[NAGDU] First Post plus Offset Handles?

[Lisa Belville]

Hi, Piper.


Yes, that's the purpose of an offset handle.?? It should let the dog have 
space to move in front of you if it needs to.


Maybe your trainer thought your trouble with the crossing was due to you 
not being in the correct position, and she thought the offset handle 
would help with this.


I'm not sure why she wouldn't tell you why she was wanting you to try 
it, unless she wanted you to notice a difference in the way you and your 
dog moved using it as compared to your original handle.


I have always used one first with my two dogs from GDF, and now with my 
third dog from GDA.?? I really tend to crowd the dog and have often 
stepped on paws.?? The offset handle tends to fix that and it makes it 
easier for my dog to get into a position to assist with crossings or 
just navigating a path to an object in a narrow area.


Lisa


Lisa Belville
missktlab1217 at frontier.com

On 8/23/2019 4:59 PM, Piper Morton via NAGDU wrote:
> This is my first post to the list thank you for letting me join!
>
> My name is Piper and I have a four year old Golden guide dog named Carey as
> in Carey Grant. I did not attend a school, but Carey was trained by a local
> trainer who trained guide dogs years ago and was willing to try with me
> because I have a background in AKC competition obedience and some study of
> dog behavior as well.
>
> Carey has been working as my guide now since the end of 2016 when he was 23
> months old and if anything, he seems younger now than when I first met him.
>
> I have RP and cataracts. My central vision is still OK, but I have about
> 15?? of visual field left.
>
> Our trainer came out to help with an odd street crossing last weekend. It
> turned out to be a lot easier than I was making it out to be. But, while
> here, she suggested I try an offset handle on Carey's harness. When  I
> asked why, she said just try it and let her know how it works.
>
> So, what is the purpose of an offset handle? I don't crowd my dog, ever,
> which seems like the only reason I can think of to use one. She dropped it
> off today and I'm going to try it in a little bit, but wondering what
> others' experiences are like?
>
> Thanks!!
>
> Piper and Carey
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