Wheelchair-Mounted Dog Treat Dispenser

myminifactory

About this Project: This project makes it easy for wheelchair users with limited dexterity to train and reward their service dogs quickly and conveniently. The Challenge: We worked together with PADS (Pacific Assistance Dog Society), a non-profit organization in Vancouver, BC that breeds, raises, trains, and supports certified assistance dogs, partnering them with people living with disabilities. At PADS and many other organizations, assistance dogs are trained using the clicker method. Good behaviors and successful commands are marked with a distinctive noise from a handheld clicker, followed by a dog treat. Many wheelchair users who have service dogs find it hard to use a clicker and give treats due to reduced mobility or dexterity. There is a need for an easy-to-use wheelchair-mounted device that can make a clicking noise and dispense treats. The Solution: A 3D-printable device was designed to deliver treats and actuate a typical handheld clicker using a simple pushing motion at the same time. It can be mounted on the side of a wheelchair using a commonly available type of mounting bar and bracket. The device is made entirely of 3D printed parts in order to eliminate any potential difficulties sourcing components, and does not require any electronics. It is both easy and affordable to replicate. Short video demo of the finished product being used at PADS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nEjaSM5ihQ Close-up video of the device being used: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KIXZ9USlOU