Frequently Asked Questions for Walkin' Wheels®
A selection of 'Frequently Asked Questions':
To help you decide whether our Walkin' Wheels® is the right solution for you, we have compiled a list of 'Frequently Asked Questions'. Please don't hesitate to Ask Us if you have a question or concern not covered on this page or elsewhere on our website
- Q: Why should I buy from wheels4dogs and not direct from the USA?>
A: When you bring goods in to the UK or EU from outside there are importation charges and delays. Once bought and international shipping has been paid there will be Import Duty and VAT payable on the full amount to date on arrival in the UK. There is also a charge from the shipping company for handling & administration. The goods will not be released for delivery until these charges are paid. Some companies insist on writing a letter detailing these fees so the whole process is much slower. Customs may also choose your parcel to inspect. At Wheels4dogs we have already shipped the goods into the UK in bulk and have paid all the fees incurred. - Q: Do you take Credit or Debit cards?
A: Yes. I use the Worldpay online system which requires me to take details over the phone. I also use Paypal and accept internet or direct bank transfers. - Q: How long will it take to arrive?
A: On the UK mainland I use a local shipping company APC. If you order by 15:00 today, the wheelchair will leave me tomorrow. I quote 3 – 5 working days on this website but often they are delivered next day.
Shipping to Highlands, Islands and throughout the EU takes longer but all items should arrive within 7 -14 working days maximum. Disputes, extreme weather conditions both in the UK and Europe can of course affect delivery but this is outside the control of wheels4dogs.co.uk or my Couriers. - Q: Why does my dog try to go backwards?
A: One of the first things I learnt when researching was that, when dogs are walking, they push forwards with their back legs and use their front legs for braking and steering. Initially they will need to learn how to walk with their new walking aid. - Q: How heavy is the wheelchair?
A: This varies with size. A wheelchair for a GSD or Labrador is about 5kgs. They fold flat for easy transporting and come with a bag for carrying. - Q: Are there any limitations?
A: You need to be realistic about what you expect your dog to be able to do. Older dogs or if you dog has had surgery they will need to build up strength and stamina. If you had been inactive or injured, you wouldn’t expect to walk 5 miles straight away and your dog will be the same.The wheelchairs for large dogs are quite wide and may not fit through all doorways and some gates. - Q: What about going up and down hills and steps?
A: We live in Cornwall where it seems we are always going up or down hill! For steep uphill stretches, I hooked the lead on to the back of the frame and gave a gentle pull. Going downhill I acted as a brake, again hooking the lead onto the rear frame. When you are out you can lift the back of the chair using the frame. You dog can learn a system which you and they understand. Up or downhill is similar to hills, just take things slowly. - Q: How does a female dog squat to pee?
A: Heidi tried to adopt the correct position but what actually happens was that she picked both feet up. I’m afraid to say that the first time she did this, I burst out laughing. It worked well though. - Q: How quickly will my dog get used to the wheelchair?
A: The wheelchairs come with guidance on ‘getting going’. Initially let them get used to the look of the wheelchair, then the feel of the harness. Put them in it for a few moments on and reward them for being good. Treats will help as well as lots of fuss. Try and make sure only good things happen while they are in the chair. Encourage them to take one or two steps and again use lots of praise. A very gentle push may help. Once moving, lots of praise and they’ll soon be leaving you behind. - Q: Should I have foam or pneumatic tyres?
A: It depends on the life your dog leads. If your dog is older, is likely to do walks on fields, sand, roads and footpaths for even a few miles, then the foam wheels will be sufficient. If you have a larger and young dog that has had an injury or accident and you plan to go for long walks over very rough ground then the pneumatic wheels are tougher and may be better. It’s worth noting also that the pneumatic wheels are heavier. - Q: Can it be adapted for another dog?
A: There’s a lot of adjustment within the wheelchair. 2 or three inches in height and the wheelchair comes supplied with long side arms and a longer width extension so that flexibility is already there. You can also buy larger wheels to fit to your existing wheelchair so there are lots of options available. - Q: Do I need the carrying harness?
A: The Walkin’ Wheels® comes supplied with carrying handles which can be clipped on to the leg rings for carrying your dog for short distances. When you dog is in the wheelchair you can lift their back legs, for going up steps, using the frame and it’s much easier than trying to lift a furry, wriggling dog. Every dog is an individual so there’s no definite answer and its best to see how your dog gets on before deciding. Your vet may also be able to advice. - Q: Do you have second hand wheelchairs for sale or hire?
A: I have a long term plan to offer second hand or rental but this is dependent on my buying back used wheelchairs. It’s worth asking when you contact us. - Q: What happens if the purchase cannot, for some unforeseen reason,
be used? Would my money be just going down the drain?
A: I have a Returns Policy and a Buy Back policy on the website and comply with current legislation. Please read these policies carefully and, if you have any questions I will be happy to answer them. - Q: What price will you pay me to buy back a wheelchair?
A: This depends on the condition of the wheelchair and how much wear and tear there is. I cannot re-use the harness or leg rings for hygiene reasons so I am not prepared to buy these back. I will also not cover the cost of returning a used wheelchair.
