Use this checklist to help you prepare for a visit:
- Feed and water your K9 well before the event to avoid unexpected surprises. (Our dog will be on a very precise feeding schedule – morning and evening. You will probably only need to worry about water.)
- Lightly exercise your K9 before vesting. Don’t over work. If you are traveling a long distance for an outing, you can do before you leave for the event.
- Grooming touch up. Check ears, remove any mats, and check for collar adjustments if necessary.
- Check vest for ID, insurance papers, K9 business cards, and cleanliness supplies.
- Check for your ID and cards. Make sure you are wearing an LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministries branded shirt.
- Get to your destination at least 30 minutes prior to the event.
- Time for a bio break. Do it in a discrete area away from public view, if possible. Remember to clean up a mess and dispose of courteously.
- Showtime…Sit your dog and with the command “dress”, vest your K9. Let your K9 sit for a good 30-60 seconds before giving the “With me” command (setting the tone for the event).
- With your K9 leashed and vested test for obedience with commands.
- From the sit position walk your K9 using the command “With me”. Your K9 should stop when you stop without any verbal communication. Needless to say your K9 should never be pulling you, especially when vested.
- Practice with your K9 the stand, sit, and down commands (puppy push–ups).
- Once you are confident with your K9’s obedience, you can proceed to your event. It is better to call off the event than show up with a misbehaving K9.
Never feed your dog while in vest. Make sure your dog only works in 2-3 hour intervals. This depends upon the number of people and the air temperature. The hotter the air, the shorter the work sessions are between breaks.
Information retrieved from the LCC Handler Handbook.