[nagdu] new harness

[Ann Edie]

Hi, Julie,

A tack shop, or on-line tack shop, might be a good place to look for leather
care and leather softening products.  TSE used to have students spend
several days using saddle soap to soften their new leashes and especially
harnesses before putting them on the dog for the first time.  The dogs wore
old training harnesses while the new ones were being softened, which was
good because those first couple of days the risk of a dog chewing the
harness out of stress was the highest, and if a harness was going to be
ruined, it was preferable that it be an old one.  Anyway, working saddle
soap into the leather will definitely help to soften the leather.

We usually use some kind of oil on new leather to waterproof it.  Neatsfoot
oil is what is traditionally used.

Once the leather is "broken in", we use saddle soap to clean it periodically
and a product such as "Leather Therapy" to condition the leather.

Panda's leather guide harness has lasted over 8 years already, and it is
still in great condition.  My big horses' halters, saddles, and bridles have
lasted 10-15 years and more with not-too regular care, as long as they are
kept out of damp places where mould can get started on them.  I'm told that
a vinegar solution is best for removing mould if it does appear on leather.

Best,
Ann


-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
Of Julie J.
Sent: Friday, October 07, 2011 2:57 PM
To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Subject: [nagdu] new harness

Hello all!

I have a harness review and some questions.  As you already know I broke my
foot quite spectacularly.  Resulting from that, I haven't been able to walk
for almost three months now.  Beginning on Wednesday I can begin to put
weight on the foot, which will eventually lead to being able to walk!  I'm
excited!

I decided to cross train Monty to assist me with mobility tasks as well as
his guiding.  We have been working on brace for a while now.  He's 
doing great.   Up to this point I've had him brace with no harness or a 
soft vest.

The new Bridgeport mobility harness arrived today.  Here are my first
impressions.  Please be sure to note this is primarily a mobility harness
that I'm hopefully going to be using temporarily while I recover from my
foot injury.  I'm hoping to transition back to a guide harness later.

I got the two strap 6 inch rigid handle mobility harness in brown, size
large. I haven't used a leather harness in many years.  I was surprised at
how stiff the
leather was when I first picked it up.   I bent and twisted the straps 
to try to soften them, but I think it's going to take quite a bit to really
work the leather.

Next observation was that this thing has a load of buckles.  It took me
quite a while to get them all adjusted to fit Monty.  He was not amused with
how many times I had to put the harness on and take it off again.  Both of
the shoulder straps adjust, the martingale, the girth strap and the second
strap that goes further back on the rib cage has adjustments on both sides.

It's a total of 6 buckles.

The front of the harness is essentially in the shape of a print letter Y.
The center of this Y has a padded leather plate that sits against the dog's
breastbone.  I really like this feature.  It doesn't restrict the shoulders
and keeps any pressure on the breastbone.  It's almost the same as the front
of his nylon guide dog harness.

the main body of the harness consists of two straps that go around the dog.
This is to keep the harness stable since it's used to help you keep your
balance or support some of your weight.  the harness cannot slip around or
shift.  the girth strap is wider, maybe 1 inch.  At the top of this strap is
where the
handle is attached.   The top of this strap is wider, maybe 2 inches. 
The handle is covered in leather.  It comes straight up and is fixed in
place.  the second belly strap is a bit narrower, maybe 3/4 of an inch.
These two straps are connected by leather straps at the top and bottom of
the harness.

What I don't like:
The straps are very stiff and difficult to adjust.  I think this will
correct itself with time and use.
The fake sheepskin padding is cheap.  It's already coming off.  I think I
will replace it with different padding, but I'll wait to see how it wears.
the  belly strap is sewn into the martingale, which means that I have to
either buckle and unbuckle the shoulder straps to get the harness on or pull
a foot through the loop of the belly strap and martingale.
The fixed handle sits right behind his shoulders.  any weight put on the
handle is going to be on his spine instead of the shoulders, which are much
stronger.   I don't think this will be a huge problem, since I am 
anticipating needing balance help more than weight bearing help.   I 
think if I do need
more than the occasional weight bearing assistance, I will need to look for
a different harness.  I don't think this one would be safe for long term
use.

What I like:
the front Y shape of the harness and the chest plate are a good design
feature.
The leather used is high quality.
The buckles and other hardware are also excellent quality.
The second strap helps a lot to keep the harness from twisting on the dog
without adding a lot of weight.
Customer service was courteous and helpful each time I called.
The price of the harness is extremely affordable.

I think it will work for what I need in the next few months.  I think though
if I decide I need a mobility harness long term, I will have one custom made
with the handle over the shoulders.

My questions are about leather care.  I haven't had a leather harness for
quite a few years.  Is there something I can do to make the leather softer?
I've been bending and twisting it.  Is that all I need to do is just keep
working it?  Also is there something I should put on it, like some sort of
oil or leather protector?  I think I have some stuff I bought for leather
boots, but I can't remember what it is and I don't know if it's still good.

If there is anyone here that uses your guide for mobility assistance, I'd
love to hear what you've found helpful and what didn't work. So far all I've
taught Monty is brace, which means to stand still and steady while I push or
pull to get up from a chair or the floor.  Eventually I plan to walk holding
onto the rigid handle, using it primarily for balance.  I will have him
brace on curbs and steps.

I think for the next little while I'll be moving slowly enough that I will
be able to have him guide with the rigid handle.  When I can walk at
something approaching a normal pace I will either go back to his regular
guide harness or add a guide handle to the mobility harness.  If I go with
the second option, I would most likely use the guide handle when walking,
then switch to the rigid handle for curbs, steps and uneven ground. That's
the plan and plans change. *smile*  I'll just have to wait and see how
things go in the next few weeks and months.

Julie



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