Isle of Wight charity Remap has supported another local charity, Ability Dogs 4 Young People, with a piece of custom-made equipment to support people with disabilities.
Frequent mobility scooter users can sometimes face a challenge with everyday tasks. For some, rewarding pets can be difficult to do.
Remap is a charity that custom-makes equipment to help disabled people to live more independently. Its network of 800 volunteers across the United Kingdom responds to thousands of requests for help every year, with the custom-made equipment service always provided, free of charge.
The Remap branch in the Isle Of Wight were asked by Ability Dogs 4 Young Persons, another charity based in the Isle of Wight, to develop a way for those with mobility scooters to reward and praise their dogs with treats. The Engineers at the branch, were happy to take this project on and develop a piece of custom-made equipment needed to help.
Robert was the local Remap Volunteer Engineer who took on the project. After discussing it with the individuals at Ability Dogs 4 Young Persons, they met with Mabel the dog, and her owner to agree on the solution needed. Robert put his knowledge and skills to use and made an electronic dog treat dispenser attachment for the back of the scooter which can deliver treats on demand.
When the button on the arm of the scooter is pressed, a treat is released automatically from the container on the back of the scooter. The treat then travels down the funnel into the tray at the bottom, ready for Mabel to catch. This has helped Mabel and her owner to do reward training more effectively, ultimately strengthening their bond.
Not a sarcastic question – as a non dog owner can I ask why dogs need so many treats? Is it good for them? I can’t remember any of my neighbours offering them to their dogs who didn’t seem to expect them either