[nagdu] Offset or ergonomic handle

[Raven Tolliver]

GEB starts everyone with a straight harness handle, and will make
exceptions if you express any concerns or preferences for a different
harness handle. But you don't have to ask. If your instructor observes
any tendencies or issues you have with the straight handle, they will
suggest you use something different and have you try it out on a walk
with your dog.
My instructor gave me an offset handle after 3 days of me constantly
crowding my dog. She kept telling me I was crowding him, but it wasn't
something I could consciously help.
I fractured my right foot in my early teens and it healed incorrectly.
Because of this, I walked with a tendency toward the right. To
compensate for this and in an attempt to walk straight, I
intentionally positioned myself to face slightly left while walking.
After years of this, it obviously was natural for me to walk that way,
so when the dog was thrown into the mix, I subconsciously continued to
walk with a left tendency. Even with an offset handle, I still
sometimes crowd my dog, and at times, I even question whether we are
walking straight because of my alignment in relation to his body. This
has improved over the 3 years we've been a team, but I think I will
always have to use an offset handle considering that foot is always
gonna be how it is.

The offset handle is a problem for some dogs laying on their right
side. The Golden Guy doesn't care and will lay on his right side with
the harness handle on. But I remove the handle in situations where
we'll gonna hang out for a while so he doesn't have to tolerate it.
-- 
Raven
Founder of 1AM Editing & Research
www.1am-editing.com

You are valuable because of your potential, not because of what you
have or what you do.

Naturally-reared guide dogs
https://groups.google.com/d/forum/nrguidedogs

On 7/5/15, Jennifer Woods via nagdu <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> Thanks Nimer,
>
> I am thinking I'll ask to try both and figure out which one works best for
> me.
>
>
>
> On Jul 5, 2015, at 10:36 AM, Nimer Jaber via nagdu <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> wrote:
>
> I've used offset and straight handles, and prefer the straight handle.  I
> don't know if I can point a finger on why exactly, except that it feels more
> natural to walk with a dog that pulls with a straight handle Vs. an offset
> handle.  Even though I am a bit closer to the dog, in time both me and the
> dog adapt slightly to work with each other.  I think the problem with offset
> for me is that I end up fighting with the dog more when it comes to pulling,
> but I'm not too sure.
>
>> On 7/5/2015 12:32, AlyssaHenson via nagdu wrote:
>> I am a fan of the offset handle. With my first dog I used a straight
>> handle. I liked it but I sometimes had issues wiry crowding. This became
>> more of an issue with my second dog so I was switched to an offset handle.
>> It made a world of difference for me, but different strokes for different
>> folks. Your trainer will help you decide which handle is best for your
>> needs.
>> Hth
>> Alyssa
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
>>> On Jul 5, 2015, at 11:22 AM, Danielle Cyclorama via nagdu
>>> <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>>
>>> I have only ever used an offset harness handle so I cant really compare.
>>> GDF does generally issue offset handles, though I do believe straight
>>> handles are available upon request. I agree with Julie: if it is a
>>> concern, make sure you discuss it with your school.
>>>
>>> Danielle, Thai, and Bonnie (GDF puppy in training)
>>>
>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>>
>>>> On Jul 5, 2015, at 12:43 AM, Jennifer Woods via nagdu <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>>>> wrote:
>>>>
>>>> Hi,
>>>> Happy 4th of July.
>>>> What is the difference please between and ergonomic harness handle and
>>>> an offset harness handle.
>>>>
>>>> Does anyone know what type of harness Guiding Eyes provides? Are you
>>>> able to  choose your harness handle style?
>>>>
>>>> In your experience if you have  worked a dog using both styles what are
>>>> the pros and cons to each please?
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Thanks
>>>> Jennifer
>>>>
>>>>
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>
>
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