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Service Dog Care FAQ
- Service Dog – SD
- Service Dog in Training – SDiT
- Emotional Support Animal – ESA
Q: What are the benefits of crate training?
Q: Will you always need to keep your dog crated?
Q: What are the benefits of range feeding vs. morning/evening meals?
Q: Why do I need to carry a dog pack?
- Water/Food Bowl
- Food/treats
- Towel/blanket
- Extra leash/extra collar
- Bottled water
- Copy of Shot records
- Benadryl/Imodium/pepto bismol/phazyme
- Flexi leash for bathroom purposes
- Poop bags
Q: How do I introduce my dog to another dog?
- People wanting their dogs to meet other dogs too fast
- People not paying attention to their dogs and the signals from the dogs
- People that let their dogs do whatever they want and have no control over their dog
Do not assume that just because your dog is friendly there would be no problem. Dogs are pack animals and there is a hierarchy. Always ask the owner first if their dog is dog-friendly. If so, then both dog owners approach each other from an angle (never straight on). Watch your dog for any signs of aggression/anxiety etc.
You always want to make this a positive situation. Even if the dogs look good at their first meeting, do not automatically let them play, take it slow. You do not want the dogs to have a bad experience.
Never put your dog into the dog run with another dog until you have cleared with the owner to be sure the other dog is not dog aggressive. Always keep in mind that some dogs play hard and some dogs play soft.
Q: How do I stop /biting/nipping/teething/mouthing of my dog?
Q: Should I let other people pet or give my SD treats?
We teach that no one is allowed to pet your SD while it has its harness on and is working. We also teach that no one other than you should give your SD treats. If you want to allow your SD to be petted by someone, please take off their harness so they know that s/he has some free time to “mingle”. If someone offers your SD a treat, ask the person to hand the treat to you, and you will give the treat to your dog.
Q: How do I stop my dog from chewing things? (Shoes, Underwear, etc.)
That being said, if your SD is chewing items like shoes, underwear, etc., put those items up and in an area that your SD will not have access to them. If they get into something, because you’re not watching/paying attention to them, then ultimately it’s YOUR fault. When you cannot watch your SD, put them in their crate. This will not only keep them safe, but your belongings safe as well.
Q: Should I let my SD outside by itself at my house?
Q: How do I handle Confrontation / Access Issues / Certification Questions?
At the beginner level of training, you should ONLY be taking your SDiT to places where pets are allowed (PetSmart, Petco, Tractor Supply, Lowe’s, etc.). This should cut down on issues where confrontation/access are concerned.
If at any time, you have an issue at an establishment, get their contact information and one of our staff members will contact them.
Q: What do I do if my SD has a bathroom accident?
