Ptsd Dogs

[Deleted member 33287]

does anyone on here have a ptsd service dog and if so what are your thoughts on them?

 

[Joan]

I have had one for about 2 years. He has literally saved my life more than once. He alerts to flashbacks, wakes me from nightmares....he is an amazing companion. He searches my condo before I enter so that I know it is safe and many other things.

 

[Deleted member 33287]

Are dogs specific to all PTSD or trained to help with specific types

 

[Joan]

I got mine from an organization that trains dogs for many different things. The trainer asked me questions...what was hard for me, etc....so kind of a mix of both....some more generic things he was trained for, but for instance he usually trains a dog to sit in front of a person when in line or in a public setting....for me it is behind me that is the problem so he trained my dog to sit behind me and watch behind me.
I think it depends on the trainer and how much input you can have

 

[Kodah]

I was training my dog to be a service dog. It didn't happen. In the USA there are ADA laws. I was not prepared or wanting to educate people about service dogs. I shouldn't have to but people don't know and have many expectations about service dogs and then they will ask a ton of questions. I'd be out the door through the wall and just out of my mind. I do not do well in enclosed areas where there is no escape route.

I also don't disclose I have a disability. I just keep it invisible as that's what it is for me. Easy to mask with other easy excuses.

 

[Whyteferret]

Make sure you go through a reputable agency.
It's worth the wait. I got took for &10k from a private trainer. I will never try to get a service dog again.

Yes, they train to specific problems.