Home Page › Blog › Service Dogs for PTSD
Latest Posts
Can Dogs Eat Pineapple?
Yes, dogs can safely eat fresh pineapple in moderation. This comprehensive guide combines scientific research with practical advice to help you safely share this tropical fruit with your canine. ⚡🍍 Quick Facts 🍍⚡ ✅ Fresh pineapple is safe in moderation ❌ Avoid canned, dried, and juice forms 🥣 2-3 small chunks per […]
Read More
How to Train Your Service Dog for Grounding Tasks
If you’ve ever experienced a panic attack or severe anxiety, you know how overwhelming the symptoms can feel — racing thoughts, pounding heart, that disconnected sensation that makes the world seem far away. Maybe you’ve tried various coping strategies: meditation apps, breathing exercises, and therapy. While these tools can be incredibly helpful, there’s another powerful […]
Read More
The Air Carrier Access Act and Service Dogs
If you rely on a service dog, you need to know about the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). The ACAA is a U.S. federal law that gives you the right to bring your service dog in the plane cabin on all flights to, from, and within the United States. The ACAA, along with HUD’s housing […]
Read More
What if you know of some one who say there dog is a service dog, but there dag was aggressive torrid a other dog. what do you do or who do you contact about it.
I would mind your business.
That’s what you should do!
Call the cops if it’s in public places
Does va pay to train the dog for PTSD anxiety if you have a dog u are wanting to be trained
Veterans that need this type of help will never be able to afford it. Think about it. They are broken and most can’t care enough about themselves to file a claim. I said “can’t” not “don’t”. Joe is right anout minding your own. That dog is more important to the vet than you.
You don’t mind your own business you say something because that dog can cause a REAL service dog to miss an alert and that can cause more problems to the handler.
If you are in a public store/ amusment park I would contact the manager, and in hopes have the dog removed for it is danger to people and real service dog teams. If you wish as long as you are polite and make sure (if you have a service dog) your service dog will not be in danger, then mabey you could let them know about the laws and how it is illeagle to fake a service dog. But defintely contect the manager and or any other higher figure.
I am a Army Veteran medically retired from Branch.
I am seeing symtoms of PTSD simce I have been out 2007.
I have done multiple tours in Iraq.
What steps do I take to get my dog a service dog
Thank you for your service. The VA has developed programs to provide qualified veterans with service dogs. This article on the Steps for Veterans to Get a Service Dog might be helpful to you https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/steps-for-veterans-service-dog/
I have had PTSD for many years now and was even Diagnosed with it as well. I was wondering how I would be able to start training or even adopt a service dog
PTSD would qualify you to get a service dog. If you already have a dog you can start training it yourself right away. If training dogs isn’t your thing, you can look for a trainer or adopt a dog that was already trained to be a service dog. You may find this article on how to get a service dog interesting https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/how-to-get-a-service-dog/
I flew 850 helicopter missions in Vietnam in ’67 & ’68. I was then placed in a moi class to become an instructor pilot. Three weeks into that program my instructor sent me to beach army hospital to see the shrink. The Major grounded me for ” combat neurosis” gave me a copy of catch 22 and told me his job was to ground the sane and clear the insane to fly in combat. I just had a guy threaten to ‘beat me down’ if I proceeded to bring my dog into the grocery where I always take it. He scoffed at my dog as a service dog because ” the cost thousands of dollars and your card is bogus and it is not wearing a vest “. I trained Fred myself and he has given me 2 years of service after a couple years of training. ???
Realistically, if you are the owner of a legit service dog, you can be an advocate for them, and help others know the difference between a pet posing as such a dog, like what you experienced, and you can encourage others to not bring pets to public places. The least these posers can do is correctly train their dogs, sheesh. Keep your head up, don’t let the haters get under your skin.
A service animal can not have aggressive behavior. If a service animal is showing agression for any reason, it needs more training, or should be retired. I would call animal control and ask who they recomend you to report the dog and handler to. You could also call the nonemergency police line to ask for guidance in reporting the dog’s aggression. (They can’t do much about it unless they witness the aggressive behavior. So I would start taking video of the encounters.) Although the ADA provides protection for the handlers to have access to most places, any business can require that the dog leave if it is showing signs of agression. The handler of that dog is doing a disservice to everyone in their community by allowing that behavior. The biggest danger is having to retire a service dog because it was attacked by a misbehaving dog and becomes fearful or aggressive due to the bad encounter.
