[nagdu] new harness

Sat Oct 8 13:57:34 UTC 2011

Ann,

Excellent!  This is exactly what I needed to know.  We have a farm 
supply store here.  they carry horse equipment.  I'm sure they will have 
the saddle soap.

I think I have some sort of oil here.  I'm going on an expedition to the 
basement to see if I can find it.

Thanks much!
Julie
On 10/8/2011 3:54 AM, Ann Edie wrote:
> 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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