I have a service dog who has outgrown his training harness that was off the shelf and he needs a new one. I am making his new one from kangaroo leather with a nylon core. It will be based on the web master harness from ruff wear.
I was wondering if anyone had made their own harness before and had any tips for a newbie. I have worked with leather and nylon with success. This is my biggest project yet and have done my research.
I have a proper sewing machine. I will be riveting the joints and using brass hardware. I am planning on padding with foam and lambs skin. Can anyone suggest options for foam and is lamb's fleece my best choice?
Any ideas would be appreciated. I want to do the best job I can. I have included a link to the type of harness and the type of leather for reference.
http://www.ruffwear.com/Web-Master-trade-Harness?sc=2&category=16
http://www.davidmorgan.com/solidkangaroo.html?cPath=7_11_194&
2007-02-28 03:19:48 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
The nylon cost 10 dollars but you could scrounge that up anywhere.
The leather was donated to me by a local merchant but usually costs between 60 and 80 dollars a hide. You need 1 hide for small dogs, 2 for large dogs and Timber my big oaf needs 3 hides. A great dane might need more.
The kangaroo is great because it is 4 times stronger then cowhide and is only 1.2mm thick and is full grain.
The padding I haven't gotten yet but I expect between 1 and 2 skins should do it.
All in all it would be expensive to do as a retail thing but I will post the direction online and if people want to try it they are welcome to it.
It took me about an hour to cut and sew the nylon. I am looking at spending 1 day in the leather construction phase and another day welding and attaching the steel support bar. I plan to take it slow though, it could probably be done faster.
2007-02-28 03:40:09 · update #1
You may want to look into using memory foam. Good luck!
2007-02-28 03:26:58 · answer #1 · answered by W. 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are WAY better than i am! I made mine out of old belts here at my house. My chow chow kept breaking the ones I bought in a store. This time she's not been able to get it off or break it! lol It sounds to me like your design is very well thought out & best idea I've ever heard. Perhaps you should patent it & sell it via the internet! How much would you have to sell them at to make a profit? Great idea...too much work for me though. I took the easiest way around it....good luck!
2007-02-28 03:28:59 · answer #2 · answered by HeavenlyAngel 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i've never made a dog harness but i have made horse halters and saddle pads and a few dog leashes and collars from rope. i would use the lamb skin it's not gonna wear out as fast as any fake stuff u buy.
2007-02-28 03:27:11 · answer #3 · answered by dragonwolf 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