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Cruising With A Service Dog....everything You Ever Wanted To Know!

wizard-of-roz
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DUTRAVEL

DUTRAVEL

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The oil pan is a really, really good idea. Definitely better than asking DH to build something. I'll also try to get him to go on different surfaces as we travel, though there's not much variety here in Arizona -- rocks, pea gravel, and very rare grass is about it. Things may be different in Las Vegas, where we're going to an author/reader conference next month.

 

 

My service dog Henri will go on whatever surface we ask her to (so far at least, but we haven’t had her go on sand or hamster shavings). She is fine with even dirt if that is all there is.

 

My husband built a box for her in our backyard that is 5 x 5. It has a gravel bed and then artificial grass on top. We figured that we might as well get her used to using a box so that when we went on a cruise it would not be a big deal. It has actually been nice to have; we don’t have to go hunting around the yard to see if she has left any presents out on the grass. We have a pail with a plastic liner next to the box that we can just put into the garbage on garbage days. It has made everything so easy.

 

The Home Depot near us sells artificial grass either by the piece or on a roll. A 9 foot x 6 foot piece is about $20 – it would have to be cut to size. They also have a roll of grass that is 15-16 feet wide – if you get a 4 foot piece you could get enough for three or 4 boxes for about $25. That is what we are getting for our next cruise. Since it will cost less than $10 for a 4 x 4 box, we will just leave it behind at the end of the cruise. This artificial grass is not as nice as what we use in our yard, but for a two week sailing it will be fine.

 

We just stayed in Las Vegas last month with Henri. The hotel we stayed at had a large potty area that was artificial turf outside in the parking lot. Several of the hotels have grass on the way up the driveway that we used when we were out walking around and not at our hotel (Bellagio and Mirage).

 

Dianne

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wizard-of-roz

wizard-of-roz

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My service dog Henri will go on whatever surface we ask her to (so far at least, but we haven’t had her go on sand or hamster shavings). She is fine with even dirt if that is all there is.

 

My husband built a box for her in our backyard that is 5 x 5. It has a gravel bed and then artificial grass on top. We figured that we might as well get her used to using a box so that when we went on a cruise it would not be a big deal. It has actually been nice to have; we don’t have to go hunting around the yard to see if she has left any presents out on the grass. We have a pail with a plastic liner next to the box that we can just put into the garbage on garbage days. It has made everything so easy.

 

The Home Depot near us sells artificial grass either by the piece or on a roll. A 9 foot x 6 foot piece is about $20 – it would have to be cut to size. They also have a roll of grass that is 15-16 feet wide – if you get a 4 foot piece you could get enough for three or 4 boxes for about $25. That is what we are getting for our next cruise. Since it will cost less than $10 for a 4 x 4 box, we will just leave it behind at the end of the cruise. This artificial grass is not as nice as what we use in our yard, but for a two week sailing it will be fine.

 

We just stayed in Las Vegas last month with Henri. The hotel we stayed at had a large potty area that was artificial turf outside in the parking lot. Several of the hotels have grass on the way up the driveway that we used when we were out walking around and not at our hotel (Bellagio and Mirage).

 

Dianne

 

Dianne, can I be your Service Dog? Henri is so lucky to have you and your DH in her life.

 

Your set-up, in regards to the potty box, in your back yard is so perfect.

 

Horton's potty box is on our patio and I pull off the artificial turf after he's used it in the morning, so that it can get some good sun exposure and dry out for the day. [That's when I really spray it down.]

 

When I get home from work, I put the grass on top of the litter and we're good to go for another night.

 

The litter has to be changed because after a while it starts to lose its absorbency. I just bag it up and re-fill the box.

Edited by wizard-of-roz
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Krypti

Krypti

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My service dog Henri will go on whatever surface we ask her to (so far at least, but we haven’t had her go on sand or hamster shavings). She is fine with even dirt if that is all there is.

 

My husband built a box for her in our backyard that is 5 x 5. It has a gravel bed and then artificial grass on top. We figured that we might as well get her used to using a box so that when we went on a cruise it would not be a big deal. It has actually been nice to have; we don’t have to go hunting around the yard to see if she has left any presents out on the grass. We have a pail with a plastic liner next to the box that we can just put into the garbage on garbage days. It has made everything so easy.

