While you may see your dog as your child and completely harmless, they remain wild animals by heart and they may not accept unusually restrictive devices or wearables when these are forced on them. If your dog becomes disabled or has lost bladder control, they will need the use of assistive care with doggy diapers, belly bands, and more being fitted to them.
Simply put, your dog may not like it if they aren’t trained to accept assistive devices for dogs in the right way. With time, patience, and the right approach, your dog will not only accept their supportive aids but also look forward to a special time with you while you change diapers or fit wheelchairs.
What Aids Do Disabled Dogs Need to Learn About?
There are several aids that your disabled dog will need to learn acceptance of, depending on their unique disability. An aid for a disabled dog is any device or wearable that helps manage their condition better, such as a doggy diaper, belly band, canine wheelchair, drag bag, carry sling, eating chair, crib, and more.
Since most of these aiding devices are restrictive, your dog may not naturally accept them and could struggle or try to get out of the devices or wearable aids. Like any good fur parent, it’s up to you to convince your dog of the need for these aids and help them understand you aren’t trying to harm them.
Training Tool Kit
To help you teach your dog about these foreign devices they need to accept, you may need several tricks that reward your dog while encouraging them to accept and use assistive devices for dogs.
Some rewards you can use include:
- Food rewards such as a tasty treat
- Vocal praise with favorite words like “good boy” or “good girl”
- Physical praise like ear scratches, rubbing their head or patting their body
- Release from the aid, such as removing a restrictive belly band, or giving them a lift out of the canine wheelchair
- A break or doing a fun activity your dog likes, such as cuddling in front of the TV, having a nap together, or playing ball
The Training Mindset
To be an effective dog trainer, whether you are training for an assistive device, a trick, or obedience, you need to develop a training mindset. This means that whenever you are with your dog, you are actively training them (even when you think you’re just hanging out with them).
The training mindset is about:
Asking clearly and in small increments
You may only ask your dog to lie next to the belly wrap in the beginning. Next, you may ask them to carry it over their back, and then finally progress to wearing it.
Reward appropriately and at the right time
When you ask, you should reward as soon as your dog tries even a little bit. So asking them to take a step in the wheelchair for the first time may only happen once you reward them for that first shift of weight as they lean forward.
Knowing when enough is enough
Humans are naturally competitive, and we may push our dogs harder than what is good for them. Seeing when your dog is mentally or physically tired is good training practice, and you should stop before they become sore or confused.
Don’t bring your ego or issues to the training session
Projection is how we handle what’s going on in our lives, but it’s unfair to the dog. If you start saying your dog is dumb because you feel like you’re not making progress with them, know that it’s the projection of your own fears (“I’m not good enough to train them.”). So retrain how you think while you practice patience with your dog.
Step-by-Step Training for Your Disabled Dog
Let’s really get into the specifics of training for some common assistive devices for dogs now. Each approach will need to be tailored to suit your dog’s age, ability, physical health, and any PTSD factors you may have to deal with daily.
Training for Diapers and Belly Bands
Wearing a belly band or diaper is something odd that not all dogs will readily accept, and they may not like having it on them for long periods.
So before you begin training, here are a few tips:
- Make sure your diaper fits correctly by measuring your dog according to the manufacturer’s specifications as an uncomfortable diaper will not encourage your dog to accept it.
- Choose a soft and comfortable diaper to begin with, and if your dog has a rash from urine or incontinence burns, treat these first to prevent uncomfortable rubbing.
Now start by letting your dog thoroughly sniff the diapers before you gently drape it over their body. If they are unbothered by the nappy, you can proceed to gently fitting the diaper. Remove the diaper by gently slipping the close tabs and then rub your dog as a reward.
Training for Wheelchairs
Teaching your dog to accept a wheelchair will require a similar approach, but it may take quite a bit longer, or your dog may enjoy being mobile again so much that they’ll just accept it in one go.
Once your dog is happy to sniff their wheelchair, you can drape your dog’s favorite blanket over the wheelchair, helping them sit in the chair or on the cart. Next, begin to strap your dog into their wheelchair, tightening the fastenings one at a time until you have fully secured your dog.
If they start to squirm, you can slowly loosen a strap until your dog becomes calm. Having the help of a second set of hands will help if your dog is large or very immobile.
Hot Tip: Never leave your dog in their wheelchair unattended, and ensure they have a safe and wheelchair-friendly home environment to prevent them from catching the wheelchair on things and panicking.
Training for Carry Straps
A carry strap is a type of harness that loops under your dog’s ribcage or around their rump so you can lift and support the part of their body that’s weak. If your dog is already used to walking on a leash, this will be an easy transition.
Start by letting your dog sniff the straps, then gently and slowly fit them, never forcing a leg into place. Start with small lifts, gently offering support, not taking your dog’s full weight or forcing it up.
Take care not to unbalance your dog, and if they squirm, allow them to sit down, but don’t suddenly release all support either.
More Articles About Helping Your Disabled Dogs
- How to Use a Dog Sling to Help Your Disabled Dog Potty
- Canine Wheelchair – Things You Need to Know About Dogs in Wheelchairs
- The Emotional Impact When Caring for an Incontinent Senior Dog
Final Training Tips
When you are teaching your dog to accept assistive devices for dogs, you will need patience and loads of one-step-forward, two-step-back resilience. You know the device will help your dog, but they don’t.
Don’t give up, keep asking in small steps, reward even the smallest try, keep sessions short, and celebrate each victory. You are doing great, and your dog will thank you for being such a supportive and caring parent.