It's a ruff ride! The new dog-powered scooter that lets your pooch walk you

It's a ruff ride! The new dog-powered scooter that lets your pooch walk you

By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 10:25 AM on 16th January 2009

At first glance, it reminds you of an old motorcycle and side-car. But this pooch-powered scooter is being hailed as the the latest in dog walking technology.

Owners simply strap their dogs into a harness, which is attached at the side to a scooter. The human rider can put on the brakes and retains directional control, just in case an excitable dog decides to veer off in the wrong direction.

It was created by bored dog-walker Mark Schuette from Oregan, U.S. And his unique take on 'walkies' has already stirred plenty of interest.

The standard scooter and dog-pulling harness is £380, with the option of adding up to three more pulley's, costing £170 at a time.


Does your dog have energy to burn on this dog-powered scooter?

'We have all seen dogs and sleds and their owners shouting 'mush' at them to control them,' Mr Schuette said.

'Well this system allows the dog walker to give their dog a similar workout, but they keep themselves in complete control.'

Mr Schuette said dogs require very little training to use the scooter.


Running on treats: This is the sports version of the dog-powered walker which allows the owner to pedal and get some exercise too

He added that the device suited most breeds, and could be used in all different locations, no matter the weather conditions or age of the rider.

'Most healthy, confident, young and driven dogs get over the "fear" of being next to wheels and restricted side to side movement in one session - but some may be more spooked and then take repeated sessions,' he said.

'This is a relatively quick and straight-forward task compared to teaching the voice commands necessary with the dog out in front.'


Pooch patrol: Mr Schuette insists dogs do NOT get the raw end of his invention

Mr Schuette said the rider could also benefit from the exercise.

'When the dog is running slow, then the human owner can actually up the pace on the scooter to give himself more exercise than the dog,' he said.

Mr Schuette dismissed concerns that the scooter was unfair to dogs.

'The location and the way the dog is harnessed into the scooter was designed to be neutral to the units handling, and place no weight on the dog,' he said.

For the more adventurous owner and his pooch pal, there is a sports version of the scooter which retails for £735.

Named the 'tadpole' the sporty scooter is more like a horizontal bicycle and guarantees to give both dog and owner a vigourous workout.

Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1118722/Its-ruff-ride-The-new-dog-powered-scooter-lets-pooch-walk-you.html