What would be the best companion dog for a wheelchair bound person?

Question

Preferably a lazy and loveable dog that can deal with not being walked everyday. One that would be easy to train to use puppy pads or newspaper to use the bathroom. She also cant lift a heavy dog to do things like grooming or bathing so maybe something small to medium.

Answer 1

If she is looking for a "companion" dog...show about a SHiuh Tzu or a Maltese (both require regular grooming) or a Pug or a Boston Terrier???

All are reasonable small...the first ones require LOTS of grooming...the second two don't.

Hope this helps.

BTW - all of these breeds can be "active" by nature but if taught to be calm and accepting...there you go....it's all in the training.

Answer 2

I recommend you contact   www.cci.org

They are the Canine Companion for Independence Organization and can tell you all you need to know.

The situation you describe sounds tricky and that's just their area of expertise .

Answer 3

Shih-tzu's are nice little companions, as are Cavalier King Charles spaniels, and Tibetan spaniels.  I would recommend finding a reputable breeder that has adults for placement (lots of breeders place their dogs when they have finished showing or breeding, and they are well behaved, and well travelled).

Best of luck.  I'm sure a companion dog would increase the quality of your friend's life.

Answer 4

Yellow Labrador!

i had one from the time i was 2 till she died when i was 14 and she was the best dog..ever=)

Answer 5

You may want to have the person talk with a shelter and find a dog that is docile and easy-going.

It may be worth it to look into a dog that is already trained, from an agency that provides service dogs to those in wheelchairs. That way, the dog will already be acclimated to a person in a chair and will obediently walk on a leash beside it, etc.

Puppy pads or newspaper aren't the best idea for bathroom breaks. A fenced-in yard that a dog can be let out to use the bathroom in is better.  

Answer 6

This is something I have seen.  I own an Akita but they are not the best dog for a wheelbound person.  The doberman is.  They are loving, loyal, friendly and ( protective ).  

Answer 7

I would suggest a Lab.  They don't really need grooming, and I'm sure somebody could take it to a groomer from time to time for a bath if needed.  They also make great therapy dogs, and with a little training the dog could double as a helper and pick stuff  up for her, do lights, etc.

No dog of any size or shape should ever use potty pads forever- it's not natural and it tends to make them believe the house is a toilet, which means she'd have a lot of potty messes to clean up- and it sounds like scrubbing carpets is probably out of her range of abilities.

If you prefer a lapdog, a smooth Chihuahua or Chinese Crested are both great one-person lap dogs that require minimal grooming and are easy to pick up.

Answer 8

Nicly trained Golden Retriver

But Dobermens are my personal Favorite and i love them Loyal,Kind likes to please owner and will be calm around newcomers(Dobermens NEED to be trained and treated like mans Best friend Not abused or they will turn on you (only if u abouse it though)

Answer 9

hi,

to know what type of dog will suit you, you can use this dog finder match up http://dogtime.com/matchup/start

the goal here is to help you figure out what type of dog best suits you and your personality. The results of the match up will suggest certain breeds.

hope this helps

Answer 10

I suggest a Mi-ki, they were originally bred to be therapy dogs, are very small and sweet. They love to just cuddle up in someone's lap and just sleep. They are about 10 pounds and they do have a lot of hair, so will need to be brushed. All my customers that have one, keep it long still and just trim up the face and feet and sanitary. Their coat is rather easy to brush, so this breed would be perfect.

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/miki.htm