The stylish Service dog... and all his stuff.

Let's talk equipment. I use a basic leather collar which is left on at all times to hold his microchip tag and ID tag.  I currently have Sherman in a basic web harness that can be purchased at any pet store.  I use red for ease of identification.  I find it works well for training and doesn't brake the bank as he out grows them.  I sew a couple of" service dog in training patches" on to make people feel better (purchased on line cheap).  As he out grows the harnesses, I pull the patches, clean the harness and put it away until it's needed for the next dog. I use a 2 ft. lead with a loop handle for the second part of his harness.  I clip the end to his training collar ( I use a prong collar) and I use an industrial quick clip (found at local hardware stores) to attach the loop handle to the back of the harness.

This gives me a pull point which puts the pressure on the harness and not his neck while still giving me control of his training collar.  It also allows me to have a short lead that is easy to clip to carts or other things I need him attached to for a moment.  (like my crutches) I will post a picture as soon as I have one.  I also use the loop attachment as a secure point to run a seat belt through to keep Sherman secure in the car.  It works on the same principle as the expensive straps for a fraction of the cost.

harness (red) - $12-$20
leash  -                    $10
prong collar -          $10
Quick clip  -              $2
regular collar -          $8
total cost about  - $50

Expect to have future cost for harness replacement about three times before complete growth,  for a large/giant dog.  It will be less for smaller dogs.  Please note this does not take into account if your dog eats the leash or harness for afternoon snack. 

After Sherman reaches full size or is within a couple of months of it I will order a leather aggression harness from on line.  I found a site that sells police harnesses for about $90 and they are extremely well built.  I have used it for three different large dogs and they are still going great after four years of every day pulling, working, rain or shine.  A little leather oil keeps them in great shape and the dogs are very comfortable. 

I always keep at least two dog beds available (always under $20 because I love sales), one for the bedroom and one for travel if going long distance.  I find Sherman travels better if he is comfortable and it's not big deal to pack around the dog bed.  I also have a crate for him which is set up as his safe space.  He often will go in there just to have quiet.  Everyone knows to leave him alone when he is in his "room".  I find this allows him to be off duty and all the dogs often crawl in together to rest.

Another piece of equipment I use is dog shoes.  This might sound silly to some but once your dogs pads have been burnt off from the asphalt  or torn up from the ice and salt, you will be a believer.  It is funny to watch them high step the first time they wear them.  I use them through out the summer if we are going to be outside for more than a few minutes. The heat here makes the concrete hot enough to cook on (really) and I need my dog working not burning his feet.

 I use packs for my dogs and I have purchased many kinds and brands.  I am a firm fan of Ruffwear.  It is the best product for the money and comes in great sizes.  I have never had any problems with their gear. I use baby shampoo to wash my crazy muddy mutt and have a good quality set of nail clippers and hair brush.  I have two travel bowls for food and water and spend the money to keep him in stuffies from the thrift store and nyla bones from the pet store.

I must say I am in love with one of the sets of packs/vest I saw the other day.  It was in Amy desert camo with the veterans rank on it.  It had the dogs name and the service patches on it and shouted, Proud to be a vet.  I want to make or purchase one for the navy.  I just loved how it said.. Yes I am a working dog and I am making a veterans life better.

Other than food and water, that is about all the equipment I need.  Everyone has their own needs and should be sure to have the right equipment for them and their dog.  I have learned to keep a bottle of water in the car, dog clean up bags in my purse and a blanket in the back of the car for him to have a place to rest if the ground is cold.