[NAGDU] New equipment! YEEEEEHAAAAAAA!!!!!

[S L Johnson]

Hi Buddy,

It sounds like a very nice harness.  Excuse me for being a bit nosey but 
what color did you get for your dog?  Did you have any reflective material 
sewn into the harness body or handle to make you and your dog more visible 
at night?  That is important especially this time of year when it gets dark 
so early.  The Pilot harness does not have any reflective material on it so 
I use a reflective collar on her neck and wrap reflective collars round the 
harness handle.  I did have a couple of bone shaped lights to use when it 
was dark but I am totally blind so cannot see if they are working or not. 
They do not get warm when turned on so you cannot feel any heat from them to 
be sure they are working.  Eva has a reflective tag with my name and address 
but it really does not show up well.   In my senior housing development I 
have had a few very close calls almost getting hit as neighbors are backing 
out of their driveways, especially by the new quiet cars.  I also have some 
hearing loss so do not hear most cars until they almost run over me. 
Fortunately Miss Eva has very good traffic checks so I always trust her when 
she makes a sudden stop.  Then I give her lots of praise as I feel hat quiet 
car pass us.  If anyone has any ideas to make Eva more visible at night, I 
would appreciate hearing them.  I know you can buy reflective vests for 
people but, can you get them for a dog?

Now that I hear more about these nylon harnesses, I may consider getting one 
for Eva.  The trick when ordering a harness is getting the proper fit.  If 
you measure the dog exactly then a well made harness that fits will allow 
you to feel every movement.  That is what is wrong with many guide dog 
school harnesses.  They often do not fit properly.  For example, Eva's 
harness is too big in the chest area.  It sticks out far enough that she can 
wriggle her front legs out of the harness when she is lying down in it. 
Even when I have it in a snug fitting belly strap hole, it still moves 
around on her slim golden body.  I also prefer a harness with the martingale 
strap.  I think it allows you to better feel the dog's movements and keeps 
the harness centered on the dog.  Eva has a very gentle, almost nothing 
pull, so a better fitting harness might allow me to more accurately follow 
her.  also wonder if the softer more pliable nylon allows the harness to fit 
closer to the dog's body.  Julie, you make harness so maybe you can chime in 
here too.  One question I have is, how do we get the correct measurements 
for the harness?  What measurements do you need?  Where do you place the 
measuring tape so you get it right?  I love the fact that on this list we 
can share our questions and read other peoples experiences with their new 
products.  Thanks Buddy for your information.

Sandra

-----Original Message----- 
From: Buddy Brannan via NAGDU
Sent: Saturday, November 19, 2016 6:48 PM
To: NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Cc: Buddy Brannan
Subject: Re: [NAGDU] New equipment! YEEEEEHAAAAAAA!!!!!

Hi,

I'd agree. The harness isn't the problem here. You need more and better 
control. I've seen the Pilot leashes and I agree, they're way too long. A 
shorter leash will probably help. Are you sure your prong is fitted 
properly? It should be up behind her ears. Anyway, I like the sport harness. 
I'm not sure why it's called that, but the freedom of movement in the handle 
would definitely allow for a lot faster movements, tighter turns, and the 
like. But yes, I like it very much.

--
Buddy Brannan, KB5ELV - Erie, PA
Phone: 814-860-3194
Mobile: 814-431-0962
Email: buddy at brannan.name




