Royal blue wavy background with white pawprints going up the left and right sides of the image.

Equipment Adaptations

Everyone has their own abilities and what works for one person may not work for another person. This includes when working with an assistance dog. Here are some helpful adaptations that you can test to see if they work for you.

The three types of assistance animals th

Alternative to a standard clip

~Magic Latch

Depending on your hand dexterity, standard clips on most leashes can be challenging. A tool called a Magic Latch ia another alternative. A Magic Latch uses magnets to attach and a dual pushing motion to detatch. If you are able to push forward with a finger and thumb instead of pulling back with the thumb, this device may be helpful for you.

Alternative to giving treats by hand

~Lickety Stik

Depending on your finger dexterity, giving treats can be difficult. A Lickety Stick is a tool that you can buy that you hold in your hand and your dog can lick at. This relieves you from having to grab individual food or treats to provide to your dog.

On the left is an image of a hand holding a dog treat. There is a red "X" over the hand and a red arrow pointing to the right. On the right of the image is an image of a "Lickety Stik" which is a tube design with red, yellow, blue and green packaging.

On the left is an image of a hand holding a dog treat. There is a red "X" over the hand and a red arrow pointing to the right. On the right of the image is a product image of a "Treat Toob" which contains a soft blue squeezable tube.

Alternative to giving treats by hand

~Treat Toob

Depending on your finger dexterity, giving treats can be difficult. Similar to the Lickety Stik, a Treat Toob can be used. A Treat Toob however, can be filled with your choice of reinforcement for your dog such as wet dog food or other soft dog-safe food options.

Alternative to standard leash

~Hand leash

For some people, holding onto a standard leash greatly limits their ability to do other things such as rewarding their dog. A hand leash, that secures to the hand, allows a person to use their hand while also holding onto the leash. This can be a great alternative for some people and their dog.

A leash with a hand attachment that wraps around the hand and incorporates the person's thumb.

Silhouetted image of a person walking on the left and dog on the right. There is a red leash that goes over the person's shoulder and across the body and attaches to the dog's collar.

Alternative to a standard leash

~Cross-body/Euro leash

For some people, a cross body or Euro leash work well because their dog does not pull on leash so the person can be more hands free. This design is often adjustable, extending into a longer leash when needed and allows them to be hands free as well.

Alternative waste clean up

~ Telescoping handle

Depending on your mobility, picking up your dog's waste can be challenging. This pooper scooper design has a telescoping handle to change the length that can be reached. The bags are also removable for easy clean up.

On the left is a silhouette image of a hand with a poop bag around it about to pick up poo. There is a red "X" over the hand and a red arrow pointing to the right. On the right of the image is a poo collector device that has two telescoping handles and bags that attach to the base. There are two pieces, one for the bag and one to help get the poo into the bag.

Alternative to waste clean up

~ grabber

Depending on your mobility, picking up your dog's waste can be challenging. This pooper scooper design requires grip strength to close the grabber around the waste. This design typically doesn't involve a bag to assist in disposal.