Service Dogs for PTSD

SSgt (Join to see) I don't have a service dog, just a hound from the pound. My dog Luke is a 80 lbs Shephard/Husky mix. ('Shepusky' is that a breed, probably not!)
I have found he makes sure I wake up at 6 am, we walk together and eat breakfast and dinner almost every day. This means I walk at least 1.5-2.0 miles, sometimes twice or three times a day.
So in short: 1) helps daily scheduling of sleep/wake time, 2) exercise each day, 3) I eat less, because he always wants my food.

You are not alone, SSgt (Join to see) . Have heard great stories from folks with a wide variety of ailments, in fact. Not only dogs... but cats, to a certain extent, too.

One thing that is tough is that 'emotional-support animals' are not afforded the legal access of full-blown 'service animals', where a trained service animal, who alerts for seizures, helps guide those with sight impairments, et cetera is allowed to travel anywhere with their handler (with very few exceptions).

Emotional support animals *may* be granted access to some places, with a letter from a licensed psychiatrist or clinical socialworker - however, there are few actual rights.

Although the VA does not offer service dogs for those with PTSD as a stand-alone ailment, research is underway (and it looks promising!). If folks have co-ailments, such as blindness or other physical issues, and is deemed medically-nececary, the VA will provide for the healthcare of the service animal, but they do not provide them (yet). See http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/treatment/cope/dogs_and_ptsd.asp

For more background, see:
http://www.elementsbehavioralhealth.com/trauma-ptsd/animal-therapy-ptsd-treatment/
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/how-dogs-can-help-veterans-overcome-ptsd-137582968/
https://www.ptsdnews.com/purdue-researchers-study-impact-of-service-dogs-on-ptsd/171/

Some interesting studies pair service members with PTSD with military canines who also exhibit signs of PTSD (yes, it is possible for animals to have PTSD, too). There have been some intriguing stories about this, such as: http://www.vancouversun.com/health/Iraq+veteran+combat+helping+each+other+heal+from+PTSD+needs/11194663/story.html

Best of luck to you, and to all of our brothers and sisters who are moving through any type of stress disorder!

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For too long, we ignored the facts about PTSD and things are changing. Thankfully, there is help available.

If *anyone* encounters situations that they cannot explain, after returning, or has thoughts of self-harm, for the love of all things, PLEASE, reach out to your family/friends, the VA, your nearest base, religious group, local mental health professional, or even here, at RP. Surely we will do what we can to help!

24/7 help via [login to see] or 911

While working a veterans job fair at the St. Paul XCel center for ESGR earlier this year I met a veteran who had severe PTSD. He had a great dane with him that he trained and certified as a service dog. The dog was attached to a belt around the vets waist and when he would have an anxiety attack, the dog would physically pull him to a quiet area and pin him against the wall/corner to calm him down until the attack passed. Apparently the veteran was in the process of training a few other great danes for the same purpose. Unfortunately I do not have his name/contact info.

You wouldn't happen to be able to point in the right direction of the service dogs that are in need of a home. I was unaware that the military releases them from duty. It is definitely something that I would like to look into. Thank you for taking the time to comment.

Everyone whom I have seen, witnessed and talked to really enjoys the presence of "Man's best friend". My mother was in a retirement home and weekly some service dogs would come through and really cheer the place up. These dogs had to be trained and approved for this type of service. Now if you wish to have a personal service dog, I am not sure of the training you can get or have. I do know that some service dogs (veterans) can be had these days who are also trained and in need of a family.

Without being too revealing of someone elses privacy I know a couple of people who cannot function without their service dogs. Their usefulness cannot be overstated.

I received my English yellow lab SD about 5 months ago. He is a pretty smart guy. He gets my medicine for me, closes the door , turns lights on and off. Picks up things for me... Hes a good kid 2 yrs 6 months old. His name is Pharrell

Beautiful dog. With one look I can feel him

I don't know about ptsd. But I have been going thru spinal surgery after spinal surgery and no one helps more than my chihuahua. 8 surgeries and counting and she's still my angel

I am currently going to class, twice a week, training my service dog Maverick. He has been a blessing. We've have only trained together since Aug. He is constantly being praised, for his good behavior. He helps me so much, and his help increases weekly with more training and commands taught. A Veterans Best Friend, in Cabot, AR. Is a non-profit Christian organization that is training us!!