Hi
@Hypothermia2012 . I can weigh in on the benefits and also the cons to having a service dog. In the United States you are allowed to train your own service dog (SD) which is the route I chose. I don't recommend it for everyone because it's a LOT of dedication and I went through 2 other dogs before I found one that is being successful. It's a full time job but once you get the right dog it's worth it. Also very expensive.
Anyways the pros to having a service dog have been life changing for me. Not only do I have PTSD, I have Non epileptic seizures, diabetes, pseudo tumor cerebri, chiari, and multiple TBIs (traumatic brain injuries). My second dog still works for me at home but she can't do public access due to issues. Kaz, my golden retriever 8 month old pup is doing AMAZING with training though.
As for the PTSD his tasks will be/are-
Deep pressure therapy- where they lay on my chest when laying down or on lap when sitting to hit certain pressure points that help me calm down during anxiety and panic attack.
Cover and block- Kaz is trained to provide space for me in public by standing or sitting in front of (block) or behind me (cover). He will be trained to nudge my leg when someone is coming up behind me eventually so I don't startle.
Check ins- when my anxiety is rising Kaz will bump my hand with his nose to check in with me. This helps with dissociation as well.
Guide work- when I get too anxious or dissociate Kaz will be trained/is being trained to guide me to chair, person he knows, or car.
Retrieve meds/drink- when I need it due to panic attack or my other health issues.
Cut light on- after he wakes me from nightmare
Wake me from nightmares
Medication reminder- because I'm forgetful Bristol (at home SD) is trained to retrieve meds and nudge me until I take them when my alarm goes off.
Room check- Kaz will be trained to check rooms for intruders when I come home. Also outside at night.
Self harm interruption- I will clarify that I do not use a knife or anything sharp that could hurt my dog. I skin pick and claw. He is trained to paw my arm away when I do this.
Now there are other tasks that he performs for my other disabilities and if you need to know any of those then just say. I'm working with that I know you have PTSD because you're here.
Also just because I need medication reminder doesn't mean you do. If you don't need it- it isn't a task. You may need something I don't such as a hallucination check (don't know just saying one).
Now to the CONS of a SD. It's not all rainbows. In fact until I started having seizures when my last dog washed out I considered not getting another. But a SD is the only way to mitigate multiple disabilities of mine at once.
-public reaction. People act like they've never seen a dog before. Some people with severe anxiety find that a service dog draws too much attention to them. I've been yelled at, talked about like I'm deaf, stalked, barked at, followed, etc.
-everything takes longer. A normal 5 minute trip to the store takes 20 minutes now because at least 5 people are going to stop me and want to talk about my dog. Also the time it takes to potty your dog before going in so it doesn't have an accident, putting gear on, etc.
-access issues. You ARE going to have access issues at some point. Someone is going to try to tell you that you can't come in with your dog. This is where it pays to know your laws and you also need to be prepared for confrontations. I keep ADA (Americans with disabilities act) law cards with me at all times.
- expense. A service dog is not cheap! Gear, food, vet bills, grooming, toys, poop bags, training supplies, etc.
- dogs needs. These dogs aren't robots. They will require continued training and refreshing work. Which it done by a program most will help with this. The dogs also need off duty fun time to play, exercise everyday (how much depends on breed of dog).
-friends/families reactions. This can be good or bad. My friends are supportive- some of my family isn't. This can be tough to deal with. My stepdad is too embarrassed to go places with us. Even on my birthday he wouldn't, it hurt.
I don't say all of this to turn you away but to make you aware. No one told me when I started this journey how hard it would be. But the benefits for me far outweigh the negatives. That's something you have to decide for yourself.
