The details in these tabs will describe the designs, features, and options available for wheelchair leashes. We know it’s a lot of information but we want you to have the details so you can choose the best option for your needs. The photos illustrate the options. Consider downloading and printing out the Complete Wheelchair Leash Info Packet to review at your leisure. This document includes everything you need to know.
Adjustable! 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.
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 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 determined point on the wheelchair so you can accurately see how the leash will work in each position.
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: 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.
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:
- 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).
- 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.
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 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.
**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.
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:
Regular half-inch wide (12.7 mm) is recommended for most dogs and people as it’s sturdy for any size dog, yet not too heavy. If you like a wider, heavier leash and larger hardware, select the wider option. For leather, the widest option is 5/8″ and for brahma the widest option is 3/4″.
Premium Leather:
Our leathers are incredibly durable, yet flexible. They feel great in your hands and if well-conditioned and maintained they simply get better and more supple with age. Leather will be assembled using braids in most cases, as braids are the strongest, most reliable method.
Our Golden TAN BRIDLE Leather is 100% American vegetable-tanned leather, hand-oiled to bring out the golden tones and softness. The color will darken to a chestnut brown with use and age.
Our lovely BLACK LATIGO is solid black, and superior to ordinary leashes in texture and quality, cut from select USA hides. Our black leather is thick and sturdy for a super strong leash.
Brahma Soft-Grip—a vegan leather alternative:
Brahma Soft-Grip is constructed with webbing on the inside and a durable, non-tacky PVC coating on the outside. Easy to care for: just wipe clean with soap and water. Brahma is always assembled with screw posts for durability. This material is heavier than leather (in a comparable width), and does not soften over time the way leather does. Black is the most popular color for wheelchair leashes, but assorted bright and classic colors are also available.
Available Brahma Colors:
- BLACK
- HUNTER ORANGE (high visibility)
- PURPLE
- BRIGHT MINT GREEN
- TEAL
- COBALT BLUE
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.
Premium Leather:
Leather care is easy! Don’t worry too much, and don’t be afraid to use your items — we promise leather is incredibly resilient, and regular weather won’t hurt it. If you think your item looks dirty, dry, or just need a little extra love, pouring a little leather conditioner on a cloth, and rubbing it in like lotion will usually do the trick. Baths and a jaunt in the river are just fine, but you might want to offer a little conditioner to your products afterwards. Saltwater can be harsh, so after a visit to the ocean, a good rinse in fresh water and proper conditioning will help preserve and protect your treasured leash or collar. See our Leather Care page for more specific information.
Brahma Soft-Grip—a vegan leather alternative:
Brahma Soft-Grip is constructed with webbing on the inside and a durable, non-tacky PVC coating on the outside. Easy to care for: just wipe clean with soap and water. Brahma is always assembled with screw posts for durability. This material is heavier than leather (in a comparable width), and does not soften over time the way leather does. Black is the most popular color for wheelchair leashes, but assorted bright and classic colors are also available. Just ask for available color choices!
Jessica Bourke (verified owner) –
This is my favorite leash for use with my wheelchair!