[nagdu] Offset or ergonomic handle

[Applebutter Hill]

Hi Julie,
When I got my first dog from GDF in '71, they were using mostly straight
handles. John Biegle had already started modifying the English handle which
was offset with the "verticle" pieces closer together than they are now, and
he occasionally gave his modified version to students who were crowding
their dogs. GDF was using the offset handle almost exclusively when I got
Curly Connor in '83, and the other US schools didn't come around to its
benefits for years after that.

I didn't have a problem crowding my dog, and he wasn't doing the "crab walk"
that occurs when people cronically crowd, but I noticed an instant benefit
with the offset handle. My second dog, Curly Connor, seemed to settle into
working with me more quickly and I never had to work on slowing him down.
That could just be differences in dogs, I know, but I would never go back to
the straight handle.

With the offset handle, the working team is a bit wider, which is the point,
but that does mean that you need more room to work. The only draw-backs are
that it does stick out and can bang into things like your legs when the dog
is heeling, as in when you are taking someone's arm. Also, the dogs tend to
role only on their left side when lying down in harness, as rolling onto
their right side doesn't work as well for them. I don't consider either of
these issues to be deal breakers as they happen infrequently and are easy to
work around.

That said, as a person with hand/wrist issues, I am more than a little
interested in the ergonomic handle. As to your advice that people ask the
school if it would be OK, however, I am reluctant to approach them that way.
I would ask if they use it, if they would consider using it and if not, what
their objections might be. But, once you have your dog (assuming you have
opted for ownership, which GDF offers), I would just go get the handle and
use it. The only question that would be relevant would be as to the
length/size of the handle. GDF and I'm assuming all schools makes a
determination as to the length of the handle, depending on your height,
stride, the dog's apparent comfort in walking with you, etc. One would want
to know how the stated size of the ergonomic handle matched up with the
offset handle size. We may be talking apples and oranges, depending on how
it is measured, but I'd want to get an answer to that prior to ordering one.
Donna & Hunter

-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Julie J. via
nagdu
Sent: Sunday, July 05, 2015 10:20 AM
To: NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Cc: Julie J.
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Offset or ergonomic handle

An offset handle has several bends in the handle in a sort of S shape.  the
end result makes the grip area of the handle off to the right of the center
of the dog's back a couple of inches.  this gives you more space between you
and the dog.  It's good for people who crowd their dog or if you tend to
step on the dog's feet a lot.

An ergonomic handle has more subtle bends in the handle and generally up at
the elbows at the hand grip area.  It may be offset a touch, but the design
is intended to be more comfortable in the hand.  When a person stands with
your arm hanging relaxed at your side, your wrist is at an angle to your
body.  the ergonomic handle tries to meet this natural  angle so you don't
have to bend your arm in an unnatural angle to hold on to the handle
properly.  It's probably more comfortable for everyone, but is especially
useful for people who have shoulder, hand or back concerns.

I think GDF issues offset handles to all it's users.  I've seen straight
handles from them though, so  not sure how that works.  I think GDB issues
the ergonomic handles to all it's users.  Most of the schools have different
handles that they will issue, not all though.  If it's a big issue for you
or a deal breaker item, I'd ask up front.  If they don't have the handle you
need, I'd ask how they feel about you purchasing  a harness handle and using
it with their dog.  Some schools are funny about such things and others are
happy for folks to use what works for them.

Julie


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