Wheelchair-Mounted Dog Treat Dispenser

thingiverse

This dog treat dispenser is designed for mounting on a wheelchair, giving individuals with limited hand mobility or dexterity the ability to easily reward their assistance dogs for good behaviors. The device also serves as a handheld clicker, allowing users to implement the "clicker method" of training favored by many organizations. The entire device consists exclusively of 3D printed parts, eliminating any potential difficulties in sourcing components and requiring no electronics at all. This makes it simple and affordable to replicate. The project originated as part of the TOM Global Innovation Challenge and was undertaken with the collaboration of several individuals associated with PADS, a non-profit organization in Vancouver, BC that breeds, raises, trains, and supports certified assistance dogs. The team also received support from Tinkerine, which provided prints for design testing. This version is fully functional but still requires some refinement based on user feedback to make it as practical and easy-to-use as possible. Further development of the treat dispenser will continue with a focus on incorporating user suggestions. Videos demonstrating the device in action are available at: - https://youtu.be/7nEjaSM5ihQ - https://youtu.be/3KIXZ9USlOU