How to Train Your Dog to Pull You on a Scooter

About 2.5 years ago, I decided it would be a good idea to train my dog to pull me on my scooter. Since then, it's become a daily thing. My dog and I go out almost every day and roll down the streets. It's great exercise.

In this instructable, I will give some tips on how to get started scootering with your dog.

Step 1: Supplies.

You will need the following:

• A dog. Medium to large is preferred, and this dog will need to be in good health.
• A scooter. Regular ones are preferred.
• A leash. This attaches your scooter to your dog.
• A harness. I don't own one that fits my dog, but due to feedback from other users I have decided that I should get one and everybody should use a harness when doing a dog scooter pull.

Step 2: Assemble

Attach your leash to both your dog's collar and your scooter handle.

Step 3: Motivate!

Other Person Running Ahead

This strategy worked best for my dog. I had my mom run ahead and I held my dog back and eventually, he would bark and I would let go and he would chase after her.

Treats

This idea I have only tested once. I threw treats ahead and my dog chased after them. This was successful but used a lot of treats.

Fetch

My dog doesn't fetch, so I couldn't try this. It works only in theory. Throw a ball ahead of your dog and they chase after it.

Celebrate!

If your dog is pulling, tell them they are! "Good pull, good dog!" After some time, your dog will (hopefully) start to recognize "pull" as a command to start running forward.

Step 4: Practice.

Just because your dog can pull now doesn't mean they won't forget. Keep walking them on the scooter every day!

Choose a nice area to use as your pulling route. A smooth sidewalk is key, as bumpy ones make it hard to go fast.

Always remember your dog is a dog. Dogs like doing doggy things, such as sniffing and using the bathroom while you are trying to get them to pull you. This is okay. Let them sniff. Let them use the bathroom. But don't let them just stand there.

Sometimes your dog will be in full sprint mode and suddenly stop to sniff something, and your scooter keeps moving forwards. This causes for one to fall if they do not react quickly enough. So always keep your foot on the ground and pay attention.

Be careful when crossing streets. Your dog might rather sniff than cross, so make sure to hold them close when you are near an intersection. I ignored this for a while and then fell down in the middle of a street when the dog held me back. Not fun.

Know your dog. If your dog barks at other dogs, hold them back when other dogs come near. If your dog likes to sniff a certain spot, be ready to stop there. If your dog goes poop on walks, bring a poop bag.

I hope you and your dog enjoy scooter pulls!

Comments

[JadeS27]

As well as using a harness, ensure you have water for him on trips longer than 30min or when it's warmer than usual, and do not rely solely on him when going uphill. It is also recommended to have his hips and joints checked, and not do this with a dog under 18 months :)

[calmonte1]

Dude, choke your dog much? Use a harness - don't choke your dog.

[jabujavi]

Be careful... You could harm your dog's neck with this kind of collar.

There are types of collar for this purpose.

[ProfessorPi]

Huh, I wasn't aware that could happen. I'll look into using it, thank you!