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Common challenges faced during pet exercise/ play:
Common challenges faced during pet exercise/ play:
Disability-related physical limitations
Strength, range of motion, and dexterity
Access to appropriate environment and tools
Maneuvering of pet and mobility aids (e.g., wheelchairs, walkers, etc.)
Leash management
Managing inappropriate canine behavior
Vision
Stability, balance, and coordination
Interventions for exercise/ play challenges:
Interventions for exercise/ play challenges:
Alternative leashes
Alternative leashes
Leashboss, n.d.
Shortened leash
Shortened leash
Eases leash management demands
Chewy (Chai's Choice), n.d.
Multi-loop leash
Multi-loop leash
Provides options for changing dog proximity needs without needing to loop the leash around one's hand
Amazon (Gooby brand), 2021
Wrist strap leash
Wrist strap leash
Beneficial for those with limited grip strength or those using a mobility aid.
ULINE, n.d.
High contrast leash markers
High contrast leash markers
Beneficial for those with low vision to denote where on the leash they should hold.
Amazon (Hi Kiss), 2017
Long line leash
Long line leash
Useful for play in an un-fenced area.
NOTE: a long-line leash is preferred to a retractable leash. Retractable leashes pose a greater safety hazard to the user.
Amazon (Heelay), 2023
Wearable leash
Wearable leash
Beneficial for those with limited grip strength or those using a mobility aid.Â
Amazon (Ecoconut), 2020
Bike leash extension
Bike leash extension
Useful for those using a wheelchair or other mobility device. Keeps the dog further from the wheels to prevent running over paws.
Bold Lead Designs, n.d.
Wheelchair hook
Wheelchair hook
Beneficial for those with fine motor challenges related to hooking their leash onto their wheelchair.
Item can be found here.
Buckle-less collars/ leashes
Buckle-less collars/ leashes
Because the buckle on traditional collars requires sufficient hand strength, the following options are alternatives that do not include buckles.
Amazon (Country Design Store), 2012
Over-the-head martingale collar
Over-the-head martingale collar
Amazon (Pet's Company), 2019
Slip-lead
Slip-lead
Requires leash to be put on and taken off for every walk.
Amazon (Aiminto), 2023
Slip-collar
Slip-collar
Amazon (SGODA), 2017
Chain collar
Chain collar
Fetch
Fetch
Amazon (Chuckit!), 2004
Fetch stick
Fetch stick
Requires sufficient strength and range of motion to propel ball.
Amazon (Swingers), 2024
Automatic fetch machine
Automatic fetch machine
Note that this is not always the best option, as it inhibits bonding time with your pet. Requires dog to be highly trainable, with an owner comfortable teaching them a new skill.
Amazon (Dibbatu), 2024
Flirt pole
Flirt pole
Available in a variety of sizes and lengths.
Mental enrichment
Mental enrichment
Mental enrichment can often be as tiring for dogs as physical activity, and is an important aspect of keeping your dog mentally healthy. Note that it is not an alternative to physical activity for a dog, but can be used to support mor regulated energy levels throughout the day.
* = Not recommended for service dogs as it teaches them to eat off the floor.
Amazon (Aluckmao), 2022
Puzzle toys*
Puzzle toys*
Amazon (Aquapaw), 2023
Lick mat
Lick mat
Can be frozen for added challenge.
Amazon (Kong), 2006
Fillable treat tubes
Fillable treat tubes
Can be frozen for added challenge.
Amazon (Legend Sandy), 2024
Treat ball*
Treat ball*
This toy dispenses treats as the dog pushes it across the floor.
Amazon (Rundik), 2020
Snuffle mat*
Snuffle mat*
This toy allows you to hide treats that the dog must sniff out!
Leave It Blog, n.d.
The link above includes ideas for free or low cost mental enrichment ideas.
Julia Drahzal
Disclaimer: The suggestions on this website are not medical advice, and should only be implemented under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist.
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