 

The Home Depot near us sells artificial grass either by the piece or on a roll. A 9 foot x 6 foot piece is about $20 – it would have to be cut to size. They also have a roll of grass that is 15-16 feet wide – if you get a 4 foot piece you could get enough for three or 4 boxes for about $25. That is what we are getting for our next cruise. Since it will cost less than $10 for a 4 x 4 box, we will just leave it behind at the end of the cruise. This artificial grass is not as nice as what we use in our yard, but for a two week sailing it will be fine.

 

We just stayed in Las Vegas last month with Henri. The hotel we stayed at had a large potty area that was artificial turf outside in the parking lot. Several of the hotels have grass on the way up the driveway that we used when we were out walking around and not at our hotel (Bellagio and Mirage).

 

Dianne

 

Our convention (RT Booklovers 2016) is at the Rio. I know they have a dog relief area somewhere, hopefully not too far from wherever our room is.

 

I looked into artificial grass a few years back, since it's such a pain in the butt to have a proper lawn in Arizona, between the insane water cost (and the waste!) and having to reseed twice a year. Turns out that every brand of artificial grass absorbs heat and can burn dogs' paws in AZ, where the sun is so powerful. I could put it in the garage, but then we'd be competing for space with DH's power tools. :D

 

For the cruise, though, that's a good idea. My dad lives in Fort Lauderdale, so we'll be there a day or two early -- enough time to buy anything we don't want to fly out from Arizona. And I know where the local Home Depot is, since every time we go to visit my dad, DH ends up doing all sorts of home repair. (Can't trust my dad with a screwdriver or hammer!)

 

We're really excited about this cruise. Why isn't it next year?! Is this what cruising is like for all of you? You make your reservations, then count the days until you can finally go?

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S.S. Cruisers

S.S. Cruisers

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After reading the potty box ideas, it just dawned on me, I was talking to a Landscaper about our back yard. He said he gets a product that is kind of like kitty litter. They spread it out and tamp it down really good, then you put pea gravel or artificial turf or whatever you are using on top of it. He says it absorbs the urine and there is something in it that counter acts the smell and breaks down the urine. We haven't done anything with the yard yet, so forgot all about it. I wonder if other landscapers know about this product? Would hurt to contact a local one. :D

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DUTRAVEL

DUTRAVEL

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Dianne, can I be your Service Dog? Henri is so lucky to have you and your DH in her life.

 

Your set-up, in regards to the potty box, in your back yard is so perfect.

 

Horton's potty box is on our patio and I pull off the artificial turf after he's used it in the morning, so that it can get some good sun exposure and dry out for the day. [That's when I really spray it down.]

 

When I get home from work, I put the grass on top of the litter and we're good to go for another night.

 

The litter has to be changed because after a while it starts to lose its absorbency. I just bag it up and re-fill the box.

 

I could say the same thing about Horton - he is lucky to have you Roz. I can't say enough what a gift Henri has been. I am so lucky to have been the recipient of one of these amazing CCI dogs.

 

Dianne

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DUTRAVEL

DUTRAVEL

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Our convention (RT Booklovers 2016) is at the Rio. I know they have a dog relief area somewhere, hopefully not too far from wherever our room is.

 

We're really excited about this cruise. Why isn't it next year?! Is this what cruising is like for all of you? You make your reservations, then count the days until you can finally go?

 

That's a good point about the hot sun. It gets pretty hot where we live too (not as hot as Arizona). We have the box under a tree (one that doesn't lose its leaves or that would be a mess). In the summer the spot is shady and in the winter there is protection from the rain although Henri does not mind getting wet. She will actually run around in the yard in the rain after using the box.

 

I am really looking forward to our next cruise too - its not until October. This will be Henri's first cruise.

 

Dianne

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DUTRAVEL

DUTRAVEL

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After reading the potty box ideas, it just dawned on me, I was talking to a Landscaper about our back yard. He said he gets a product that is kind of like kitty litter. They spread it out and tamp it down really good, then you put pea gravel or artificial turf or whatever you are using on top of it. He says it absorbs the urine and there is something in it that counter acts the smell and breaks down the urine. We haven't done anything with the yard yet, so forgot all about it. I wonder if other landscapers know about this product? Would hurt to contact a local one. :D

 

I haven't heard about that product, but it sounds like it would work out really well.

 

Dianne

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S.S. Cruisers

S.S. Cruisers

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I haven't heard about that product, but it sounds like it would work out really well.