> On Nov 19, 2016, at 6:11 PM, S L Johnson via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org> 
> wrote:
>
> Dar:
>
> I don't think a different harness will help with your current problem.
> Remember what the Pilot trainers had you do on class.  To have better
> control put the leash into your right hand.  This allows you to feel what
> she is doing and gives you much better control when she is sniffing or
> trying to grab stuff off the ground.  You will want to hold the  leash as
> short, about the middle of the length of the Pilot Dog leashes.   The 
> reason
> is to have it short enough so it is a bit taught, just enough so your dog
> knows you are ready and willing to correct her if she puts her head down. 
> I
> purchased a shorter leash because I do not like the Pilot Dog leashes they
> give us on class.  Eva does not sniff or scavenge but I use the leash in 
> my
> right hand to control her tendency to be over friendly and wanting to play
> with anyone who comes close to her.  As for waiting until the dog is 
> three,
> Eva is almost four and still wants to play with everyone she sees.
> Sometimes we just have to deal with a behavior as long as we can keep it
> under good control and that you are safe.  Penney's distractions causing 
> you
> to fall off a curb is definitely not safe.  I hope your ankle was not
> injured too severely.  Good luck to you with your very stubborn girl.
>
> Sandra and Eva
>
> -----Original Message----- 
> From: d m gina via NAGDU
> Sent: Saturday, November 19, 2016 5:31 PM
> To: nagdu at nfbnet.org
> Cc: d m gina
> Subject: Re: [NAGDU] New equipment! YEEEEEHAAAAAAA!!!!!
>
> Why is it called a sports harness, do you like it better than the regular
> one.
> My dog gets to a place and nose goes on the ground or carpet in a 
> building.
> I try to stop her but that is out of the question until she thinks she
> is done to see if there is anything for her to pick up first.
> I had a person walk away because they didn't like the way I was
> training the dog.
> Using anything over the nose just doesn't work, I am not strong enough
> to fight her.
> She knows this.
> She also doesn't listen to the the prong collar, she feels when she is
> good and ready to listen she does.
> We do everything that is sugested.
> My husband feels this lady here in town is to expensive.
> The other day I twisted my ankle falling off a curb because we wanted
> to visit with the uber driver.
> I screamed was worried my face would hit the car, glad it didn't.
> She got truly corrected.
> When wwalking and someone comes by on the left side sniffing is what you 
> do.
> I even take my knee and bump her on the side to get her back to working
> mode again.
> I was told to get a smaller collar as I did, but all that does is when
> correcting she gets it that she needs to stop doing what she was told to
> stop.
> Where I will stop when I am ready.
> She gets lots of loving playing when we can play outside, quite cold now.
> We also play in the house to get rid of energy.
> I am told give her to three she will grow up really?
> What happens when she turns four loll.
> on a one to one she is good, she wants to do what ever I request.
> So I love reading this stuff to see if there is just one more thing
> that I could buy that would help me out.
> Now I know one shouldn't call the dog a bad name, trust me, when I
> landed on the ankel I echoed all the way down the block.
> A couple came by thinking that the driver pushed me down, where he didn't.
> I am afraid of curbs and steps for this reason.
> Ok my rant is over, I am sure I will be blamed for all of it and that is
> fine.
> Until the shoes I wear are walked in, the blame can't be all of me, and
> I don't give up I will keep trying.
>
> Original message:
>> Buddy:
>> thanks for sharing  this, and i need to check out that harness:)
>> hoping your well, and keep the wonderful work up!
>
>>> On Nov 19, 2016, at 6:37 AM, Buddy Brannan via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>>> wrote:
>
>>> Posted to Hilde's blog yesterday. Feel free to share. I'm happy to too
>>> Julie's horn for her :-) (since she sort of can't on this list...) No
>>> financial interest and all that jazz.
>
>>> New Equipment! YEEEEEEEHAAAAAAA!!!!
>
>>> November 18, 2016
>>> We interrupt this streak of not posting anything with a post.
>
>>> Oohā?¦a post? Really? Maybe Iā?Tll post about our trip to the NFBP
>>> convention next, but this isnā?Tt that post.
>
>>> Over the past few weeks, Iā?Tve gotten some gear from Julie Johnson,
>>> whose site can be found at http://guide-and-service-dogs.com/. Besides
>>> useful information, Julie manufactures a line of some dead useful things
>>> at really good prices. You can also buy from Amazon if you like, as she
>>> sells there. Iā?Tve gotten a few of them that Iā?Td like to talk 
>>> about.
>
