn’t pass into training for medical reasons but was amazing. It’s something to consider/ask them if you’d be considered.

I currently have a golden retriever puppy, and it’s full on, he’s bright however and I’ve taught him loads (he’s 13 weeks) just wanting past the bitey stage at the moment but loving walks and meeting other dog walkers. I really hope you can find a way to have a dog, my ex gd died in may @ 11 and what he brought to our lives is immeasurable.

There is a wheelchair user round here who with a local dog trainer taught her dog to do useful things like empty the washing machine.

There is no reason at all why you can't have a dog. One of the nicest and happiest dogs I ever knew was owned by a bloke who used a wheelchair.

My SIL uses a mobility scooter, and at home she struggles to move around and do basic household tasks but she is training her Malamute cross GSD to be an assistance dog. She is still a puppy but learning fast. She does jobs like empty and reload the washing machine.

Meant to say her dog walks alongside the mobility scooter no problem as she has been trained to do so from a very young age.

I know someone in a similar situation who has a small toy type dog. Doesn't do much in the way of helping around the house but companionship is invaluable.

There’s a lady we see in the park who has two Staffies that run alongside her mobility scooter. She has the pooper scooper someone described and her chair goes at a great rate - both were rescues rather than puppies. I reckon a collie or a working cocker spaniel might also be good breeds to consider as well - they’re really clever and easy to train and love having a job to do (as do retrievers/labs) but are a bit smaller which might be easier for you in the puppy stage when you have to pick them up, and while they’re learning not to pull they don’t pull as hard as a bigger dog? And you could carry them on the wheelchair when they were little for socialisation.