Even a small dog can pull a person off balance and cause a fall. I am very experienced with dogs, and I strongly recommend not walking the dog if you can't get around without the walker. Hire someone, please.
I’d say you don’t at all. We have an elderly neighbor who uses a walker. We’ve seen him several times out with his dog, and watched the dog become excited by another dog, or something else. It quickly puts this sweet man off balance and pulls him over. It’s a disaster waiting to happen
That you have to ask such a question should indicate a person using a walker is in no position to be walking a dog! Anyone in need of a walker is mobility impaired to begin with and a dog is excitable on a good day. Put those two factors together and an ambulance ride is likely going to be in this person's future.
I'm assuming you are asking if there's a safe way to do this or if it should be done at all? I think it depends on the size and temperament of the dog and where they are walking. A very tiny dog (less than 12 pounds) who is more senior and very historically very calm and well behaved may be safe. Anything more than that would probably be a hard no for me.
My mom is 92, has a cast on her dominant arm from a break and has a 13 lb, 13-yr old Jack Russell Shorty who is fairly strong and muscular and I don't let her walk her dog right now, not on her quiet flat suburban street where the dog can dart after squirrels. Her dog is deaf so can't hear any commands.
I am with Geaton here. This really depends on the dog. I would say it would have to be a very well trained dog. Maybe better to pay a responsible neighborhood kid to walk the dog. My daughter used to walk my friends dog for her for the exercise.
Reading the replies below: of course, there is nothing to stop the person hiring the suggested dog walker *and* going along for the walk too.
I also got to know a man who carried his (fat white and skinnier brown, not sure of the breeds) dogs on his mobility scooter - once they got to the park, the dogs jumped off and had their runaround. I've never owned a dog who could have been trusted to do this but those two seemed to love it.
I see this often where my clients are, in a senior community development. The dogs seem to know or figure out quickly not to get in the way - similar to when a dog is in bed with you and you move - the dog moves and QUICKLY.
What's important: * you are AWARE at all times where the dog is when / while you are walking with a walker; * try different ways of walking, very slowly, to see what the dog does; * be aware of proper placement of the lease - do not secure it to the walker as if the dog runs the other way, the walker goes with it (and down you go); * how does the dog react to other dogs? If a dog is a 'bolder' (runs after other dogs), this could be a 'fall risk' for you as you will be holding onto the leash or it will be secured to something on you; I've seen a dog 'walk' with a disabled person on a motorized scooter. I initially felt alarmed / concern although the dog seems to know how to walk with it. Of course, the scooter is going slow. * KEY IS TO TRY IT OUT IF YOU FEEL CONFIDENT and BE VERY VERY SLOW. Try indoors (hallways?) first if you have room. Be 110% focused / aware of what the dog is doing. Gena / Touch Matters
I think that it depends on the walker. I have a Trionic Veloped which is an all terrain walker for the outdoors. I also have a Liberty Wristband that I’ve attached to the center bar of the walker that holds a double handled leash. When the leash is full out, my dog can move side to side to sniff and do his business. I carry poop bags in the zipper pocket of the large bin of the walker. If someone is approaching, I pull him in to use the handle that keeps him on a short leash. I hold it along with the handle and he heels beside me as they pass. The Trionic Veloped is a Swiss rollator that’s made to go up and down curbs, on trails, goes up and down hills (has good ABS brakes that I squeeze slightly when going downhill, and that lock when you need to lock them), has a seat, and goes through the snow like butter so it’s also an all weather rollator…even goes up a shallow set of 11 steps in my community. It’s definitely made for outdoors though and it’s expensive at around $1400 but worth more than twice than that because it’s given me back my outdoor freedom that I had mostly lost, as walking with a cane was slow and made for short outings. My dog knows the command “don’t pull” and knows his other basic commands. He will still try to take after a cat if he sees one but a sharp “no” and squeezing the brakes on the Veloped stops him in his tracks.