>>> Iā?Tll briefly mention the first aid kit, which doesnā?Tt appear to be 
>>> on
>>> her site. Itā?Ts a handy zippered bag full of, surprisingly, first aid
>>> supplies. There are bandages, ointment, vet wrap, and an emergency
>>> blanket. Itā?Ts a handy size to stash either in your home or in your
>>> luggage for travel.
>
>>> Next, the collar bells are a pretty good idea for keeping track of your
>>> dog around the house, so that s/he will (theoretically) stay out of
>>> trouble. Julie sent me a set in trade for an honest review, and then
>>> Amazon changed their review rules. Still, Iā?Tll happily give an honest
>>> review for them anyway. These are just your standard jingle bells on a
>>> nylon strap with side release buckle. The set comes with three sizes: 
>>> one
>>> set with two very small bells, a medium sized bell, and a larger bell,
>>> each on its own strap. These would be great for a fairly quiet indoor
>>> environment. The bells arenā?Tt very loud, so they wouldnā?Tt be
>>> appropriate for outdoor use. The strap is only a couple inches long, 
>>> with
>>> the plastic side release buckle closure, sort of like the buckles that
>>> snap your backpack together. Be aware, however, that these buckles are
>>> very small, so if you have dexterity issues, you may have trouble with
>>> them. The set I have is not adjustable, but Julie is thinking about
>>> making some that can be shortened if necessary. These would be most
>>> appropriate on a flat collar; just put the strap around the width of the
>>> collar and close, letting them hang down. I donā?Tt think these would
>>> work very well with a slip collar, though they might with a martingale
>>> collar. I can usually hear these, when Fiona isnā?Tt barking loudly, or
>>> if Hilde is not in stealth mode, so theyā?Tre pretty handy. Iā?Td
>>> probably get louder bells, just because we have some loud household
>>> members, but it wouldnā?Tt matter a lot, because this dog can move
>>> unbelievably quietly.
>
>>> There are two things that a guide dog user must have. OK, three. One is 
>>> a
>>> collar of some kind. Hilde wears both a flat collar, for tags, and a
>>> training collar, either a toggle collar or a prong collar, depending.
>>> Julie has flat collars and martingale collars, but I donā?Tt have 
>>> either
>>> one of those. I do have a collar with Hildeā?Ts name and my phone 
>>> number
>>> on it, in case she gets lost. This collar also has reflective stuff on
>>> it. I have a link somewhere if anyoneā?Ts interested.
>
>>> But the other two things that a guide dog handler really has to have are
>>> a leash and a harness. Julie makes both out of quality nylon webbing.
>>> Weā?Tre most of us used to leather, and leather is really nice. I have 
>>> a
>>> leather harness as well, and itā?Ts great. Durable, classy, practical,
>>> fairly easy to maintain. Nylon, however, also has advantages. Itā?Ts
>>> light weight and even easier to clean, and donā?Tt forget, itā?Ts also
>>> inexpensive. Iā?Tve used a nylon harness over the past six or seven 
>>> years
>>> on and off. I like them especially for these Erie winters with all the
>>> dirt and grit and road salt and heavens only know what. So really,
>>> donā?Tt discount the nylon.
>
>>> First, the leash. You can get any length you like. I prefer shorter
>>> leashes, such as the Seeing Eye uses, about four feet long when in its
>>> extended long leash length. However, you can get one thatā?Ts 5 or 6 
>>> feet
>>> if you prefer.
>
>>> Julie does something kind of neat, for which I will take at least 
>>> partial
>>> credit. I say partial because I think thereā?Ts a school that does the
>>> same thing, but I canā?Tt remember which one.
>
>>> Iā?Tm lazy. So last year, when Hilde was a pup, I called Handcraft
>>> Collars to ask if they could make me some guide dog leashes out of
>>> tubular nylon. I had to describe what I wanted. So, instead of the usual
>>> arrangement where you can hook to one ring for a short leash, towards 
>>> the
>>> bottom snap, and another ring near the top, for a long leash, I just had
>>> Debbie put in one ring at the bottom, to make a short leash, while
>>> leaving a standard handle with the bolt snap strung on the end of the
>>> handle. That way, all you have to do to get a long leash is disconnect
>>> from the bottom ring. Several months later, I told Julie about that, she
>>> said, ā?oHey, why didnā?Tt I think of that?ā?, and thus, the Quick
>>> Convert Service Dog Leash was born.
>
>>> I now have one of those, too. Itā?Ts a little heavier than the ones 
>>> from
>>> Handcraft. Still, the stitching is quality, as is the hardware. Rather
>>> than a standard ring, Julie uses a D-ring. The bolt snaps are heavy duty
>>> ones, thicker than the ones on my Handcraft leashes. She uses nylon
>>> webbing, which is a bit grippier than the very slippery tubular nylon 
