[nagdu] [NAGDU] Offset or ergonomic handle

[Jennifer Woods]

Hi Ashley,

Thanks for sharing your experience.
I am hopeful that my trainer will be willing to try different handles.

Jennifer 



On Jul 5, 2015, at 8:00 AM, Ashley Coleman via nagdu <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:

Hello all
I have an ergonomic handle from Guiding Eyes, five years ago when Landon and
I were matched. This handle seems to work for us, and I was lucky to have
trainers who were up to trying different handles with me. I am short with
short arms and small hands, and the way this handle sits on Landons back and
the shape of the handle is more comfortable.

--
Thank you
Ashley Coleman
Find me on Linked In: http://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleycoleman51/ 

-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Julie J. via
nagdu
Sent: Sunday, July 5, 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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