Service Dog Questions – Quick Answers You Need

If you own a service dog or are thinking about getting one, you’ve probably got a lot of questions. How do you keep the dog safe at home? What gear is actually useful? When should you use a collar or a harness? This page gathers the most helpful answers from our articles so you can get straight to the facts.

Training, Collars & Harnesses

One of the biggest debates is whether a service dog should wear a collar, a harness, or both. Vets generally recommend a well‑fitted harness for work because it reduces neck strain and gives you better control. If you need a quick ID tag, a light breakaway collar works fine, but don’t rely on it for pulling or heavy tasks.

Training collars can be tempting, especially if you see them on TV. Our guide on training collars breaks down the pros and cons: they can give clear cues, but misuse can hurt the dog’s trust. Most service dogs thrive with positive reinforcement tools like clickers or gentle leaders.

Everyday Safety & Legal Stuff

Many owners wonder if it’s okay to let their service dog roam free at home. The safe age for free roaming depends on the dog’s size and training level. Puppies usually need to stay crated or leashed until they’re fully house‑trained and can respond to commands reliably – that’s often around 4‑6 months.

Legal questions also pop up. In the UK, service dogs are covered by the Equality Act, which means they can accompany you in most public places, including grocery stores in Virginia or Walmart in North Carolina (when you travel abroad). However, you still need to follow local rules about leash length and visible ID.

Traveling with a service dog can feel stressful, but a few simple steps make it easy. Keep your dog’s paperwork handy, use a travel carrier that meets airline specs, and consider pet insurance if you fly often. Our travel guide explains why insurance isn’t mandatory but can cover unexpected vet bills.

When it comes to grooming, you might ask, “Should I bathe my dog before a grooming session?” The short answer: a quick brush is fine, but a full bath can make the groomer’s job smoother. Just make sure the dog is dry before any clipping.

Nutrition and health are other common worries. Adding pumpkin to a dog’s diet is safe in moderation, but too much can cause digestive upset. If you’re looking at supplements like fish oil or canine prime, check the label for EPA/DHA levels and ask your vet if they’re needed for your dog’s specific work demands.

Finally, remember that a service dog’s comfort matters. Some owners cover the crate at night for a cozier feel, while others keep it open for better ventilation. Test both ways and see which helps your dog settle down faster.

Got a question that isn’t covered here? Browse the list of articles below – each one dives deeper into topics like barking control, crate bedding, and even the weird habit of nooking. We’ve stripped out the fluff so you get straight, useful advice you can apply today.