Any suggestions would be appreciated on how to better tweak this itinerary. Thanks!!
I section hiked from Springer to Massey Gap this year with my service dog for sixty days (1 May-1 July)
It was a solid hike, with a few tweaks to improve for next year.
I live remarkably close to the AT and spitting distance to REI,...
I really want to start in January.

1. Would this through-hiking strategy make sense?
2. Is there a specific area where I shouldn't take the service dog due to unusually harsh trail conditions?
He maintained his 70# weight, foot health, etc. on the first 500 so I've got the basic dog care issues covered but despite my ancient history climbing experience I'm not sure I want to belay him up and down mountains.

January-March (initially starting 3-4 days at a time, depending on weather AND that I live in the area)
Harpers Ferry(HF) SoBo to Damascus
April-May
HF to NY
June-August
Katahdin SoBo to NY
Sep-Oct
Damascus SoBo to Springer