[NAGDU] harness rubbing

[joy.relton at icloud.com]

Hi Paula,

I agree with Janell, 

I have had labbies with sensitive skin. The three things I did is to put the
harness in some warm water, or at least get it wet and rub some saddle soap
into the leather. This helps soften as well as clean it. Then, I make sure
to rinse the harness thoroughly to ensure that there is no residue on the
leather. It is best, in my opinion to rub the leather with your hands, not a
cloth because you can get the leather better conditioned.

2. I would create a cushioning at that area of some soft and slightly
cushioning material but not too thick or you can create a ridge to cause a
different irritation.

Lastly, I would check the fit of the harness to ensure that the fit allow
the harness to press comfortably across the front of the shoulders and so
that, when you hold the handle you have stepped back and positioned your
body to ensure a firm sense of tension and pull. I have a dog from the
Seeing Eye so my dogs' harnesses have a martingale that comes between the
front legs and has a loop in which the chest strap slides to help keep the
harness positioned on their back. I also am one of those users who tends to
walk too close to the rear-end of the dog so I have an offset harness. I
have discovered through the years that it is easy to get into a habit of
turning my body slightly toward the respective dog which changes the
position and tension on the harness handle and the pull of the dog as well
as their sight line. 
4. As an additional suggestion, besides speaking to the vet and your
respective school is to ensure that there is no open sore on the dog's skin.
That, of course would require some attention.

Good luck to the two of you.    

-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU <nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Janell via NAGDU
Sent: Friday, January 10, 2025 8:43 AM
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
<nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Cc: nellie at culodge.com
Subject: Re: [NAGDU] harness rubbing

Hello,

Is the harness tight enough?  If not, it may be slipping there rubbing
against her skin?  Or, I would try wrapping some fabric or something soft
around the harness on those spots to see if that helps.  Hope you get it
figured out, you don't want her to start associating the hot spots/pain with
the harness, then she may not want to put it on.

Good luck, Dash and Janell

-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU <nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of paula jordan via NAGDU
Sent: Friday, January 10, 2025 8:40 AM
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
<nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Cc: paujor at roadrunner.com
Subject: [NAGDU] harness rubbing

Hi all.  My lab seems to have sensitive skin and there is redness under both
front armpits.  Does anyone have a suggestion to keep the harness from
further irritating the area?  Thanks.

God bless!

Paula and the pups

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