If you can afford it, and you like to be outdoors, I cannot recommend the Trionic Veloped enough. They also have regular walkers that are more indoor/outdoor that would probably do very well also and thus be of double use. I have a small Trust rollator that has a tray for indoor use that I bought for assistance when making dinner. I’m able to load the tray with all my ingredients and spices and roll it to the counter, and by putting a wooden cutting board on it, can even transport things from the oven to the stove and vice versa. I also use it to transport folded laundry to their destinations. It’s important to find the tools that help you continue to lead a “normal life” when disabilities suddenly appear as you age. I got over being embarrassed about it fairly quickly and now embrace every gadget and gizmo that can help me lead a better life.
A small, older dog may be a good choice. A shelter will likely let you try a dog out.
Right now, I have a broken wrist. Why? Because last year when my beloved longtime dog died, I ran to the shelter and adopted Rocky, a 80-pound dog who is now 2 years old. I am almost 6 feet tall and weigh 165 pounds. Until I broke my wrist when he pulled me down, I was not frail. But here I am. I have recently purchased a choke collar, which helps when he goes wild for a car or a dog or squirrel (as I walk him with my arm in a splint. He still needs his walks.) I think dogs can be sanity savers. But make sure you get the right dog for you. Rocky has been a lot for me. Good luck!! 🍀.
My mom is 92, has a cast on her dominant arm from a break and has a 13 lb, 13-yr old Jack Russell Shorty who is fairly strong and muscular and I don't let her walk her dog right now, not on her quiet flat suburban street where the dog can dart after squirrels. Her dog is deaf so can't hear any commands.
I also got to know a man who carried his (fat white and skinnier brown, not sure of the breeds) dogs on his mobility scooter - once they got to the park, the dogs jumped off and had their runaround. I've never owned a dog who could have been trusted to do this but those two seemed to love it.
What's important:
* you are AWARE at all times where the dog is when / while you are walking with a walker;
* try different ways of walking, very slowly, to see what the dog does;
* be aware of proper placement of the lease - do not secure it to the walker as if the dog runs the other way, the walker goes with it (and down you go);
* how does the dog react to other dogs? If a dog is a 'bolder' (runs after other dogs), this could be a 'fall risk' for you as you will be holding onto the leash or it will be secured to something on you;
I've seen a dog 'walk' with a disabled person on a motorized scooter. I initially felt alarmed / concern although the dog seems to know how to walk with it. Of course, the scooter is going slow.
* KEY IS TO TRY IT OUT IF YOU FEEL CONFIDENT and BE VERY VERY SLOW. Try indoors (hallways?) first if you have room.
Be 110% focused / aware of what the dog is doing.
Gena / Touch Matters
If you can afford it, and you like to be outdoors, I cannot recommend the Trionic Veloped enough. They also have regular walkers that are more indoor/outdoor that would probably do very well also and thus be of double use. I have a small Trust rollator that has a tray for indoor use that I bought for assistance when making dinner. I’m able to load the tray with all my ingredients and spices and roll it to the counter, and by putting a wooden cutting board on it, can even transport things from the oven to the stove and vice versa. I also use it to transport folded laundry to their destinations. It’s important to find the tools that help you continue to lead a “normal life” when disabilities suddenly appear as you age. I got over being embarrassed about it fairly quickly and now embrace every gadget and gizmo that can help me lead a better life.
Right now, I have a broken wrist. Why? Because last year when my beloved longtime dog died, I ran to the shelter and adopted Rocky, a 80-pound dog who is now 2 years old. I am almost 6 feet tall and weigh 165 pounds. Until I broke my wrist when he pulled me down, I was not frail. But here I am. I have recently purchased a choke collar, which helps when he goes wild for a car or a dog or squirrel (as I walk him with my arm in a splint. He still needs his walks.)
I think dogs can be sanity savers. But make sure you get the right dog for you. Rocky has been a lot for me.
Good luck!! 🍀.
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