Packing Tips for Guide Dog School
This month instead of sharing our adventures I thought I would share some of my packing tips and other things that I found helpful, what I did not use, and what I wish I brought to guide dog school. Don’t worry there will be an update on our adventures this month, but you will have to wait until next year to hear what we have gotten up to this month.
Now that that’s out of the way, I want to preface this post with I had the opportunity to go to guide dog school right around this time last year, so many of my packing tips will surround the fact that I went in the summertime, although there are items that I packed that would help no matter the season you find yourself embarking on this journey.
What I found helpful to bring:
Comfy athletic clothes: As you will most likely find yourself completing at least two routes each day equating to about 3 to 4 miles each day athletic clothes will be really helpful especially if you find yourself in a summer class on the east coast in humidity. Some of the purchases that I made right before class were for socks, capri yoga pants, a light rain jacket, and bralette’s.
If you are like me and live on the west coast and end up on a red eye flight, I would also recommend packing clothes to sleep in, where you have easy access to them if you find yourself needing a nap like I did shortly after you arrive on campus.
Good Walking Shoes: As has been mentioned in your pre-class materials it’s important to bring good walking shoes, as you will be walking a lot. What I personally found helpful was Nike Women’s Flex Running Shoes. From what I hear of Kisiks they would also be a good option, as you can walk in them, and they are easy to get on.
Sunscreen: If you find yourself in a summer class you will thank yourself later if you bring plenty of sunscreen. I brought one bottle of spray sunscreen and almost finished the whole bottle before my three-week class ended. When it comes to face sunscreen, I would recommend bringing one full bottle. I brought two and never finished the first.
Hydration: As you will most likely be taking 3 to 5 mile walks a day it's important to stay hydrated. One thing I packed to ensure I stayed hydrated was Liquid IV and I asked to purchase Poppi. Having both of these drinks ensured that I stayed hydrated while being two drinks that I enjoyed.
Hair ties: If you have long hair, I would recommend bringing hair ties as you will thank yourself later if the school that you attend is in an area where it’s known to become humid. When I was in class, it seemed like I would throw my hair up as soon as I got out of bed because I just couldn’t handle it being on my neck with the weather being so hot and humid.
Bug repellent: When taking a summer class, it would be helpful to bring bug repellent as you may encounter many mosquitos and other bugs. If you are not able to use bug repellent the Bug Sucker may also help.
Hand sanitizer: When packing for guide dog school I brought three bottles of hand sanitizer, but only ended up using one. It is good to at least have one bottle with you as at some point in class you will have to start picking up your dog's poop and you may have to do so mid route when you will not have the ability to wash your hands. Two of my favorite brands of hand sanitizer are Touch Land and Grove Collaborative.
Self-care: When packing it's important to think of your self care routine as it will be helpful to take time after your routes have finished for the day for self-care. One thing that I would do each evening after my routes finished was a facial as it helped me relax and wind down for the evening.
Handbag recommendations: When packing for guide dog school I chose to pack a small backpack that I could use on routes. It was helpful to have this backpack as I could carry my essentials while on route. Some of these essentials included water, sunscreen, an extra leash, clicker, headphones, my phone, wallet, keys, and a hat. In addition to the handbag, I also packed my Lululemon Belt Bag. I found my Lululemon Belt Bag helpful for short routes, as well as the few times my classmates and I went out after classes for the day. When going out I would carry the essentials of wallet, keys, and phone.
Cash: Having some money saved for training would be a good idea, as you might want to buy things from the gift shop, you might have an adventurous class like I did and choose to go out on the weekends, or you might need things while you are on route in the mall or Target. I personally took $250 with me and found that that was enough, but it’s really personal preference.
What I did not find helpful that I brought:
Grooming supplies for Eve: I ended up bringing ear cleaning wipes, body wipes, teeth wipes, and a grooming glove, which I never used. Any grooming supplies that I needed were either at the school or already provided to me. One word of advice I would give is leave those supplies at home and save the weight that would take up for all the extra items you will come back with.
What I wish I brought:
Bug bite ointment: Although I brought bug repellent I forgot bug bite ointment, which was much needed as I was getting bit by mosquitos left and right. The nursing staff had some, but it would have been nice to have some of my own to take care of the annoying itches. If you are not able to use bug bite ointment a bug bit sucker could also be helpful.
Small Duffle bag: As I mentioned before you will get supplies and other souvenirs while you are in class. One good thing to bring is an extra duffle bag to carry these items, as you may not have enough room, or you may go over the weight limit. Not to worry, some airlines will allow you to check two bags for free or for a small fee.
I want to thank @shelbi_nichole, @livingblindly, and my classmates for giving me many of these tips either before or after my class ended.
Lindsay standing in hallway of the alumni hall side of dorms with my suitcase. You may recall, that when I posted this picture on Instagram last year, I said that the anniversary and adventure is going to mean so much more.