>>> is,
>>> as well as a bit wider. Actually, the 3/4 inch width is as close to
>>> perfect as it gets. Itā?Ts good stuff, and I highly recommend these, 
>>> and
>>> not just because it was sort of my lazy idea. Sort of. I stole it from
>>> somewhere else. Southeastern maybe?
>
>>> Finally, the harness. Iā?Tm a budding guide dog equipment nerd. I love
>>> guide dog equipment. Iā?Td love to see all sorts of different harness
>>> designs. Even so, I have very definite opinions on what makes a good
>>> harness. Of course, it has to be as comfortable as possible for the dog.
>>> Ease of putting on and taking off is desirable. A removable handle is a
>>> definite plus, and, while I wouldnā?Tt say Iā?Td never have a harness
>>> without a removable handle, Iā?Tll always take a removable handle over 
>>> a
>>> fixed handle. One thing thatā?Ts an absolute deal breaker, however, is
>>> the martingale strap. Ever since I got my first Seeing Eye dog, I have
>>> gotten very spoiled by this seemingly simple extra strap that runs
>>> between the dogā?Ts front legs, from the belly strap to the chest strap
>>> in whatever configuration. Besides giving the dog more to pull into, the
>>> extra strap stabilizes the harnessā?Ts movement from side to side (so 
>>> it
>>> doesnā?Tt move so much), and makes it harder for your dog to 
>>> accidentally
>>> back out of the harness.
>
>>> The Sports Style Guide Harness meets all of these requirements. This is
>>> the second harness of this design that Iā?Tve owned, and Julie has made
>>> some improvements. Itā?Ts made with wide 2-inch nylon straps and comes 
>>> in
>>> several different colors. For Hilde, I got it in blue. The harness 
>>> straps
>>> are padded to make it more comfortable for the dog to wear. Youā?Tll
>>> notice right away that the design of the harness is different from most
>>> guide dog schools. Instead of one strap that goes around the chest from
>>> one side of the dog to the other, the harness is made with two straps
>>> that run from the back strap, over the dogā?Ts shoulders, and meeting 
>>> in
>>> the center of the dogā?Ts chest at the breastbone. The martingale strap
>>> then runs back from this juncture, such that the three straps form
>>> something like a print letter Y. Youā?Tll also notice the absence of
>>> handle stabilizing loops, or ā?obunny earsā? that are present on 
>>> most
>>> American harnesses. This isnā?Tt nearly as scary as you might suppose.
>>> While it does afford the opportunity for more freedom of movement for 
>>> the
>>> dog, the new handle has a much more rigid connection with the harness, 
>>> so
>>> the handle really isnā?Tt in a lot of danger of flipping up too high as
>>> it could with the previous PVC handle. Anyway, since there are no loops,
>>> thereā?Ts less bulk, and less bulk for your dog to have to lie on, 
>>> which
>>> sounds a lot more comfortable. The belly strap is adjustable with a
>>> sliding buckle, and closes at the right side with a plastic side release
>>> buckle of the sort that youā?Td use to close a backpack. This buckle is
>>> quite large and sturdy.
>
>>> The handle, as I said, is an improvement over the previous generation.
>>> The new handles are made of a flat metal stock wrapped in nylon. It is
>>> removable, attaching to the harness with plastic side release buckles.
>>> Donā?Tt let that put you off, however; Iā?Tve used a harness with 
>>> similar
>>> handle attachments for a while with no problems. The buckles are sturdy
>>> and Iā?Tve never had one disconnect during travel. Julie has also put a
>>> comfortable rubber handgrip on the handle, with finger grooves in the
>>> front. Itā?Ts a very comfortable grip, even for a dog with quite a bit 
>>> of
>>> pull. I'd maybe prefer a bit more of a rounded grip, maybe a little
>>> padding under the grip, but even with that, I like it. Youā?Tll have
>>> absolutely no trouble following your dog due to ā?osloppyā? handle
>>> connections, because the connections are definitely not sloppy and
>>> donā?Tt have excessive play in them at all. Highly recommended,
>>> especially for the price.
>
>>> Anyway, if youā?Tre owner training, or if you just need or want
>>> alternative equipment, give these a look. You wonā?Tt be sorry.
>
>>> --
>>> Buddy Brannan, KB5ELV - Erie, PA
>>> Phone: 814-860-3194
>>> Mobile: 814-431-0962
>>> Email: buddy at brannan.name
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>>> --
>>> Buddy Brannan, KB5ELV - Erie, PA
>>> Phone: 814-860-3194
>>> Mobile: 814-431-0962
>>> Email: buddy at brannan.name
>
>
>
>
>
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>
>
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>
> -- 
> --Dar
> skype: dmgina23
>  FB: dmgina
> www.twitter.com/dmgina
> every saint has a past
> every sinner has a future
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