• Sometimes when your dog walks through the park or in grass that has been treated with chemicals, pesticides or fertilizers this will cause itching.  Using a Swiffer cloth to wipe down the grassy pollen from their back and feet/legs often helps.  If this is not sufficient, use a wet cloth to wipe their feet/legs.

• Many dogs require pills and/or shots during allergy season.  If you give your dog Benadryl, it is handy to know that you can buy a bottle of Benadryl at Costco for $4-5 for 400 minitabs.

• If your dog takes pills that dry him out, and his lips become rough and cracked, use a little vaseline, or Chapstick (this works great and is easier to maneuver, or Lip Infusion (like Chapstick only not as messy and doesn’t melt in your pocket.)

Dining

• Look for a table in a corner or near a wall so that your dog can be out of the way of traffic and the servers.

• If you attend a lot of functions, get there early enough to get a table that is convenient for you and your dog.  Many functions will have large round tables.  You should arrive early and make sure you find a position at the table that does not have a leg and bracket in front of your position.  If there is, then your dog cannot go under the table and sit in front of you on the floor out of the way of servers and other people walking around.  While sitting at this type of table it is very useful to fold the tablecloth under in front of your position.  All service dogs have to be able to look out and also look around to see what is going on around him.  My dog wants to be able to perform his duties at all times.  I have a choice, I do it the way I just explained or he will sit right next to me on my left side and perform his duties.

• Most service dogs will be on your left unless they do mobility or another function that may require your dog to be in another position.  You need to condition your regular eating partner to remember that your dog needs to sit to your left and to find that position at the table.  Your dog should be trained to go to certain positions.  You cannot think that your dog knows that he is supposed to go to other positions and sit or lay.  Remember, your partner is a dog, not a human and your dog does not THINK like a human.

• No booths

Traveling

• Always carry your dog’s blanket or pillow so he will feel comfortable in new surroundings  (See our paper on Traveling With Your Service Dog)

General

• During a storm, put a leash on your dog to calm him down.  It will let him know that you are in control and puts his or her mind back in work mode.

• If you don’t want people to pet your dog while working, say “Please Don’t – he’s working.”

• You may choose to allow your dog to be petted when his vest is off – this is a good alternative.  That way your dog remains trained to work vs. not work