[nagdu] new harness

[Tracy Carcione]

This is probably a dumb question, but if you tightened the shoulder
straps, would it pull the handle up to his shoulders?

As Ann said, when we got our new harnesses at TSE, we spent a couple days
putting oil on them.  I think it was oil one evening, wait a bit for it to
soak in well, then put a second coat.
I'd like to get some saddle soap or something to clean Ben's harness, but
I'm not sure where to get it.
Tracy


> 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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