 

Dianne

I tried to google it yesterday, but didn't have enough time to weed through the "kitty litter" ones! I forgot to say, the landscaper also said it smooths out to a solid surface. The urine just goes into it and you don't scoop it like kitty litter. Of course you pick up the poopy logs! :D

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wizard-of-roz

wizard-of-roz

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Our convention (RT Booklovers 2016) is at the Rio. I know they have a dog relief area somewhere, hopefully not too far from wherever our room is.

 

I looked into artificial grass a few years back, since it's such a pain in the butt to have a proper lawn in Arizona, between the insane water cost (and the waste!) and having to reseed twice a year. Turns out that every brand of artificial grass absorbs heat and can burn dogs' paws in AZ, where the sun is so powerful. I could put it in the garage, but then we'd be competing for space with DH's power tools. :D

 

For the cruise, though, that's a good idea. My dad lives in Fort Lauderdale, so we'll be there a day or two early -- enough time to buy anything we don't want to fly out from Arizona. And I know where the local Home Depot is, since every time we go to visit my dad, DH ends up doing all sorts of home repair. (Can't trust my dad with a screwdriver or hammer!)

 

We're really excited about this cruise. Why isn't it next year?! Is this what cruising is like for all of you? You make your reservations, then count the days until you can finally go?

 

You can also get the grass at some pet stores [i get mine at Kahoot's.] It's cut into different sizes [i bought the large size] and I must tell you it's very durable. I've had the same two pieces for years. it has great drainage and the grass is very well made.

 

I live in the San Fernando Valley of L.A., where our temps. can get very, very hot and the grass is exposed to sunlight until 3:00pm and it doesn't get too hot for my dog.

 

The anticipation of the cruise is really part of the excitement of it all!

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wizard-of-roz

wizard-of-roz

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After reading the potty box ideas, it just dawned on me, I was talking to a Landscaper about our back yard. He said he gets a product that is kind of like kitty litter. They spread it out and tamp it down really good, then you put pea gravel or artificial turf or whatever you are using on top of it. He says it absorbs the urine and there is something in it that counter acts the smell and breaks down the urine. We haven't done anything with the yard yet, so forgot all about it. I wonder if other landscapers know about this product? Would hurt to contact a local one. :D

 

Nancy, I'd love to know the name of this product.

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wizard-of-roz

wizard-of-roz

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Disney Cruise Line just announced that they will be building two new ships! More cruise ship options & more port options!!

 

Do you know of any Disney cruise ships out of L.A. or Long Beach, CA.?

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thephantomsgirl

thephantomsgirl

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Good morning everyone! I'm back from my two weeks auditing Partner Training. Jagger and I learned so much - wow! We have really progressed. It helped point out how consistency and expectation keeps a team on track. Had the best time ever.

 

Looks like you all have been busy and we have some new teams on here. Welcome!

 

And for our friends over the pond, Happy Mother's Day!

 

Holly

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alexspepa

alexspepa

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Good morning everyone! I'm back from my two weeks auditing Partner Training. Jagger and I learned so much - wow! We have really progressed. It helped point out how consistency and expectation keeps a team on track. Had the best time ever.

 

Looks like you all have been busy and we have some new teams on here. Welcome!

 

And for our friends over the pond, Happy Mother's Day!

 

Holly

 

Great news Jolly...(see what i did there?):)

 

and thanks for the heads up on MDOTP! - Happy Mother's Day to the best puppy raiser in Scotland - Fairbourne!

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Caribbean Chris

Caribbean Chris

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Great news Jolly...(see what i did there?):)

 

and thanks for the heads up on MDOTP! - Happy Mother's Day to the best puppy raiser in Scotland - Fairbourne!

 

Took me a minute to figure out Jolly! More coffee, please. Next you'll be calling us Craylene....

 

Yes, to mother Fairbourne - a happy belated M day.

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DUTRAVEL

DUTRAVEL

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Good morning everyone! I'm back from my two weeks auditing Partner Training. Jagger and I learned so much - wow! We have really progressed. It helped point out how consistency and expectation keeps a team on track. Had the best time ever.

 

Looks like you all have been busy and we have some new teams on here. Welcome!

 

And for our friends over the pond, Happy Mother's Day!

 

Holly

 

Welcome back Holly. So glad that you are making progress with Jagger.

 

Dianne

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