PSYCHIATRIC Service dog training

What is a psychiatric service dog?

A psychiatric service dog is a dog who is specifically trained to perform a task that assists a person with a psychiatric disorder. For example during my time in the Navy I was diagnosed with anxiety and panic attacks. This began to limit my ability to do normal day to day tasks. I have since trained my personal dog to the “Pressure” command. This is where I lay on the ground, couch, bed and even lay the front seat of my car and have her lay on my chest. Once she is there I do my breathing exercise and this eliminates a panic attack very quickly! These dogs are expected to interact only with their owners, should be quiet and well mannered while in public.

What dog can be a service dog?

There is no breed, gender or age requirements only that the dog is able to perform the necessary tasks while being well manners and properly behaved. I personally believe there is a high standard to uphold when it comes to a service dog. The dog must be a proper representation of all service dogs, being a positive experience for all those who they come in contact with! Our service dogs must not distract other dogs from their jobs as the task they perform may be a life saving medical task!

How does the dog selection process work?

There is several options for where a service dog can come from, regardless of where they come from there is no guarantee they will be a successful candidate for this work as it a very high level of obedience and some dogs may not be able to handle the expectations required of them. All candidates will be assessed for their drive, confidence and desire to be around people and in public.

One option is we take the dog you have currently and train and socialize them to be able to perform the tasks you need and be a rock solid dog in public!

A second option is an animal shelter, I am a massive fan of this option! The opportunity to rescue a dog and then use it to improve the lives and well being of a person in need is incredible!

A third option is to get a dog from a breeder, this option this also a great option as well be able to have more control over the dogs upbringing and genetic characteristics and will decrease the chance of washing out of the program!

Services

therapy dog training

What is a therapy dog?

A therapy dog is a dog who is trained to be well mannered in all settings and provide therapeutic relief for people other than their handler. They can be authorized access to places not normally granted to dogs! Therapy dogs can be granted access to places like hospitals, nursing homes, schools, recovery shelters after a natural disasters and so many more!

what dog can be a therapy dog?

Like service dogs, there is no age, breed or gender restrictions. As long as the dog has the right personality and can pass the Therapy Dog Test held by the AKC they can get registered as a therapy dog and begin their working career!

how does the dog selection process work?

We can utilize the same three options for where the dog comes from as service dogs; your personal dog you have already, an animal shelter or a breeder. Once we know where we want the dog to come from the next step is going to be to find a dog in that environment who is the best candidate! What makes a dog the best candidate? We need a dog who truly enjoys getting love and attention not only from their people but complete strangers! Out of those dogs we then need a dog who is driven for training as we have lots of work to and this takes many hours of training. Once we have a dog who loves strangers and has enough drive to do the training we need to test their confidence. They’ll have to go to some pretty strange places that may make them a little nervous. For example, a hospital that has lots of beeping and loud carts rolling around can be a massive challenge for many dogs! The percentage of dogs who are great candidates is low but they are out there! This is all a part of what makes this process so challenging but such a sweet reward to have at the end. There is no feeling like when you see the joy on a persons face who needed some good ole puppy lovin’ on a tough day!!!