Leash Walk
Intervention Summary
Goals: Gait training
Patient task: Patient holds the dog leash while walking
Dog task: Dog walks next to patient at matching pace
Scale: Assistive device, Speed, Surface
Equipment needed: Secondary dog leash
Intervention Overview
Have your patient grab the leash and take your facility dog for a walk! This activity is a great way to encourage continuous ambulation, challenge walking with additional distractions, or simulate walking the patient’s own dog with their current limitations.
Patient Instructions
Have the patient holding onto secondary dog leash and their assistive device, if necessary
Patient and dog walk together
Dog’s Role
Dog positioned next to patient
Handler uses primary leash, patient holds onto secondary leash
Interaction level: active
Scaling
Make it easier:
Use patient’s usual assistive device
Allow patient to determine pace
Make it harder:
Perform without assistive device
Handler increases pace of dog to encourage patient to walk faster
Walk outdoors (grass, sidewalks, etc.)
Additional Notes
Equipment: Secondary dog leash