My name is michele i have ptsd where i don’t want to be around people and i almost died in a fire in 05 before then when i was little lived in a house with physical mental verbal sexual abuse and my mom did substance abuse and so did the ex step dad. And half of the time im in a truck with my husband or home mu dog done what the outher dog did she wonlet anyone around me and she has to get in between me and who ever it is at the door
Both my dog would do that where no one can be around me half of the time. be around me only my husband i need A severs dog really bad
My 4 yr old son has been diagnosed with ptsd from the beatings he took by hid moms boyfriend, as well as anxiety and occasionally will wet his pants when he’s in an episode. His therapist recommended a service dog if possible. Can 4 yr old get service dogs?
There is no age limit on who could benefit from a service dog. Obviously, a legal guardian would need to be present if the patient is a minor and would be responsible for the training and grooming of the service dog. You may find this article on service dog requirements interesting – https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/service-dog-requirements/
I am bipolar. My dog, Ariel, a multipoo, helps me by giving me companionship and emmotional support, without her my disorder is worse and harder to control. I get out more among people when I have her with me. Because of her, I get up everyday. Bipolar is something you are born with. It doesn’t go away. You just need to learn ways to cope with it. Everyone’s different, so, it has to be dealt with individually. It is not always diagnosed right away. The sooner it is , the better because the sooner you learn about it and learn to deal with it the better your life can be and for those you live with. They, too, will learn and know how to live with you. Love.
I have no money and my.puppy is 5 months that old I want her to be a PTSD service dog
Have you found anything out about your question?
I’m in your shoes as well. I went to petco where they train dogs. It’s a pretty penny but it’s well worth it. I was lucky to be put in the path of someone that trains dogs for PTSD service dogs to get mine trained but I haven’t reach that part of training yet. But you could start there.
Talk to your physician, therapist or psychiatrist about it. If you qualify, one of those professionals can prescribe a service dog for you. If you can’t afford a trained PTSD dog, you can train it yourself, as I did. My PTSD dog wakes me when I’m having a nightmare, carries my panic attack medication, recognizes when I’m going to have or am having a panic attack & prompts me to take my medication. These days, a psychiatric service dog must perform a service besides providing comfort & focus. The biggest service my dog does for me is make it possible for me to go beyond my dooryard alone, but that alone doesn’t qualify any longer as it did with the one I had from 1997-2013. After Bug passed away, I couldn’t bear to replace him for several years. In all that time, I never went anywhere without another human with me. Very frustrating for someone who was always super independent before being robbed at gun point. While no one can ask for documentation to prove your dog is a service dog, I would carry a doctors prescription with you to save many headaches & trauma/drama. I also recommend calling the police if necessary as they can explain to the morons that service animals cannot be barred from hotels, restaurants, etc. & that they come in all sizes. I’m in a wheelchair, so I’ve always had a Chihuahua for my service dog. I also recommend getting a vest & even an ID even though neither are required. It just helps with the morons & people who want to make trouble over your service animal.
You can train it yourself. There is no legal requirements that say it has to be officially trained. The dog must pass a public access test though that is available on the ADA website
How would I go about training my own dog to be my service I suffer with hearing loss and Deperstion anxity and i am just wondering how to train a dog on my own i am low income
I would research ways to teach your dog how to alert you to sounds (phone, doorbell etc). I was in a similar situation. I trained my dog myself as I could not afford the $25,000, or the 6-8 months to take off work and travel across the country for one. I have had 2 service dogs trained myself. Both rescues from high kill shelters. The first one, Abbey (-RIP sweet girl) had an immediate connection with me that took years to realize on my own. I was diagnosed with dibilitating migraines since I was 7 years old, I am now 35. No medicine, therapy or tests have yet been able to determine why. I’ll have about 15-18 per month. Abbey picked up on my elevated blood pressure that would occur a few hours prior to me feeling any symptoms. Once I finally realized this, I taught her to signal by sitting at my feet and pawing my right knee. She was by my side every day for 14 years. About 4 months ago I found Kismet at a shelter and have trained her to perform the same task. Whenever I had a migraine I would take a saliva swab and place it in an airtight container. I would have jars marked “migraine” “headache” and “none”. With a few months of “Good girl! That’s the right one”! she is able to smell the slightest elevation in my stress, blood pressure or heart rate, or a change in my behavior not noticed by myself or others. Sometimes up to 36hrs before the headache arrived. Now I’m able to take my medication beforehand to prevent the migraine from even happening.
