BLD’s exclusive Wheelchair Leashes have been developed for people that have quadriplegia, those with limited strength, limited hand dexterity and/or arm movement, and anyone who simply needs a user-friendly option that is convenient to use with a wheelchair. Designed to work with our specially designed Leash Hook Attachment, these Wheelchair Leashes can have multiple positions for different tasks and activities.
- The first and only dog leash specifically designed for wheelchair users
- Hands-free leash attaches to the wheelchair with a special hook
- Tangle-free design prevent snags and hang-ups
- Available in premium leather or Brahma soft-grip material all with high quality, durable hardware
- Satisfaction guarantee and a LIFETIME WARRANTY
- see PDF: Complete Wheelchair Leash Info Packet
There are three design options. Click the tabs above to see details of each design, sizing, material options, and other details.
Consider downloading and printing out the Complete Wheelchair Leash Info Packet to review at your leisure. This document includes everything you need to know.
All wheelchair leashes are adjustable! We use a special adjustment called a Conway buckle to provide several inches of adjustment at the “dog end” of the leash. This provides approximately five to ten inches of length adjustment, depending on the leash style.
#1 Standard Quad WC Leash
#1 Standard Quad WC Leash
This is the most common leash we’ve made for our clients with quadriplegia, so we’ve made it one of our standard options. The Standard Quad Wheelchair Leash has two positions: long and short. Large rings are strategically placed to connect the leash onto the Wheelchair Hook Attachment.
The leash features a regular leash handle to make it easy to use as a regular leash. The O-ring on the handle drops onto the hook to attach the leash to the wheelchair. This long position is a good length for the dog to maneuver around the wheelchair.
What makes this leash special is the big ring used to shorten the leash – to bring the dog in close next to the wheelchair. A large Double-Ring sticks out away from the leash so it’s easy to target onto the hook.
The dog-end of this leash adjusts from 16-24″ (40-61 cm) in length for keeping the dog at a close working position. It’s adjustable so you can make it exactly the right length to prevent the leash from getting caught or tangled in the wheels while allowing the dog to move with and lay down next to the wheelchair.
Available in 2 overall lengths:
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40 inch Standard Quad Wheelchair Leash (101 cm): The handle section is 16″ (41 cm) from the handle ring to the Double-Ring, with the dog end of the leash at 16-24″ (40-61 cm).
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48 inch Standard Quad Wheelchair Leash (122 cm): The handle section is 24″ (61 cm) from the handle ring to Double-Ring, with the dog end of the leash at 16-24″ (40-61 cm).
How to use the Standard Wheelchair Leash:
- Drop the handle ring onto the Wheelchair Hook to attach the leash to the wheelchair. This will be the longest position.
- To shorten the leash, drop the double-ring onto the Wheelchair Hook (over the first ring).
- To lengthen the leash again (to open a door, go through a doorway or retrieve an object, for example) simply lift the double-ring off the hook to lengthen the leash.
- Use it as an ordinary leash by taking it off the hook.
#2 Trainer's WC Leash
#2 Trainer's WC Leash
This two-position leash is specifically designed to be used by trainers who work with multiple client/dog teams. The Trainer’s Wheelchair Leash is similar to Option #1 in length but has a fully-adjustable large O-Ring that can be positioned at any length along the leash for the short position when dropped onto the Wheelchair Hook Attachment.
The adjustable ring is handy when you switch it to another wheelchair that requires a different leash length for the dog to work close. This leash can also help you determine which leash length or options will work best for the client, so they can later order their own leash that fits their needs.
The leash is 4 feet long (48 in./122 cm) and has our classic Conway adjustment buckle at the “dog end” of the leash to shorten the overall length up to 8 inches. To adjust the close position on the leash, simply slide the ring to the right position. Leash is used the same way as the Standard Wheelchair Leash.
ONLY recommended for training applications, as the ring is not fixed, and is not designed to hold a specific position over a long period of time.
#3 JJ Special WC Leash
#3 JJ Special WC Leash
**highly recommended!**
Originally custom-made for a client, this leash with three adjustable positions is quickly becoming a customer favorite. The JJ Special is designed to be compatible with most wheelchairs (manual or motorized) to allow for a short, medium, and long length. Three adjustable sections of leash are connected with O-rings which drop onto our specially designed Wheelchair Hook. This leash ends in an O-ring—a separate Traffic Lead handle can be clipped onto the O-ring to use as a regular leash if desired.
