[nagdu] Cross-training a Guide to do Mobility work

Thu Jun 4 13:15:12 UTC 2015

Shanna, 
I am using a nylon harness currently. It has the y shaped breastplate which I personally prefer than the straight across design most guide dog harnesses from programs have.  I feel like, with my dogs, at least the y helps keep things centered.  
I wish the BLD harness had a martingale, at the very least and sits this lack of a martingale that's kind of staying my hand in ordering one.  That and it's about $400. 
The Activedogs mobility harnesses have and fixed mobility handle running the length of the dog's spine which is bad news for real long term use.  
I'm strongly thinking of taking designs from each idea and just getting a leather worker to make one.  
As for the training, it sounds like you have a good start.  
I find it helpful for my dog when on steps, to go one step at a time, and waiting to be cued to continue every step.  I have also taught her that she is not to step down until I switch to the balance handle.  Which is shorter and up near her shoulders. Until I put down the guide handle and pick up the balance handle, I can talk til I'm blue in the face and she won't move.  This helps because I get brain fog during vertigo episodes. 

Good luck! 

 Rox and the kitchen Bitches: 
Mill'E, Laveau, Soleil
Pawpower4me at gmail.com
Sent from my iPhone

> On Jun 4, 2015, at 4:21 AM, Shanna Stichler via nagdu <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Rox,,
> 
> I was really hoping you'd chime in since I know you've trained your dogs to do all kinds of tasks besides guiding, and also you seem as particular about your dogs' working gear as I am. :)
> 
> Based on the over-whelming endorsements from here and elsewhere, I will go with BLD and see how I like what they produce.
> 
> Shanna and Diamond
> 
>> On 6/3/2015 7:23 PM, The Pawpower Pack via nagdu wrote:
>> Shanna,
>> Bold lead design makes the best guide/ mobility harnesses from what I have read.
>> The bridgeport mobility harnesses are very heavy and bulky.  The front chest pad has the same issue with the guide harness— that it is so large it inhibits the dog's front leg movement.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>>  Rox and the kitchen Bitches:
>> Mill'E, Laveau, Soleil
>> Pawpower4me at gmail.com
>> Sent from my iPhone
>> 
>>> On Jun 3, 2015, at 7:05 PM, Shanna Stichler via nagdu <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>> 
>>> Hi Buddy,
>>> 
>>> Rox actually left a great review of the harness on their website. It might work for my needs if the fit is correct. I may look into Bridgeport, since while their guide dog harness design is pretty terrible, their mobility harnesses are well-made. I'm just trying to do all my research before investing in a harness to get the best possible design for me and my dog.
>>> 
>>> Shanna and Diamond
>>> 
>>> 
>>>> On 6/3/2015 6:39 PM, Buddy Brannan via nagdu wrote:
>>>> Rox can comment more on this harness, but this is the only one I can think of that might meet your need. Handle length will be shorter than you think, as the handle attaches at the back strap, not forward of it as in most American style harnesses.
>>>> http://www.activedogs.com/product/51/leather-guide-dog-harness/#.VW-Php-aDoy
>>>> 
>>>> --
>>>> Buddy Brannan, KB5ELV - Erie, PA
>>>> Phone: 814-860-3194
>>>> Mobile: 814-431-0962
>>>> Email: buddy at brannan.name
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>>> On Jun 3, 2015, at 7:24 PM, Shanna Stichler via nagdu <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>>>> 
>>>>> Hello all,
>>>>> 
>>>>> I have a lovely 3.5 year-old GSD that I trained myself as my working guide. She is very good at her job, but I have a progressive auto-immune disorder that will make it necessary for my dog to learn mobility work on top of guiding. The main thing I need is a harness that has a rigid guide handle along with the mobility handle. I know some people on this list have trained guide/mobility dogs before, so I'd love to know where you got your harnesses, or if anyone here would be willing to make one for some extra cash. If you don't feel comfortable giving out vender names on list, my e-mail address is
>>>>> slstich at gmail.com
>>>>> 
>>>>> I have done all the necessary health screenings to ensure Diamond can safely do weight-baring tasks, and she was cleared by an orthopedic specialist, so we're good to go in that respect. Right now, I plan to teach her to help me keep my balance going up and down stairs or on uneven terrain, to use her body to prevent me from falling, probably just by leaning into my left side, which typically is weaker, and to stand in a particular way to help ground me when I have vertigo episodes and become disoriented or unsteady.
>>>>> 
>>>>> Diamond already knows how to retrieve and brace for me along with doing some light counter-balance work. I'd love to know if others have trained tasks I haven't thought of yet, as well as any tips people have for making the training go as smoothly as possible since it is new for both of us.
>>>>> 
>>>>> Thanks for any input you all can give me.
>>>>> 
>>>>> Take care,
>>>>> Shanna and Diamond
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
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