I remember (watching the show in reruns as a kid) the robot as the B-9 Environmental Control Robot. On his packaging (a box or a metal cabinet, I think) you can see the name G.U.N.T.E.R., which is an acronym for General Utility Non-Theorizing Environmental Robot.
It should be your mantra whenever you apply products to the lawn. This doesn't have to be a lengthy ban. The Dog Owner's Guide suggests keeping pets off treated grass for 24 hours, as nitrogen can burn the pads of a dog's foot. The guide also recommends keeping pets indoors during application to prevent an airborne inhalation or skin contact.
Starter fertilizers release nutrients slowly, and they will supply nutrients until the grass is established and growing. Begin applying regular lawn fertilizer once the grass has a good root system and is actively growing. This means you'll start fertilizing four to eight weeks after planting.