Do you have a PTSD Service Dog and does it help?

2016-02-22T07:45:01-05:00

I have been waiting for almost two years for a service dog to help with my PTSD/TBI. I am looking for opinions of those who own a service dog to see if it truely helps.

Response by SGT(P) Eric L. made Feb 22 at 2016 7:58 AM

2016-02-22T07:58:59-05:00

I have been trying to get one forever

Response by SGT Cody Skinner made Feb 22 at 2016 8:46 AM

2016-02-22T08:46:18-05:00

I currently do not have a Service Dog, but I have done a lot of research and I am in the process of getting one. I reached out a lot of Charities that train PTSD Service Dogs for free when they have funding to ask about the process and how it works. It seems like every one of them has a waiting list due to lack of funding. I found a few that will move you to the front of the list if you are willing to pay for the training at cost out of pocket. Even paying for it at cost it is still around $3,000 to get a dog trained and certified. My Wife and I are at the point where I'm tired of the fighting and struggle so I did a GoFund me page to raise a portion of the funding needed to get my dog and complete the Training. It didn't raise 100% of the funds so I will still have to save a little more money to complete the process. But GoFund helped to get me moving in the right direction and it also got me in touch with a lot of Buddies that were or know K9 Trainers that are going to help me with bonding and getting a good solid basic training for the puppy.

I have an Alaskan Malamute that is not trained as a Service Dog, but he is a Dog that has the a very strong pack mentality. I can't always take him with me but anytime I can take him places I do because having him there makes me more comfortable. Yes, he is big and looks like a wolf which gives me some stand off distance from people and keeps them out of my personnel space, but allows me to still visit. If I am forced to sit where I can't see all around me, it's crowded, or it's dark he automatically sits or lays down behind me. He growls when ever someone approaches which lets me address the person and not get surprised / scared by them.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Feb 22 at 2016 9:46 AM

2016-02-22T09:46:47-05:00

I've wanted to get one too, but the training costs seem crazy (a battle is getting a GSD trained for PTSD and it's setting him back $5500). I'd go on FB and join some of the GSD community pages. I know of two that are specific to working dogs, and not all of them are military or LEO K9's.

Response by TSgt Dawn Premock made Feb 22 at 2016 10:04 AM

2016-02-22T10:04:07-05:00

I have a PTSD service dog. I paid for his certification. I got him a long time ago, before they where addressing veterans getting service dog.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2016 10:39 AM

2016-02-22T10:39:42-05:00

I dont have a dog and laugh as you will, but I have chickens. They may not like me, but they are a comfort to watch and help me focus. Plus, the added benifits, I get fresh eggs and some extra cash. I sell the eggs cheaply too, so that others can afford a little goodness in their diet and the money goes back into the birds food. I have been taken care of, so I try to pay it forward so others can enjoy.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Feb 22 at 2016 11:08 AM

2016-02-22T11:08:40-05:00

The answer is results will vary a lot. We have a Certified Therapy Dog who does work with PTSD, neuropsych, and physical rehab. It was a start for many to see what happens. PTSD is on a continuum. At one end, a nonjudgmental companion works well. At the other end, a highly trained for a set of specific needs solution is required. Obviously quite a cost difference and the more towards the later, the more professional help needed in creating the solution. So the I want what that person has solution isn't usually correct. You need a solution that works for you.

That said, any pet, including TSgt Private RallyPoint Member chickens, have one thing in common. They turn your attention from inwards to outwards. Their livelihood is totally dependent on you. That in itself is a big step. We trained up a service dog for my son who cues on escalating anxiety levels. Again, turn out, not in. He's at a level where he doesn't need to take her everywhere but is sure good to have around on bad days. I suggest anyone with PTSD who wants to check into a pet solution also proactively work on selection, training, etc. to reduce cost and more efficiently get through the process while tailoring the results. Sitting back and waiting on a solution to be delivered has its own set of problems.

Now wife has two Anatolian/Great Pyrenees pups what we'll start training. Nearing 80 pounds at 6 months, I'm beginning to think we'll have Therapy Bears.

Response by SSG Michael Scott made Feb 22 at 2016 12:00 PM

2016-02-22T12:00:47-05:00

me too.

Response by SSgt Rilene Ann made Feb 22 at 2016 12:32 PM

2016-02-22T12:32:53-05:00

I am a service coordinator to 160 senior and disabled individuals and see it as a positive choice. How much difference depends on you and your relationship with your dog.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2016 6:36 PM

2016-02-22T18:36:55-05:00

Yes, Sgt Justin DavisCrowe I have a Service Dog, Dutch, he is trained for mobility and PTSD. My life has changed a lot. I Got him through Hounds and Heroes part of Awesome Greyhound Adoptions in Boynton Beach Florida. Yes, he is a greyhound, the second fastest land animal. Very trainable. I love him to death. He has calmed me down when I need it, he knows. And he is so lovable, that you focus on him. Since I got him he has never been out of my sight, he goes everywhere with me and I DO mean everywhere. Look them up on line at Awesomegreyhounds.com, you won't be disappointed

The organization is completely made up of volunteers no money goes anywhere except for the dogs. Staff is not paid. The greyhound is free. There training us usually takes 6-8 months, then approximately 2 months with the Vet, depending on the bonding and "human" training process. Give them a chance, look them up, and good luck.

Response by COL Mike Humphrey made Feb 22 at 2016 10:04 PM

2016-02-22T22:04:46-05:00

I had a Chihuahua mix named Ruger. bigger than normal, and he was great. he knew when I was sad or upset . exercised with me made me feel great.

Response by PO3 Jake Thomas made Mar 4 at 2016 11:10 PM

2016-03-04T23:10:22-05:00

I have two dogs that are not registered service dogs but the help keep me calm and grounded when I become overwhelmed with intrusive memories and I have been looking into registering one of them as a service dog so she can provide the same support while im traveling or out running errands and have potential triggers around me

Response by Pamela Vito made Mar 5 at 2016 3:41 PM

2016-03-05T15:41:47-05:00

Sgt ~ I would be more than happy to donate a German Shepherd rescue puppy to you. There are many options available to find training in your area. If your in need please don't hesitate to reach out.

Response by SFC Philip Kaough made Mar 22 at 2016 6:40 PM

2016-03-22T18:40:26-04:00

Yes, I have a dog, and having my dog combined with what my dog does for me, changed my life. I I was so positively affected, that I went to school to become a certified dog trainer. I have started a business training dogs for veterans, and disabled people.

Response by SrA Sheri Wooldridge made Jul 12 at 2016 12:57 PM

2016-07-12T12:57:20-04:00

I have a service dog. I live in Indiana and the Humane Society of Hamilton County provided him to me through the Pets Healing Vets program. They neutered him, and had him trained specifically for my needs. I'm unsure where u live but there's gotta be a program like this in every state. If not, that's a shame.

Response by SSG(P) Loris Metzinger made Mar 28 at 2018 11:13 PM

2018-03-28T23:13:54-04:00

Thank you for being a positive impact in the military/veteran community by helping out

Response by PO2 Albert Robbins made Dec 5 at 2019 2:11 PM

2019-12-05T14:11:56-05:00

Without my "Doctor Doggy", I would have given up by now. He keeps me alive.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2019 4:28 AM

2019-12-06T04:28:36-05:00

My dog, BlackJack, is my ESA, without him I find very little purpose left in life. Living just to to go to work and come home, for me, is not a purpose.