Am I damaging my dog's hearing?

I’m a guide dog puppy raiser. I’m also an officer in my college marching band. Since both of these activities take a LOT of time, I sometimes have to take my pup to rehearsals, basketball/football games, and other performances.

He was introduced to the band pretty young and isn’t afraid of any of the instruments or anything, so I really never thought about what it may be doing to his ears. Being a clarinetist, I’m pretty much in front of the band, really close to the drums and cymbals (I attach him to my belt loop so he stands with me). There are usually about 100 bandsmen at a given gig, more at rehearsals. He’s probably with the band about twice a week.

Am I putting my puppy at risk? Since he is training to be a service dog, if I am (hurting him) I could be affecting his career, and I don’t want to do that.

You might be able to use those foam earplugs, just in case. But I’d contact the service dog facility and ask them what they’d prefer, if I were you.

StG