Everything But the Kitchen Sink

Lets discus what handy dandy kit I have with me when we go out and about!

In todays ramblings I wanted to share Top Ten Tools (items and others) that come with me and Alison when we got out! Now this is what works for us and are only suggestions to maybe guide other Assistance Dog Teams. We would love to hear what you guys carry with you!

*Side note, all links are just sign posts we aren't paid from any promotion.*

1. Choice of harness. I have a few harnesses. Each are designed for different things.

a. Perfect Fit - this walking harness is super comfortable. I was trained from young with this, even for mobility tasks. As I grew up this became my play harnesses/ Off Duty Harness. Once I sees this, I know it's time for a long fun walk.

b. Yup Collars - This is one of the mobility harnesses, sadly the one we had broke. The connectors for the guide handle are all that's broken. When I'm not doing guide dog tasks ( Alison's Boyfriend has been filling in) we use this harness without the handle. No stress is put on the harness and I know this is a working harness.

c. SwedTech - When I put this harness on I know I will be responsible for guiding as well as my other tasks. I had doing this task full time but in the last few months I've only been preforming it on a part-time basis.

*I did review these in this blog post here. Be sure to check it out if you haven't*

2. Identification vest/jacket. I have quite a few options here! One made by Woofers Direct and 4 by Wuffable. Vests are made to clip on to a harness at the back. Jackets can be worn on their own, on top of a walking harness or behind a mobility harness.

All have easily read information on them for the public. Like Assistance Dog and an organisation (if that applies). I presently a member of Recovery Assistance Dogs (RAD) but was trained by me independently so has other vests than this one.

3. Martingale flat collar. I have been trained to know I'm Working if I have a martingale flat collar on. I find this type of collar to be better for dogs with double coats. When I'm not working I wears no collar (when in the house) or a straight flat collar. I have a new collar for Christmas from ICEDOG.

Make sure your collar has your address and telephone details! It's the law.

4. Head Collar. I use Dogmatic Head Collars and find are the best brand for durability, comfort and safety. I have used these during training and working . It means there is no strain on my throat and, in my opinion, provides better control to my handler for better communication. Due to Alison's eyesight, combined with a guide harness, this provides maximum understanding between us.

5. Hands Free Leash. Alison likes wearing a hands free leash when I'm working. Due to their disabilities, her grip can be lax and her reactions slow. This way it's one less thing to worry about. We are currently using a leash made by hand with paracord. It is supremely comfortable, durable and looks great. They have used this leash for years, even with my mentor Bear. This leash was made by a friend at Little Wolf Paracord. When I'm on a fun walk I use a leather leash made by Yup Collars.

6. Settle Mat. I'm trained to settle on a mat. Once I put myself on the mat, I know I can change positions but stay on it. This rule can be broken in the case of a medical alert. I did use a floor rug for my first mat but have been using Wuffable since I discovered them. I have owned two now.

7. Booties. This last summer was very hot! I Got some Qumy Pets boots to wear on our trip to Inverness since I'd be doing a lot of road walking. We got so many compliments! I LOVE these boots as well.

8. Treat pouch. I don't often get treats when working now if I do something new or work well under hard condition Alison does have a pouch ready! Due to their grip problems, they've tried all manner of pouches and fanny packs. The best they've found for is a tactical mole dump bag by Viper. It's the right size for their hand to have to room to grip a treat and it attaches to their belt.

9. Collapsible bowl. Alison carries a collapsible bowl for water at all times. If we are spending the night at a hotel then they pack a bigger collapsible bowl for my food as well. There are many makes but currently we are using Karra.

10. Poo bag dispenser. Remember your poo bags! Alison finds these dispensers a must have. This stops them having to get their fingers on bags stuck deep in their pockets. This Kyrilali one has been great and the shape is easiest to use for them. I would definitely recommend using a more heavy duty bag if you have a Me sized dog (big poos, horse size. no shame. #sorryNotsorry) . We like Earth Rated bags the best for size, thickness and these are also recyclable. Hope these help if you stuck to remember to take things with you! Let us know what different items you ADs go out with!