[nagdu] first-time convention attendee (with a dog, that is)

[Elizabeth Campbell via nagdu]

Hi Aleeha,
I'm glad you are traveling to convention with your guide!
I am working with my second guide from the Seeing Eye, and  he has been to
two NFB conventions with mea and has done beautifully! He even got to the
point where he was finding the set of doors in to the ballroom that were
near the Texas delegation, so I knew where to sit during general sessions.
I also had good experiences going to convention with my first guide.
I know this is easier said than done, but try to relax. Dogs definitely
sense when you are stressed.
Also, give your dog plenty of opportunities to relieve. I took mine out as
often as I could, and I can tell you that the designated relief areas were a
lifesaver!
Also, try to get a description of how the hotel is layed out before you
arrive so that you have an idea of where the front desk is in relation to
the doors in to the hotel along with locations of meeting rooms, restaurants
and so forth.
Also, be prepared for your dog to meet and greet other dogs! I'll admit that
when I first arrived at the conventions, Ihad a hard time keeping Gabe from
saying hi to the other dogs, but by my second day things were fine.
Also, I would spend time letting your dog rest and unwind. Remember that
both of you are away from your normal environment, so to speak.

Best  Liz

-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Aleeha Dudley via
nagdu
Sent: Wednesday, May 28, 2014 8:28 PM
To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Subject: [nagdu] first-time convention attendee (with a dog, that is)

Hi all,
    As the subject line says, I will be attending my first convention
this summer with my guide from The Seeing Eye. This will be my third
convention, but first with Dallas. Are there any tips or tricks that
you guys have used in the past to keep yourself and your dog calm
throughout what I am sure is a stressful experience? How do you deal
with dogs who might not be under the best control? What is your
strategy for an aggressive dog that approaches you? These ar just a
couple of questions, but I know I have a lot more that will crop up.
I'm sure convention with a dog is a great experience, albeit
different. I do not want to borrow trouble, but I do want to be
prepared. I would love to hear different people's experiences.
Thanks,
Aleeha Dudley and Dallas
email: blindcowgirl1993 at gmail.com

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