[Cagdu] FW: convention tips and tricks.

Mon Jun 29 17:39:22 PDT 2015

From: NFB_Colorado_guide_dog_users at yahoogroups.com
[mailto:NFB_Colorado_guide_dog_users at yahoogroups.com] 
Sent: Sunday, June 28, 2015 11:50 AM
To: National Association of Guide Dog Users; coagdu
Cc: colorado guide dog users; 'NFB of Colorado Discussion List'
Subject: [NFB_Colorado_guide_dog_users] convention tips and tricks.

CONVENTION TIPS AND TRICKS 

Are you attending a conference or convention? Here are some tips and tricks
to make your first, or your 71st conference or convention as stress-free as
possible for both you and your dog. 

1. Nobody's Perfect. 

This is the first and foremost tip to remember. Regardless of whether your
dog is straight out of class or an old pro at conventions, you and your dog
are at a new place, or at the very least, someplace you haven't been for a
while. There may be other guide and service dogs there. It's all quite
exciting. 

It's good to have high expectations of your dog, make sure he or she is
obedient, not sniffing or otherwise inappropriate, but sometimes things will
happen. Don't beat up on yourself or your dog for mistakes. 

You will get lost. Your dog will sniff, try to greet other dogs and be less
than that picture perfect guide or service dog at all times. We've all been
there. As long as you are trying, don't worry about others judging you.

2. Ask For Help. 

There is no stigma or negative statement about asking for some help learning
your way around a convention venue. Getting directions ahead of time is
great but in the moment, it's good to ask as well. This helps take the
stress off you and your dog until you know your way around. 

3. Take a breath and take a break 

Conferences and conventions can be packed with activities, parties and
seeing old friends. Remember to stop and praise your dog for good work. Take
a breath if you are getting stressed. Go back to your room and spend some
quality down time with your dog. You can also bring chew toys to help your
dog relieve his or her stress at the end of the day.

Remember to drink plenty of water and offer your dog plenty of chances to
drink as well. Convention venues can often be drier than your home
environment. Staying hydrated helps you both feel better.

What goes in has to come out. Remember to offer your dog plenty of chances
to relieve. Some conventions that host a number of guide or service dogs
have designated relief areas. You will want to learn where these are as soon
as you arrive and use them according to the convention rules. 

Your dog may not go right away so give him/her lots of time and
encouragement. It's easy to get frustrated and short with your dog if he or
she isn't going, refuses the communal relief area or hates the relieving
surface. Give yourself lots of extra time to get out and get the job done.

BE sure to bring baggies and yes, even some hand sanitizer just in case.
Many conventions where there will be a number of guide and service dogs have
procedures for reporting and taking care of accidents. If your dog does have
an accident, try to stay with the mess and get someone to report it
appropriately. If your dog is having difficulty holding urine or has
diarrhea or vomiting issues, be sure to alert someone and take more frequent
breaks to allow the dog to relieve in appropriate places. 

4. Be prepared.

This includes bringing those baggies, but also bringing any medications your
dog might need for nausea or diarrhea. If your dog is sensitive to food and
water changes, you may need to purchase bottled water during your stay. 

Being prepared also means being prepared for the crowds entering and exiting
conference rooms, elevators, etc. This is especially important at
conventions of blind people where there may be a lot of people using white
canes. Identify yourself and your location with your dog if you hear someone
coming toward you using a cane. This helps you both to keep your dog out of
the cane's way. 

It's OK to leave a meeting early or wait until most people have cleared the
doors to give your dog the best shot at getting you in and out safely. This
can minimize stress for your dog as well. 

5. Out of sight...

Remember that your dog should be close to you when in places like
restaurants, exhibit halls, etc. This not only helps others to keep from
tripping over him/her but it also helps the dog feel more secure. Try not to
allow your dog to sprawl into aisles or wander to the end of the leash while
you are otherwise occupied. 

Finally, if you are using technology during convention, be sure that when
walking you are paying attention to your dog. Texting, checking on GPS or
other activities take your attention away from your dog and its work. If you
need to use your technology, stop, or do so with as few distracting
movements as possible and be sure to return immediately to your dog's work. 

We hope everyone has a safe and happy convention experience.

Best regards,

Melissa R Green and Pj

if I've learned anything about friendship, it's to hang in, stay connected,
fight for them, and let them fight for you.  Don't walk away, don't be
distracted, don't be too busy or tired, don't take them for granted.
Friends are part of the glue that holds life and faith together.

__._,_.___

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