If you have found this page, you are probably in the same frustrating situation as I was. Kaycee is my first service dog, and as I continue to work with and train her, I began to realize just how helpful a grounding handle would be for me. After a quick online search I found that most grounding handles are made from paracord or a similar soft, rope-like material. After using a handle like that for
a few weeks, I realized that it just wasn't cutting it for me. I needed a firm handle, and Kaycee needed more feedback than a soft handle can offer. She just wasn't understanding the guide work training with the soft handle. After a search online I came up short, as you likely have. There is no place (that I have found) to buy a rigid grounding or guide handle that isn't fixed and is custom sized to fit me and my dog. I don't need a mobility harness, nor can I afford one, and I don't need a guide harness either because I only need occasional guide work. All I need is that simple grounding through a firm handle, and some occasional light guide work. So I decided to try my hand at making my own handle. And it turned out so much better than I could have imagined. So here I am today, and here you are! Let me tell you a bit about my custom handles. HANDLE USES:
These handles are best utilized for simple grounding purposes and/or guide work (with the correct, sturdy harness built specifically for the purpose and the correct clip choice) if you prefer a non-fixed guide handle. I do not make guide harnesses, that is something you must already have. These handles ARE NOT made to be used for ANY mobility work at all. They are not fixed and do not necessarily require a sturdy harness for simple grounding purposes, and they are made of a narrow, flexible plastic. Using them for any type of mobility or downward pressure, even for counter balance work, could seriously injure you or your dog. If you purchase one of my handles, I am not responsible for the misuse of the product or any injury to you or your dog that may occur while using the product. CUSTOM MADE TO ORDER! When you place an order for a handle, every single aspect of the product you purchase can be customized to fit your needs. The core of each handle is made of a light weight, durable, hollow plastic piping, much like PVC pipe but on a smaller scale. The pipe is flexible, which allows for the shape of the handle during the making process, but with the bridge piece on the finished product the handle will not flex unless used improperly. In addition to being the exact length and width you and your dog need, customization can include choice of color or pattern for the main handle and bridge, choice of added velcro to bridge (for easy patch placement), several different clip options for all preferences and desired use, and even the ability to choose the color of your metal clips! PRICING:
Handles start at $50, with which you can choose any solid color for the handle and bridge, as well as 1 of 3 clip choices. Patterned handles, the addition of velcro, a fourth clip choice, and color choice (powder coating) for clips each add minimally to the total cost and may add to shipping time. Shipping is free within the continental US. I will not ship outside the US. Shipping time from order to delivery averages 2 and a half to 3 weeks. I accept payment through Paypal only. Payment will be due at the time of your order. ORDERING A HANDLE:
When you contact me to order a handle, you can expect that I will ask you a few questions about what your service dog does for you in relation to how you would like to use one of my handles, as well as if you have any other specific needs with your handle. I will never inquire about your disability specifically. I will also ask that you share a current picture of your Service Dog wearing the harness or vest you plan to use with your handle. This will help me best understand your specific needs for the handle and be sure that your vest/harness will be safe for the use of my handle. Your dog's safety is very important to me! I will only sell guide handles to the handlers of fit, healthy Service Dogs that are the correct size, weight, and height for guide work. This is to ensure that I am not supporting the use of overweight service dogs, something that I personally think is not only unsafe for the dog but unfair as well. Strictly grounding handles (no guide work needed) will only be sold to the handlers of fit, healthy Service Dogs that come at least to the handler's knee in height. When you know your measurements and custom choices, I will send you a PDF order form via email. Once I receive your completed order form I will send you a Paypal invoice for payment. From the time you order to the time you receive your handle should be roughly 2 and a half to 3 weeks. Thank you for checking out my page, I hope to hear from you! My Service Dog, Kaycee, has a page too! Check her out if you'd like at:
https://www.facebook.com/Kaycee-the-Service-Dog-in-Training-712977382146058/
