I’m going to look into that! First, check the sizing. Even if it is the right size, I’ll probably do this anyway because it sounds so cute!

Absolutely appreciate you!! Thank you!!! ♥️ no hate taken at all!

@@ServiceDogPaws cool, thanks for understanding!! 💕 A lot of people just don’t realize how easy it is for accidents to happen with that type of handle if you’re not really careful, I had no idea just how dangerous it could actually be until I looked into it more before we started doing bracing. Just want to let other teams know so they can avoid any potential injuries! 🥰 I’d be devastated to see a dog or handler get hurt just because they didn’t know!

@@peachy4358 I haven’t done my full research on that specific handle yet since we aren’t using it right now. So thank you!! I’ve always had a pull handle for counterbalance and momentum with my old service dog. So don’t use it to catch myself. Understood 100%. I’ve seen people use them for bracing, and extra mobility assistance, like counter balance. So that would be the better route with that handle? The pull handle I like for momentum pulling and guide tasks (find husband, etc). So the bracing handle I thought would be better for other uses. Like counter balance and bracing. I’m all ears! I absolutely do not want her to get hurt. But I Also want to maximize all the ways she can help me. We’re going to get her OFA cleared. But our vet believes just from inspecting her that she will pass, which is why I was like okay. Got 5 months to get all the gear ready, start the basic training concept without implementing the weight yet, and getting her used to it. That way when she is cleared. She has a general idea, and we can really start the proper weight baring type training. I’m sure when she did start wearing it, people will assume we are actively using it. Which we will not be until she’s cleared. But I think it’s smart to go ahead and get her used to working in it, and working basic training concepts with her from minimal pressure and not actual weight if that makes sense. I’m still waiting for the cape/saddlebags to be made. And that hasn’t even been started yet. So it could be 2-3 months before we even get that. And I can’t use the harness at all without the saddlebags because she does carry my pill bottles, glucose meter, and a small blood pressure cuff. Haters are saying I’m just using her as a pack mule. 🙄 That carrying my pills is too much weight, poor dog. Yet we have Dogs in sports doing heavy pulling. And full on heavy mobility dogs. Dogs pull sleds, people hike with their dogs carrying pounds of water and snacks and gear in huge saddlebag hiking vests. But the pills are too much weight. And she’s so abused because of it. 🤦🏻‍♀️ I’ll definitely be doing research myself as time gets closer to using it. But I still welcome anything you can tell me!

@@ServiceDogPaws Yep! You can use a rigid handle for counterbalance as far as I know, honestly I’m not 100% sure about using it while in motion (I don’t think it’s recommended for similar reasons, but I’m not entirely sure so I’d recommend researching it), I just know you’re definitely not supposed to put downward pressure on it when you’re moving and should be very careful with how you apply pressure when bracing so you don’t create torque by twisting the handle. You can use it for counterbalance or bracing when standing still though, as long as you’re careful! Really, any kind of weight-bearing task has SOME risk of injury, so you should always be careful no matter what, but there’re definitely ways to make them a lot safer and avoid issues. We use our upright rigid handle for grounding while I walk (no real weight, just holding the handle to help keep me oriented), and stationary counterbalance or bracing if I’m standing in a checkout line or something. I usually keep a little paracord or fleece pull strap like you mentioned on the back of our harness with the rigid handle in case I need counterbalance in motion. We do CB while walking with a semi-rigid handle or a pull strap, so I pick whichever setup I think I’ll need more based on how I feel that day and whether I think I’ll need bracing or not. Personally, I prefer semi-rigid upright handles for CB since they’re definitely safer to use than rigid ones in general and especially while walking, which means I don’t need the extra pull strap and I don’t worry about hurting Marvel with the handle if I did fall on it or something since it’s flexible, but that’s just a personal thing. We also don’t use bracing as much as we use counterbalance and FMP, so that’s a major factor for us. If bracing is equally as important or more important to you than counterbalance, a rigid handle for bracing and a lightweight pullstrap for counterbalance while you’re walking (with or without the guide handle) might be the safest option for Mya while still meeting your needs. I could link you the handles we use for counterbalance or DM you some pictures of our bracing vs counterbalance setups and how we use the handles in each of them if that’d help any! I don’t think I’m great at explaining things without visual assistance 😂 I think it’s always a good idea to get them used to wearing the gear before you really start using it too, it’s a big change if they’re used to vests or jackets so it’s nice to let them get accustomed to it before you do anything much with it. Definitely think you’re doing the right thing there! :) You’ve also got plenty of time to figure out what kind of setup and stuff works best for you guys before she’s actually ready for mobility work anyway, so don’t stress too much! You’ll figure it out :) Sorry about the lengthiness and rambling of this reply btw, just trying to make sure I cover everything important I can think of 😂 Hopefully that didn’t just make everything more confusing lol. Figuring everything out can be kinda crazy at first, but I’m confident that by the time she’s ready to really start with those types of tasks you’ll have figured out how to help her help you in the safest way possible ^^

Do you want to message me on Instagram?

I literally say I still need to finish adjusting it. 🤦🏻‍♀️ we aren’t using it yet.

*,Mya