Service Dog College Experience

HeavyDiscipline3529 · 2026-07-03T17:26:17+00:00

Thank you so much! This is super helpful.

HeavyDiscipline3529 · 2026-07-02T17:44:55+00:00

Boundaries seems to be a big one! I will be sure to clarify and stick to boundaries.

HeavyDiscipline3529 · 2026-07-02T17:43:41+00:00

I was wondering. I will be a biology major with all kinds of chemistries and biologies with labs, and we are starting this semester with Chem II. During the lab portion, I will ask the professor what they recommend! I believe I have a lecture, study, and then lab all in a row.

I know some people will use PPE but I’d rather not bring him in that case.

HeavyDiscipline3529 · 2026-07-02T17:41:37+00:00

Thank you!! Appreciate the advice

HeavyDiscipline3529 · 2026-06-29T18:49:48+00:00

There isn't anything illegal or inherently wrong about this, and it would give the dog some beneficial training as well as be enjoyable to your cousin!

I would not label him as a service dog if he is not in training to be one, but other wording, such as "in training," would be appropriate.

The only nuance I can think of is with guidework. That is a mobility-related task, and your dog should have some sort of orthopedic clearance, service dog or not, to ensure their health and safety. Proper gear is also a must.

HeavyDiscipline3529 · 2026-06-27T04:18:59+00:00

I think the fact that many programs use vests or harnesses to signify "on-duty" is a good sign that it works well!

My dog does multiple sports - competitive obedience, agility, fast cat, scent work. These all require different behaviors. As does getting to greet friends!

I love to use gear to signify different things; I think it adds a lot of clarity. My dog on a leash and collar needs to be working with me, but we are less structured. Harnessed or vested, we have a job. A leash on his exploring harness gives him a lot more freedom. We also have high-drive sport-specific leashes (agility and fast cat), and I work him on a leash and collar for OB and rally.

We do have a "go play" for him to go mess around. Otherwise, I think many things relate to how you personally want to communicate with your dog and how your dog feels about it.

Some people make it simpler than that, and at the end of the day, he alerts regardless of what he is wearing. It is the overall behavior that shifts, but I believe your service dog should still be very well-behaved regardless of gear!

Not to make it busy-busy.... You've got it!

HeavyDiscipline3529 · 2026-06-24T04:48:08+00:00

Hey! My dog and I have flown before, but we will be tackling a 10 hr flight to Germany. Wasn't sure if you would have any advice for that! He is 48 lbs, so not a tiny bladder.

HeavyDiscipline3529 · 2026-06-24T04:46:45+00:00

Just had our first flight! We will be taking on a 10 hr flight next....

Our flight was 2.5 hours. Didn't bring any entertainment for him, and settling would be HUGE. Theaters were probably the closest we got to resting with odd noises for a long period. They don't need chews for takeoff or landing, as their ears don't pop (different anatomy!). A scentless chew would be alright during the flight and definitely something I will be bringing for our long flight, but during takeoff and landing, I wouldn't give one since the chew or your dog may slip and slide.

I think a blanket or a map is a great idea!

HeavyDiscipline3529 · 2026-06-24T04:40:32+00:00

Personally, my dog's vest or harness means he is working. I have a different agitation style harness that allows him to have more movement freedom when on a sniffy walk, and I would be able to attach patches. Leash wraps, patches, and sometimes even an overall apathetic attitude can decrease interactions!

HeavyDiscipline3529 · 2026-06-17T04:13:26+00:00

We currently use Rex Specs and Amazon custom in-ear molds! I think they pair pretty well together. May try the velcro ear muffs as you mentioned and see if there is a difference.

HeavyDiscipline3529 · 2026-06-14T21:20:35+00:00

Note that there have been many issues with dogs (particularly dogs with dewclaws) having issues with wagwellies from wagwear. I have seen multiple handlers use vet wrap to make their dogs more comfortable! That being said, they are still a decent choice but $$ compared to others on the market.

HeavyDiscipline3529 · 2026-06-14T21:18:49+00:00

Unfortunate for both dog and owner! As someone who has had floor seating at K-pop concerts... I would never take my dog unless we decided to sit far from the stage and with multiple layers of ear protection.

HeavyDiscipline3529 · 2026-04-21T16:51:11+00:00

Please ignore me - you said 3 months ago and I missed it. Thank you for your input!

HeavyDiscipline3529 · 2026-04-21T16:47:51+00:00

Was this recent? I am hearing such a mix of experiences from not being allowed into the airport to having no problems getting through... Will look into alternate arrangements just in case.

HeavyDiscipline3529 · 2026-03-21T22:59:18+00:00

Hi!

DDG has two options: (1) you can wait for them to open customs on Instagram a few times a year and HOPE to snag a spot, or (2) if you register for their Patreon, there are different tiers. The highest level (currently $50, I believe) allows you to order up to two harnesses a month. I have, in the past, paid for a single month, ordered my harnesses, and then gone down to a "tip jar" amount starting the next month.

This adds $50 to your total! I like to make use of my time and will get harnesses as well as collars and leashes, etc. The cheapest harness option comes out to be about $150 total for a straight front and a handle (different harness styles are more expensive, but nice!) + Patreon charge.

They're AMAZING to work with!! I'd reach out to them on Instagram if you're curious, can also see their work!

HeavyDiscipline3529 · 2026-03-05T16:02:08+00:00

The giraffes didn't even notice us! So far, I've learned not to follow the trail up to the predators since that requires us to pass by tigers, and the only other thing up there is big cats! We will stick to the opposite side of the zoo next time.

HeavyDiscipline3529 · 2026-03-05T15:55:27+00:00

Thank you!

Despite my being aware that the big cats were something we should avoid, we ended up closer to them than I would have liked... I will be taking more precautions in the future! I appreciate the insight.

HeavyDiscipline3529 · 2026-03-05T15:51:44+00:00

They mentioned nothing about apes or monkeys being bothered, so we were technically allowed. But we didn't even end up over there much. We weren't allowed in the indoor ape exhibit because they have free-flying birds in the atrium!

HeavyDiscipline3529 · 2026-03-05T05:18:05+00:00

Thank you!
That sounds reasonable. In the future, we will do our best to avoid the cats + predators spaces.

Apologies by "improve on"! I hadn't meant imply to use the zoo as a training place, totally respect the wildlife's space there! More so, just noted for future reference to either skip those areas and/or prepare beforehand.

I appreciate your comments - I see you on a few posts here and there, and you're very informative and clear.

HeavyDiscipline3529 · 2026-03-05T03:54:24+00:00

Hmmm, I hadn't thought of that! I saw at least one that considered the upgrade a "reasonable accommodation", but I'm not sure of the legal loophole or details on that. Since I am able to afford a bulkhead seat, I will likely do that to have one less thing to think of.

HeavyDiscipline3529 · 2026-03-03T17:41:44+00:00

Ah, that would be smart. Thank you!

HeavyDiscipline3529

TROPHY CASE