Each section adjusts 16-24” (40–61cm) in length so you can make each section the length you need to be safe for you and your dog. In the short position, the leash will allow your dog to work close to the chair without excess slack in the leash to get caught or tangled. The medium position may be perfect to allow the dog to get behind the wheelchair to go through a doorway, to move in front of the wheelchair, or to lay under a table. At full length, the leash has plenty of room for retrieving or relieving. The overall length of leash is 4-6 feet (122-183 cm) depending on how each section is adjusted. You’ll make a one-time adjustment to each section so that the dog can perform their work without getting the leash tangled or caught in the wheels.
Assistance from a friend may be required to make the original adjustments.
How to use the JJ Special:
- First, drop the giant O-ring at the handler end of the leash onto the Wheelchair Hook. This creates the long position.
- Next, drop the giant O-ring in the middle of the leash onto the Wheelchair Hook to use the medium leash position.
- For the short position, drop the third giant O-ring onto the hook. The leash is now looped up onto the hook to prevent the excess leash from dragging or snagging on objects or wheels.
- To return to a longer length, simply lift one or two rings off the hook.
- If desired, clip on a separate traffic lead handle to use as a regular leash.
Sizing & Measurement
How to determine the leash length:
To determine the length for your leash, it’s always best to measure real-life scenarios with your wheelchair and dog. These measuring instructions will guide you, and you can find measuring videos on our website. You may need a friend to assist for accurate measurements.
Wheelchair Leash for use with Hook Attachment: Measuring Instructions
1) Determine a point where you want the leash to attach to the wheelchair. Choose a location that is within reach of the user and that is structurally sound so not to damage any part of the mobility device.
2) Attach an ordinary old leash on the dog’s collar or harness.
3) Hold the leash or loosely wrap the leash around the previously determined point on the wheelchair so you can accurately see how the leash will work in each length position on our wheelchair leashes.
4) Now, have the dog perform some ordinary tasks. Be sure the leash is short enough to prevent the lead from becoming trapped in the wheel and/or motor, yet long just enough for the dog to comfortably maneuver and perform the tasks.
A) First, ask for tasks that keep the dog close to the wheelchair. Examples: have your dog lie down, sit and walk next to the wheelchair. Remember the leash will have several inches of length adjustment.
B) If you are ordering a leash with 2 positions: have the dog perform tasks that require slightly longer leash. IE: getting in front of or behind the chair to go through a doorway; laying down under a table; retrieving a dropped object that is relatively close.
C) If you are ordering a leash with 3 positions: have the dog do tasks on a longer leash. IE: open a door; retrieve an object a bit further away; relieve, take a break, etc.
5) For each task position, measure the old leash from the attachment point on the wheelchair to the dog’s collar (or harness).
6) Repeat each task and measure a few times to yield the most accurate results.
Material & Hardware Options
Hardware:
We use only the highest quality hardware—most of our hardware is stainless steel or solid brass for durability and longevity. Stainless steel bolt snaps are standard on all of our wheelchair leashes. Other leash snaps are available by special request, please see page 22 of the info packet.
Leash width:
Medium half-inch width (12.7 mm) is recommended for most dogs and people as it’s sturdy for any size dog, yet not too heavy
Leather: Constructed with sturdy, elegant braids
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Medium 1/2 inch (12.7 mm)—Medium half-inch width (12.7 mm) is recommended for most dogs and people as it’s sturdy for any size dog, yet not too heavy
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Large 5/8 inch (14 mm)—A substantial leash that’s not too bulky, large hardware
Brahma: Constructed with screw posts
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Medium 1/2 inch (12.7 mm)—Medium half-inch width (12.7 mm) is recommended for most dogs and people as it’s sturdy for any size dog, yet not too heavy
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XL ¾” (19 mm)—A heavy leash with XL sized hardware, only for large to giant dogs
These products are intended for use with fully trained service dogs/assistance dogs/pet dogs that have excellent leash manners. We’ve designed all of our Wheelchair Leash options to manually detach from the wheelchair in the event of an emergency situation. Why? Because it’s simply a smart idea!
Only you can determine if letting go of the leash and attaching it to your wheelchair is the right choice for you and your dog.
Attached leashes (fastened to a person, wheelchair, or another mobility device) are not safe for all dogs and/or users of wheelchair/mobility devices. Please choose your equipment wisely and use it responsibly.
Do not use wheelchair leashes with an untrained dog. Not for dogs that pull on the leash. Wheelchair leashes must NOT be used with dogs that lunge or are difficult to control, as this could be very dangerous. Additionally, DO NOT USE FOR PULLING A WHEELCHAIR.
Please note: If your strength or dexterity is limited, you may need assistance from a friend to install the wheelchair attachment and make the initial adjustment to the leash. Once attached and adjusted, the leash will remain at the desired length and is easy to connect to and remove from the wheelchair.
