Mark Schuette, Dog-Powered Scooter: Pet Pro Profile
February 1, 2010 by Paris and John
Filed under News
Mark Schuette, Inventor of the Dog-Powered Scooter
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Mark Schuette leads the pack on a dog-powered scooter.
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Are you looking for a way to exercise with your dog–but without him being off-leash. The Dog-Powered Scooter is an interesting option that really caught our eyes–especially when we read about the great option it presented for blind dogs, offering them the ability to run yet be guided by their pet parent. The inventor of the Dog Powered Scooter (and trike and skateboard!) is Mark Schuette of Bend, Oregon. We caught up with Mark to learn more about these scooters:
Can you tell us about your background and how you first came to invent the dog-powered scooter?
My real job is an architectural designer/draftsman specializing in solar homes but I am a hobby inventor with other inventions – hand paddles for whitewater kayaking, bicycle carriers for motorcycles, portable rock climbing walls, Eskimo rool simulator for whitewater kayaking, and others.
I just noticed how we love to have our dogs pull us– skateboards, bicycles, scooters, skis, sleds, etc. – but they are all dangerous since the dogs are out front and need extensive training and commands or reins like horses. Also the footprint is so large you still can’t do that “out front” method in the high density urban environment which is where most of the people/dogs are.
I knew the dog had to be “behind” the steering wheel not out front so I started with the cheapest vehicle which is the kick scooter. I had a third wheel out on the end of the outrigger bar- which I thought it would need for stability– but, because the dog is clipped in on each side of him, it is very stable on its own. I eliminated the 3rd wheel soon.
it was more fun also with out the wheel, you could lean it, it hit less bumps, it was cheaper and less stress on the frame. I tried all the different places to place the dog behind the front wheel and at the side – next to the rear wheel was best. The dog actually makes the scooter more stable that way. then I started attaching my system to all sorts of human powered vehicles and it worked on everything !
What makes the dog-powered scooter different than traditional dog mushing equipment?
The dog is behind the steering wheel– thus no dog training is necessary since they have nothing to do with the steering. and the dog is clipped into the bar on each side– so the dog cannot turn his shoulders to pull you to the side– he can only go forward– thus you can’t crash.
Anyone can ride this — kids and old folks, too. It even has application for the disabled. The dog-powered wheelchair is in the future. The system also can be scaled up for mini-horses or scaled down for the small dogs like Jack Russell Terriers and Boston Terriers–you will just need several of the small dogs.
The other great benefit of my system is the dog control offered- the dog cannot get to other dogs, or to other people things. etc. so it’s great for the reactive/aggressive dogs–and may help keep some dogs from being destroyed. And it give the homeless dogs in the pound a marketable skill that will help them get adopted faster.
Some dogs cannot be let off leash–like huskies and pit bulls–and this will allow them to run and get the exercise they need. It would also be great for the blind dogs who will now finally be able to run–since the rider does all the steering !
What size of dogs can use the dog powered scooter?
(See above) it all depends on the rider’s weight–light riders can use smaller/lighter dogs. it only takes 4-5 lbs of pull to hold the rig and rider (180 lbs) at speed on the flat (pavement or packed dirt)- so it’s no more pull necessary than a dog would pull on a leash. It also works with mini-horses, goats, etc. Remember the rider can do any or all of the work if you just want your dog to keep up.
What advice do you have for dog lovers who would like to introduce their dog to the sport of dog mushing? What special steps should they take to introduce their dog to the dog powered scooter?
My system can be spooky for about 1/2 the dogs so they will take 3-5 sessions but the other 1/2 take to it in 15 minutes! Just take it slow and don’t overly spook the dog by rushing and just clipping them in–ease them into the restriction by taking the bar off and using it as a temporary leash, or walking them under the bar without hooking them in, etc. To prepare your dog, get them over any spookiness towards wheels, and have them pull something heavy around the yard to get them used to being attached to something.
What else would you like the readers of dogtipper.com to know about your work and dogpoweredscooter.com?
If used recreationally (1-3 times a week for lower mileage less than 5 miles each session) then no booties are necessary but for intensive use on pavement then use booties (with the thicker rubber soles).
Try the dog-powered trikes (photo, right). They are totally stable and 100% safe. The scooter is still quite stable and more of a sport and more fun–and remember you can hook up to four dogs up on each unit for lots of power.
For more information:
Photos courtesy DogPoweredScooter.com
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