[nagdu] Guide Dog Use at national Convention

[Julie J.]

I am not attending national convention this year, but I would not take my 
current guide, Monty to something like a long convention.  I took my 
previous guide, Belle to a national convention and she was fine.  However 
Monty takes his job way too seriously.  He doesn't really relax and do 
doggie things on his off time.  Most guide dogs associate the harness with 
work time.  Monty does not, for him home is dog time and everywhere else is 
serious business.  He does fine for about three days, after that he's about 
ready to fall asleep standing because he's worn himself out.
I also do not take him on other long trips like vacations for the same 
reason.   He goes to the dog sitter lady's house where he gets to run and 
play with a group of other dogs.  I think because I'm not around and he 
knows the routine there he is happy, relaxed and able to be a dog.

I've taken him to state conventions where there are a handful of other dogs 
and he's been great.  He does fine around crowds and canes and all the other 
crazy convention sorts of things.  If I lived close enough to a national 
convention site where I would be at home in the evenings he could totally do 
it.

It really comes down to knowing your dog and yourself and figuring out what 
works best.  There just isn't going to be an easy, one size fits all answer, 
for whether or not to take your guide to a national convention.

Julie