For many dogs, pulling on a leash comes naturally. If your dog pulls on walks, they’ll probably do great with pulling a scooter. Other dogs may need to be taught how to pull, especially if they’ve been trained to not pull on walks. We have a range of services and facilities to make Marwell Zoo as enjoyable and as accessible as possible for everyone. Training your dog to use a dog scooter is easy, even when they have never pulled before. Once you have fitted the harness , it will only take a little bit of patience (and maybe a handful of treats) to convince your dog that pulling a scooter is fun! For more information on training your dog, please refer to our Introduction to Dog Scootering .

Dog scootering may be too intense for older dogs, although there are no upper age limits. Running may be hard on an older dog’s body. They also may not want to run much. You can always try scootering at a slower pace and for shorter distances, to see how they feel. Health If you are visiting on a quiet day, for example outside of school holidays, most of the zoo is quiet. Although, you may come across the occasional group of school children. For dogs over 12 weeks of age. 1 chew per 9kg of weight. Do not exceed double the daily amount in a 12-hour period. Fresh drinking water should always be available. Chews can be split between AM and PM. We have 2 rows of accessible parking spaces in the main car park, close to the entrance of the zoo. Road train* Age plays a role in running ability, as well. Puppies shouldn’t be running until their bodies are fully developed. Older dogs may not be able to run like they used to and may do better with lower intensity sports (e.g. nose work, walking, etc.).Most dogs love to play games, and there are many options too, meaning you’re sure to find one suitable for you and your four-legged friend. From traditional dog toys to fun brain games, your dog can enjoy endless hours of playtime with you. Mushers looking to race on well-trodden paths of snow won't get much out of a toboggan sled since the larger loads add weight and reduce precision, but if you are looking to use your sled primarily for carrying passengers or load from place to place, these sleds are ideal. Some resorts or mountain hotels offer guided wilderness tours in dog sleds, an activity that primarily uses toboggan sleds due to their load-carrying capability. Toboggan sleds also plough right through deep powder so if your use demands trailblazing, a toboggan is a good choice. Lastly, you could try canicross, in which your dog pulls you as you run cross country. Canicross is probably the mushing sport that uses the least amount of equipment. Canicross is a good way to train your dog for mushing sports and is perfect for smaller, slower dogs. Final Thoughts First, get them used to wearing their harness without anything attached. Most dogs will take a few minutes to get comfortable if they have never worn a harness before. Distract them with toys or treats.

Feeding puzzles and snuffle mats are great for keeping your dog’s brain busy. These toys are designed for you to hide dog treats inside for your four-legged friend to find. It’s a good idea to have two or three different types and rotate them so your dog doesn’t become bored by the same challenge. Make sure you use the proper equipment to prevent accidents. For example, not using an antenna will lead to your scooter’s wheels tangling dangerously with the dog’s towline. Good quality equipment will also uniformly distribute the pulling force on your dog’s body, preventing injuries and chafing. Sled dogs like Huskies, Samoyeds, and Malamutes were bred for dog sledding and mushing. These breeds will have instincts that make them naturals at the sport. They have high levels of energy and endurance, as they were bred for pulling and running long distances. These breeds are also quite smart, but they can sometimes be stubborn. Q. My dog weighs less than 9kg. How many chews should I give them? A. For all dogs up to 9kg please administer 1 Scoot Solution regardless of weight. Scootering is safe for dogs if you use the correct equipment, proper training, and watch for signs of health problems. There is always a possibility of injury with any activity. However, with the proper precautions, dog scootering is quite safe.When using musher’s wax, you’ll need to apply it two to three times per week. The amount you need will depend on how much you’re dog scootering. Don’t overdo it though! I wouldn't consider myself a bike 'purist' either. I just wanted an alternative to car transportation as our family grew (kids and dogs both!). The Bunch Bike has been such a practical and joyful addition to our family life the last 6 years, I can't imagine doing it any other way. Your dog won’t tell you if they are feeling bad, so you will have to be the one to pay attention. Dogs will often try to continue running, even if they are hurt or not feeling good. Watch for signs of odd behavior (e.g. uneven running, limping, etc.) and stop if you notice anything wrong. If you are struggling to get your dog moving forward, try throwing a ball or treats in front of your dog to encourage them forward. Also, a friend can help you by walking or running in front and encouraging your dog to pull. Be patient and start slow while learning