Dog Works Radio® · November 2, 2026 · 8 min

Can You Take Your Dog to the Polling Place? Election Day Rules for Dog Owners

Election Day is here. Michele Forto of Alaska Dog Works keeps it non-political and practical: most polling places do not allow family dogs inside. The only exception is trained service dogs protected by the ADA. She explains why the "I Voted" sticker photos usually show dogs outside or actual service dogs, why even a "friendly" polling place is a high-stress environment for most dogs, and why leaving your dog tied up or in the car (especially in Alaska in November) isn't the kind choice. The episode then pivots to the three core skills, place, leash manners around strangers, and confidence in chaos, that help dogs handle polling places, Thanksgiving, hardware stores, and guests. A practical checklist for November 3 is included. Sponsored by Alaska Dog Works. Winter board-and-train camps are filling; check AlaskaDogWorks.com for Black Friday details. Other Episodes You Will Love · How to Get the Best Results out of Dog Training Support the Show This episode was recorded on the Shure SM7B and a Rodecaster Pro II Like this episode? Share it with your dog training friends! Love this episode? Say thanks in true dog training podcasting style by leaving a review. FREE! Grab our 7-Day Real-World Dog Training Plan Take our Understanding Drive Behaviors quiz to see exactly what drive your dog is in and how to begin to train for it. Join the On-Air Dog Training Coaching waitlist for a chance to be coached on the air by Dr. Robert or Michele Forto and get your dog training questions answered in real time. Sign up now for 20% off our Group Coaching Program and learn how to build the best possible relationship with your dog. Take your dog training to the next level with our Peak Performance membership . Follow Dog Works Radio for more dog training tips: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn ©2009-2026 by Dog Works Training Company® All Rights Reserved.