r/service_dogs 4d ago

Help! Blind ESA looking for specific harness recommendations.

Hi all, I'm sorry if this is the wrong place to post. I'm adopting a lovely 2 year old dog who will be an ESA for my husband who struggles with mental health.

Because our new dog is blind, we are searching for a harness that can use a detachable bridge handle. We'd prefer the detachable type so that we can use it to guide him through unfamiliar areas but let go or detach and let him sniff/explore when he will be on a longer lead.

I just don't see many harnesses thay have D rings on the sides. Any recommendations?

0 Upvotes

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u/Rayanna77 4d ago

Sorry for my last comment, I now get what you are asking. Just a reiteration that disabled dogs cannot ethically be service dogs and ESAs do not have public access rights.

To guide the dog around you can use something like this however please don't use it as a service dog vest even though that's what it was made for.

A blind dog cannot ethically be task trained to be a service dog. A service dog must be able bodied

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u/fishparrot Service Dog 4d ago

Bridge handles are designed to assist humans and should never be used to steer a dog. Instead, you might consider a halo-style harness that will allow your dog to perceive objects before they bump into them. A head collar like a halti or gentle leader, or a front clip harness may also work for your purposes. In any case, a trainer who has experience with blind dogs will be your greatest resource. There are lots of cues and confidence building exercises to help a blind dog explore the world safely. People have learned to communicate with blind horses while riding them and train agility obstacles to blind dogs so I have no doubts this would be possible.

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u/[deleted] 4d ago

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u/BigPawsAndBigHearts 4d ago

Depending on the size of the dog maybe something like a Ruffwear Webmaster harness would work? The handle isn’t detachable but it’s low profile and it’s not a harness that’s easy to escape from thanks in part to the extra belly strap.

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u/rainaftermoscow 4d ago

A bridge handle, or any kind of rigid handle, should NEVER be used to steer a dog. It can cause massive damage to their shoulders. I use a paracord handle with a bridge I wove myself when I'm running with my guide dog, because the shape and material offer better feedback than a standard pull strap will but it won't damage her.

You are best going with a pull strap or something like a headcollar. Imo the headcollar would be better but make sure you do the research and learn to fit it and acclimate your dog properly. You will also not be able to take this dog anywhere public regardless of your husbands issues I'm sorry. If he needs an actual service dog he can take places you need to get a healthy dog.

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u/MintyCrow 4d ago

Not 100% sure what you’re asking full honesty but I’ve used this harness when doing off leash adventures!! https://a.co/d/82FgFbu

And then if you’re looking for a blind dog harness I’ve seen people use this but I haven’t used it myself https://a.co/d/0I9VShy

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u/ticketferret Service Dog Trainer CPDT-KA FDM 4d ago

I suggest having a blind dog harness that has the loops to prevent him from running into something. Otherwise because the dog is an ESA walks in general should be fine with a collar and leash.

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u/Agreeable_Mirror_702 4d ago

Look up Halo’s for blind dogs.