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Awesome hands-free dog walking system

Apr 26 04:16

Walking your dog while you’re sitting down just got a whole lot easier thanks to this bad boy, the Hound-a-bout, invented by C. John Stanchina, a crafty paralyzed guy with a love of dogs. Wheelchair-users can now embrace all the joys, and not so joyful joys, of active dog walking.

I always wanted a French Bulldog and I’ve always wondered (if I ever got lucky enough to snag that dog), how I was going to “walk” the dog from my wheelchair. I’d obviously use my free non joystick-using hand to hold the leash, but the whole experience always scared me since I can’t move my fingers and have no grip.

I would first think, “Oh hey I could just wrap the leash around my wrist,” but then the fear of, “What if my dog takes off running and pulls me out of my chair?” crosses my mind. I could ensure I get a dog that never does that, or, I could just buy the Hound-a-bout, this new brilliant hands-free dog walking system intended for wheelchair-users, or for anyone else who’d like their hands free while walking their dog (hello moms with strollers).

And after checking out how the Hound-a-bout works, I can’t believe no one has thought of this before. The system is so simple, yet so smart. It consists of is a 5’ foot tall aluminum tube that goes into an empty wheelchair armrest slot that’s made for tubular armrests (if your chair doesn’t have that style, they’ll create a system that’ll work for you).

And at the top of the tube is a Flexi Classic One Long retractable leash, that gives the dog 360 degree walking ability and 26 feet or leash roaming space, as well as the option to walk completely around the wheelchair-user (who are up to 6 feet tall). This of course will vary for some of you out there who have different seating systems…either way though, this hands-free dog walking system is a damn good idea. I do wonder how I’d feel without one armrest on my chair, but I suppose it will work for those out there with good balance (or strap on the ‘ol chest strap).

Now you’re thinking price, right? So was I. So for a cool $119.00 + $20.00, you can get one shipped right to your door. I think this price is reasonable, considering all the benefits you get out of it, and even more especially if you’re outside with your dog a lot.

Check it out! Hound-a-bout

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1. johanna | Feb 05 03:45

first, i'll disclose that i am an SCI animal professional in a wheelchair. the flexi-leash part of the set-up with a 26 ft roaming space is just a bad idea. one does NOT have control of one's dog with this leash, ESPECIALLY for those who don't have good hand and arm strength or functionality. these leashes do NOT allow for control of problem situations with other dogs, kids, cats, passersby, traffic, sign posts, etc. they are also dangerous in that they can wrap around beings and even the wheelchair, and one cannot grab a thin, cutting, cord like this in a stressful situation without hurting oneself badly. furthermore, keep in mind, it is the owners who are responsible when situations happen with animals. also, the 6ft tall pole attachment to the wheelchair is dangerous. no matter how much roaming space one's attached dog has, the chance of being flipped over, is always there and greatly increased by the height. dogs aren't robots and even with great training, can be unpredictable.

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By Tiffiny Carlson

Tiffiny Carlson Disability buzz, travel, fashion and dating — fun things to amp up everyday wheeling life.

Tiffiny Carlson is freelance writer and writes the “SCI Life” column for New Mobility. She's also a C6 quad from a diving accident that occurred when she was 14 years old. A lifelong resident of Minneapolis, Tiffiny has been a writer in the disability community for over 10 years and writes for several publications and blogs, as well as her personal blog BeautyAbility. Her work has also appeared in mainstream publications such as Nerve.com and Playgirl.