I've recently been thinking about
harnesses, and guide-dog harnesses in particular. Let me
explain.
One of the functional things that Glindy does for me is to provide
an external, non-human focus in social situations. However, because
of the leash system we currently use, I'm finding that I sometimes
have to multitask in order to keep track of Glindy's physical
whereabouts. This is obviously sub-optimal, as I have a hard enough
time with social interaction without being distracted. A rigid
harness of some type would certainly help me to ensure that I knew
exactly where Glindy was at any given time.
I've also been thinking about tactile feedback. Tactile feedback,
especially in my fingertips, often helps me deal with stress and
anchors me to the external environment. A guide-dog style harness
would certainly provide that, with the possible downside of leaving
me with one less free hand.
In addition, I have a weirdly lumbering gate that I am usually able
to consciously suppress, but which causes me to weave and bob
around when I'm not really focusing on it. Having a guide dog
harness would accomplish two things here. The first is to help me
orient myself a little better, using tactile feedback from Glindy's
harness, and perhaps make me a little less clumsy. The second might
be to keep me from tromping on Glindy's poor little toes, as I
often do now, when my gait and her loose-leash walking
intersect.
So, other than losing a free hand when using the harness, there are
two main problems that I foresee with using a harness. The first is
that I wouldn't be able to use Glindy's lovely embroidered (and
very noticeable) service dog vest from
The Raspberry Field; however,
I would hope that a guide harness would be equally as obvious in
announcing that Glindy is a service animal. Secondly, and perhaps
more socially awkward, is the increased likelihood that people will
snark at me about not being blind. I've mentioned before that a lot
of folks seem to think that service dogs are only for the blind,
and have received more than my share of "Hey, you aren't blind!"
comments from ignorant strangers and uninformed gate-keepers. While
that wouldn't dissuade me from doing something constructive, I have
to at least consider the possibility, and be prepared for the
social consequences.
Ultimately, the addition of a harness to our working gear
represents an experiment at this stage, and isn't and idea to which
I'm wedded. So, I'm currently exploring my purchasing options, and
will have more to say on this subject in the coming weeks.
Stay tuned!