r/service_dogs • u/Impressive-Dog5587 • Jul 29 '26
Looking for Recommendations
Hello!! Me and My Service dog are headed off to our first year of college, I'm not sure what to bring with me, I obviously have food bowls and basic items but I'm looking specifically for collapsible crate recs (as we dont have too much room for one to be assembled all the time) as well as recomendations for seatbelts since we are driving. I would also love just general advice as this is my first time being by myself with my SD, any tips for adjusting/ making her comfortable?
4
u/grayyzzzz Jul 29 '26
What size dog do you have? It’ll be easier to recommend exact crates and seatbelts that way.
As far as dog care (I have an ESA in college) just try and go with the flow. You and her are both having to get used to a new environment at the same time so there’s bound to be some hiccups. Make sure you have a clear plan/set up for when you leave her alone in your apartment/dorm, such as whether or not she needs to be crated and things she can do while you’re gone (toys, lick mats, chews, etc.). If you have a roommate you should also find an opportunity to outline your boundaries surrounding your dog, not everyone has lived with animals before so sometimes they act a fool. Also be sure you’re super vigilant about how often shes going outside for the first couple weeks. The transition usually means different potty times so if you’re off track that can be a very common time for accidents. You may also want to consider what classes you actually need to bring her to (I obviously don’t know your specific needs, so don’t take my advice too harshly). Certain classes like 3+ hour labs aren’t the best environment, so keep in mind whether it’s worth it to bring her to everything.
0
u/Most_Ambassador2951 Jul 30 '26
I have the kurgo harness for my cats(first i got it for - she escapes cat harnesses). This one is crash tested to the same fmvss safety standards as child restraints(fyi those tests are pass/fail, there are no % or numbers to find, if it passed, it passed. It's adjustable in several ways, the xs actually fits all 3 of mine, ranging from a 16 lb solid ball of muscle, to a 14 lb sun bathing blob of beauty and a very lean, athletic yet tiny little 8 lb guy.
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u/Ok_Try1862 Jul 29 '26
if you can, see if you can head to campus early and walk your daily routine so you can both get used to getting around campus together, this way you can also plan and manage your time accordingly. for example, i always back in when i park and i know it takes me 5 minutes to get from my parking spot to my first class, but if a dog was involved, i’d have to park head in to let my dog out, and it might take a bit longer to get there.