Make your dog's equipment work for you.

Equipment Adaptations

Everyone has their own abilities, and what works for one person may not work for another. This includes when working with an assistance dog. Here are some helpful equipment adaptations to give you ideas of what can be changed on equipment and what might work for you.

Leash clips | Collar buckles | Leash styles | Waste clean-up tools

Leash Clips

Depending on your hand dexterity, standard clips on most dog leashes can be challenging to open. Test out which types of clips work best for you. A few options are presented below.

To test what works best for you, go to your local hardware store. They typically have a few different types you can try. Then find a leash with that type of clip. Alternatively, you may need to make it by adding the clip you like to the leash you like.

Standard clip

This is the standard clip that most dog leashes have. You traditionally need the ability to pull down with your thumb to open the clasp.

Magic Latch

A Magic Latch uses magnets to attach and a dual pushing motion to detatch. If you are able to push forward with a finger and thumb, this device may be helpful for you.

Trigger style

This type of clip is similar to the standard clip. However, this one has a larger area to place your thumb so it doesn't slip off as easily.

Carabiner

A carabiner style clip can be easier as other fingers can open the latch or it can be pressed onto the D ring of the collar to be attached.

Double pinch

This style clip has a double pinch mechanism so you can pinch together with two fingers to open the clip.

Pinch clip

This is another type of clip that you need to pinch with your fingers or press the D ring on the collar through. As this one has a lip for the D ring to rest on it can be easier than the carabiner but it has a smaller opening.

Collar buckles

Depending on your hand dexterity and finger strength, standard clips on most dog collars can be challenging to open. Test out which types of buckles work best for you. A few options are presented below.

To test what works best for you, go to your local pet store. They typically have a few different types you can try.

Standard pinch buckle

This is the standard clip that most dog collars have. You traditionally need the ability to pinch together with thumn and forefinger. These clips often come in metal or plastic, so test which material is easier for you to open.

Buckle clip

This buckle is like a standard belt buckle clip. This style needs more dexterity and precision to secure.

Martingale collars

Martingale collars can have buckles or no buckles. Martingales are good for slipping the collar over the dog's head rather than buckling and buckling them.

Pinch buckle

This is another style of pinch buckle. The part that you pinch on this buckle is smaller than a standard pinch buckle collar.

Leash styles

Leashes come in many styles. Beyond the style element, you need to make sure that the leash you choose helps you maintain control of your dog. Depending on your balance and coordination, certain types of leashes may be easier or more difficult for you to use. Test out which types of leashes work best for you and your dog. A few options are presented below.

The great thing about leashes is that they typically come in different styles (flat vs round), thicknesses, materials, length, etc. Go to your local pet store to find what works well for you. Then, to get all the qualities in a leash you like, you may need to search online or have one custom-made for you.

Standard leash

Standard leashes come in various lengths, thicknesses (flat vs round) and hand grip textures. Make sure to test out various types to see what works for you.

Cross-body/Euro leash

This type of leash is considered "hands-free," meaning that you don't need to hold the leash with your hand. However, you will need good core strength and balance if the dog were to pull.

Hand leash

A hand leash is similar to a standard leash but instead of you holding the end of the leash, it wraps onto your hand like a glove. This is a good option if you also need to hold a cane or walker for example.

Waist leash

This is another style of "hands-free" leash, meaning that you don't need to hold the leash with your hand. However, you will need good core strength and balance if the dog were to pull.

Retractable/Flexi leash

This style of leash is generally NOT recommended for assistance dog handlers as you do not have good control over your dog when on this type of leash.

Leash tips for wheelchair users

For power or electric wheelchair users, Cross-body/Euro leashes are often a great option. These leashes have a lot of extra clips or rings that can be attached to your wheelchair at various points, allowing the leash length to be longer (for toileting, retrieving, etc.) or shorter (while walking).

For manual wheelchair users, hand leashes can be a great option as they allow you to keep your hands free to propel yourself. Additionally, this can be safer than wrapping a leash around your wrist or body, as it can be easier to drop in an emergency.

Waste clean up

Cleaning up your dog's waste is not always an easy task. Depending on your abilities and limitations, picking up dog poo can often be challenging. Test out how you plan to pick up your dog's waste before getting a dog.

To figure out what works for you, determine

1. If you can reach the ground. If not, you will need a tool with some added length.

2. If you can you pinch a tool to open and close it.

3. If you can or need to use both hands to scoop it.

Hand clean up

Cleaning up your dog's waste by hand is the most common but not easy. To do this, place a plastic bag over your hand before picking up the poo.

Collapsible pinch clip

This waste clean up design requires that you can reach the ground and can pinch the clip to open and close the tool around the poo. It also allows you to add a bag for easy disposal

Pinch with length

This waste clean up design adds extra length and requires that you can use hand grip strength to pinch the tool to open and close it around the poo.

Double hand scoop

This waste clean up design adds extra length but requires two hands to push the poo into the second bag for disposal.

Scissor scoop

This waste clean up design adds extra length but requires two hands to collect the poo into the center to be disposed of.