[NAGDU] relieving harness question

[Julie Johnson]

As a maker of the relieving harnesses, yes they work on both males and females. I modeled my design based on the one from Australia, which was one of only two designs I found at the time. The other was from Japan and I didn't like that design at all.  Anyway the Australian model has two clips on the bottom for the girls and only one for boys. IDuring the development phase of my design of the relieving harness, I found that the girls needed the two clips on the bottom to have a better chance of holding the bag so that it can hopefully not also catch urine. Usually it does anyway, but sometimes you can position it so that it doesn't. For the boys it didn't matter one way or the other. It's probably less expensive to make the relieving harnesses with only one clip, but I found that for me it was much easier to only keep one style in stock. Easier for making sure I had enough and keeping inventory straight. So that is why I have made the relieving harness with two clips on the bottom for all dogs. If you find that only using one hook on the bottom works better for you, then just leave the other one empty.

I'm trying to remember the other questions aboutt he relieving harness...it is meant to be a part of a regular relieving routine, not left on the dog all the time. I think most people know this now, but it was a large misundestanding in the beginning. Most guide dogs are used to all sorts of odd things people do, so generally adjust to using a relieving harness in a few days or so. To introduce the relieving harness I suggest putting it on before your releasing the dog to relieve, at first just the belt portion with no bag. Do that a few times and if all goes well, then introduce the bag. I highly suggest doing this on a not windy day. The bag rattling around and moving will make the training phase potentially longer and more difficult. Let the dog get used to it when it will remain still and quiet, then add in wind as a possible distraction.

I'm happy to answer any other questions. Sorry I no longer make these, but there is a new person who is taking over my business. I will update with her info as soon as it is available.

Julie


Sent from my iPhone

> On Feb 19, 2024, at 9:30 PM, Paula Jordan via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hi all. I've been using the relieving harness for a week and it works
> wonderfully for my male standard poodle.  Just a curiosity question raised
> by a friend.  Can it be used with a female?  
> 
> God bless!
> 
> Paula and the pups
> 
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