Whisker Bark Wheelchair Video Instructions
What's In The Box
The steps below refer to these parts by name.
The Setup
Set the frame before your dog goes in it. Length first, then width, then height.
Adjust The Length
Loosen the screw, slide the length extender to match your dog's body, then tighten it down. The end of the extender should sit roughly level with the centre of the shoulder blades.
The side extenders should stop before the front legs.
Adjust The Width
Slide the frame in or out until it sits around your dog without pinching, then tighten the screw. Snug, not clamped.
Your dog should have room to move without sliding around inside the frame.
Adjust The Height
Loosen the knob, raise or lower the wheel bars, then tighten firmly. Your dog's rear toe pads should lightly touch the ground, and their legs should still be able to move.
If your dog cannot use their back legs at all, set the height so the paws rest without dragging.
Right. Toes lightly touching, natural posture.
Avoid. Too high they dangle, too low the rear drags.
Install The Harness, Front And Back
The front harness ring clips to the plastic mount on the length extender. The back harness ring clips to the blue knob. Both should hold firmly without pulling on your dog.
Front. Ring onto the plastic mount.
Back. Ring onto the blue knob.
Stirrups, If You Need Them
Stirrups hold the rear paws up if they drag or knuckle under. Retie the knot to shorten or lengthen the cord until the stirrups sit just above the hock.
Use both or neither. A single stirrup throws their balance off.
Install The Leg Rings
The leg rings take the weight when your dog cannot use their back legs. They should sit close under the hindquarters, and never hang lower than the hock.
The frame's knuckle should align around mid hip level.
Install The Belly Support
The belly support runs under the abdomen and buckles over the back. Check the buckles are on top, not pressing underneath.
Always release the stirrups before removing your dog from the wheelchair.
Check The Fit
With your dog standing in the frame, all five of these should be true. Fix anything that is not before the first walk.
- Knuckles aligned with the hips, back straight.
- Harness buckle sitting near the shoulder blade.
- Extenders level, parallel to the ground.
- Extenders centred on the body, not pulled to one side.
- Rear toes lightly touching the ground, or stirrups resting just above the hock.
From Curious To Confident
Most dogs need several short sessions before they will walk in it willingly. Do not rush the first day.
Motivation First
Work before mealtime with high value treats. A slightly hungry dog pays more attention.
Let Them Investigate
Assemble the wheels and leave them nearby. Let your dog see, sniff and explore at their own pace.
Harness Practice
Put the front and back harness on without attaching it to the frame. Let them wear it around for a bit so it feels normal.
Connect And Celebrate
Once they are relaxed in the harness, clip it to the wheels. Treat and praise straight away.
Encourage Forward Movement
Hold a treat at nose level and step back once. Let them come to you. A few steps is a good first session.
Keep Sessions Short
Five to ten minutes at a time, a few times a day, with rest in between. Build up from there.
- Keep early sessions in a clear, open space.
- Use a short leash for control at first.
- If they get nervous, detach and try again later.
- They can potty in their wheels, but they cannot lie down in them.
Sizing And Fit Problems
Measure your dog standing naturally on a flat surface. Back height is from the ground to the highest point of the back near the hips. Body length is chest to the base of the tail. Hip width is straight across the widest part of the hips.
| Size | Back Height | Hip Width | Body Length | Suggested Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XXS | 4.5 to 9.5 in | 5.0 to 6.5 in | 9.0 to 14.0 in | Under 10 lb |
| XS | 5.0 to 13.5 in | 6.5 to 9.0 in | 12.5 to 17.0 in | 8 to 20 lb |
| S | 8.0 to 19.0 in | 8.5 to 11.0 in | 16.5 to 24.0 in | 20 to 40 lb |
| M | 8.0 to 21.0 in | 10.2 to 13.0 in | 21.5 to 26.0 in | 35 to 55 lb |
| L | 19.0 to 23.0 in | 12.5 to 14.5 in | 25.0 to 28.0 in | 50 to 80 lb |
Between Two Sizes
Size up. The larger frame is more comfortable and has more adjustment range to work with.
Wheels Look Too High
Your dog will be dangling with no weight through the rear toes. Lower the wheel bars until the toes lightly touch.
Wheels Look Too Low
The rear end drags and the frame tips backward. Raise the wheel bars until the posture looks natural.
The Frame Pulls To One Side
The extenders are not centred. Loosen both sides, recentre on the body, and retighten evenly.
Paws Still Knuckle Under
Add the stirrups and set the cord so they rest just above the hock. Use both, never one.
Wrong Size Entirely
Free size exchanges within 30 days. Send us your three measurements and we will confirm the right one.
Care And Maintenance
Cleaning. Rinse off dirt or sand as needed. Wipe with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly before storing.
No oiling. The wheels do not need lubricant.
Before each use. Check that screws, clips and adjustment knobs are still tight.
Storage. Somewhere cool and dry, to keep the frame free of rust.
Replacement parts. Email us and we will send what you need.
Warranty. The frame is covered for one year against defects in materials or workmanship. If something breaks under normal use we repair or replace it. Non transferable.
Need A Hand
Email contact@whiskerbark.com with your dog's three measurements and two photographs of them in the wheelchair, one from the side and one from behind. We can sort out sizing, exchanges or returns from there.
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