- 1). Identify the reasons for your dog's mobility issues, and determine whether it needs support for the front or hind legs. The dog may need temporary relief of pain during exercise, short-term rehabilitation after an injury or operation, or long-term use for partial or complete paralysis.
- 2). Test your dog's ability to propel itself using its front legs, as this will help determine its suitability as a wheelchair candidate. Cut two holes in an old towel, place the dog's front legs through the holes and lift the rest of its body on the towel, keeping it level. Assess whether the dog can walk normally using its front quarters.
- 3). Determine whether your dog has the spirit to want to be mobile again. The dog's attitude is a major aspect in the success of a dog with a wheelchair, and a dog that is bright and alert in spite of physical challenges is more likely to learn a new way of walking.
- 4). Measure the spaces and entrances in your home. If your dog needs to use the wheelchair indoors as well as outdoors, it will need to be able to get through the doorways without getting stuck, and to turn around in the different rooms.
- 5). Assess your dog's ability to learn a skill such as this one, particularly if it is an older or timid dog. Dogs that have been trained in basic obedience are more likely to be good candidates for training to use a wheelchair.
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