[NAGDU] New equipment! YEEEEEHAAAAAAA!!!!!
Tracy Carcione
carcione at access.net
Sun Nov 20 16:05:22 UTC 2016
Julie, yes, a PVC handle. It goes down to the flat clip via a bit of nylon. Yeah, maybe I will have you look at it. I suppose I'd have to send you the harness, right?
Tracy
-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Julie J. via NAGDU
Sent: Sunday, November 20, 2016 10:50 AM
To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Cc: Julie J.
Subject: Re: [NAGDU] New equipment! YEEEEEHAAAAAAA!!!!!
Tracy,
Is the handle in PVC? The change to the flat metal makes a huge difference in handle connection firmness. The older PVC handles were round, connecting to a flat buckle. You don't get a super firm transition there. With the flat metal going to a flat buckle, all in the same size, there is little wiggle.
If you want me to take a look at it to see if I can swap buckles and get you a different handle, I'd be happy to look at it.
Julie
New lowered price on my book:
Courage to Dare: A Blind Woman's Quest to Train her Own Guide Dog http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QXZSMOC
-----Original Message-----
From: Tracy Carcione via NAGDU
Sent: Sunday, November 20, 2016 8:57 AM
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
Cc: Tracy Carcione
Subject: Re: [NAGDU] New equipment! YEEEEEHAAAAAAA!!!!!
I have a sports-style harness from PawPower. I like its lightness, and it fits well, but I feel like the connection between the body and the handle is not as solid as I prefer. If the dog is walking slowly, or not really pulling hard, his movements aren't transmitted as well as they are with my TSE harness. I really have to remind myself to pull back on the handle, to make it as firm as possible. This may be sloppy practice on my part, not always pulling back, but I wish the connection was firmer. But I do really like that the handle is easy to remove, and maybe firmness and removability are antithetical.
Tracy
-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Buddy Brannan via NAGDU
Sent: Saturday, November 19, 2016 11:38 PM
To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Cc: Buddy Brannan
Subject: Re: [NAGDU] New equipment! YEEEEEHAAAAAAA!!!!!
Hey Sandy,
In fact, mine is one of Julie's. Yes, I think the nylon is a bit more pliable and does allow for a snugger fit. The feel is somewhat different from leather for sure, and the harness itself is a lot lighter.
I got it in blue, but didn't get any reflective material sewn in. I may see if I can find some reflectie tape for the handle. I had an LED light, but lost it and I think it died anyway, so will be looking for more like that. I have a flat collar on her as well that has reflective material in it.
Totally know where you're coming from with the quiet cars and people not waching where they're aiming them, especially when they're backing up. Just because you're moving backwards doesn't mean you get to not watching where you're aiming your car, please and thank you.
So, be careful out there.
--
Buddy Brannan, KB5ELV - Erie, PA
Phone: 814-860-3194
Mobile: 814-431-0962
Email: buddy at brannan.name
> On Nov 19, 2016, at 10:49 PM, S L Johnson via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> wrote:
>
> 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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