I have PTSD and TBI anxieties and panic attacks I got this little Chihuahua an accident she helped me to get out of the house more she helps when I have bad headaches I want I just don’t feel good all I have to say is cricket I made love and she comes and she licks mean comforts me she’s always by my side I want to go out to stores that carry her in a little backpack but she has a little seat in the front seat of my car without her I don’t know how I would be able to get through the day. I’ve always had PTSD and TBI I fell from the second story and hit the same side of my head I hit in my car accident heading my frontal lobe my mental health doctor diagnosed him with PTSD and he Diagnosed me that was undetected when I was a year old but when I was 30 I had severe Trumatic brain injury and was even in a coma for 3 1/2 weeks had to learn how to do everything all over again I’ve moved to New Mexico and I’m going on 10 years I’ve been in nine different car accidents that were the other people‘s fault maybe even fell on the property and hit the same side of my head doctor say and I don’t just say that it does is make my brain injury worse and then this year they diagnosed me with panic attack. She keeps me calm my kids are big I take care of her and she takes care of me at the same time she has me to get out and take her out to walk her to use the restroom if not I would be isolated could she qualify for a service that she listen she’s very well behaved she doesn’t really like a lot of people but she gets me When it’s dark that there’s someone around specially where I live in New Mexico and she helped me feel safe because if someone’s at my door and if I forgot to lock it Shelbark showered let me know someone’s there even though she’s a little dog.
And when I tell her I have a headache and she comes close to me so I can pet her and helps me to cope with my migraines anywhere I go I take her with me oh because I don’t know what’s going to happen or somethings going to trigger my PTSD or my TBI because they overlap and it’s the perfect storm my mental health doctor said that that is not a good combination. I have a litter so I can have her in my house my apartment I mean but I want to be able to take her two places were service dogs are allowed because I’ve gone through a lot and she really helps me knows when I’m getting agitated and if I tell him getting a headache she can so I can Petr she helps soothe the pain because I get very bad migraines or medication doesn’t help either
I have just lost my service dog, she was my heart and soul. The reason I lost her was because I was taken for two years and she had to stay with a best friend. His elderly mother grew fond of her and has a heart condition and lost her own dog. My dog Muppet was there..They bonded. Plus my best friend grew to love her too. I just cant see myself coming i n after two years an ripping her away..I want too..God help me I want to ..But I hardly survived without her… I have severe Major Depression, Severe PTSD, A brain injury and a panic disorder and OCD. I cant hardly survive without her..but I dont want to hurt anyone. Please Please Help me,. I know Muppet has become Happy there,,thre treat her well and love her…but this is breaking me heart and soul. I felt if I could get a new Puppy and try again I could maybe move on…but i cant take this pain.
Take her back. She’s your service dog. Imagine how she’s feeling not having you around. Wondering if you’ll ever come around to get her.
Hello my name is Brenda Garcia. I have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and major depression disorder. I own a German Shepherd jog that’s 3 years old. His name is Max. I really would like for him to be my service dog for me
I do not know what to do how to get him registered. how much would it cost me to get him trained. Please call me.
Can someone please assist me in this situation. Thank you..😁😁😁
I have PTSD from when i was younger growing up from living in a house with physical mental verbal sexual abuse and I was made fun of. I almost died in a house fire. Then when i meet my husband this guy who he know didn’t give me a chance where i had to be out in a truck omost all day. My husband brother talks about blacks i have blacks family members and i remember when i was pregnant his brother said to my face i was eating a chocolate donut and told me i will have a black just because i was eating a chocolate dobut. Then he all was would pick on my other dog that i had be for i got this one he would picked on knowing she was garding me. Then another thing that kicks my ptsd off they tease there brother it brings back how i was treated. and When ever my husband says he’s goes over there to his brothers or the guy that didn’t get to know me .my PTSD kicks in and my dog wont let no one around me. Even at the house if it’s me and her she geta in between me and the door. And hearing a bout THE guy ronnie mcnutt stuff i did not sleep for idk how long because it brought back what i been throw
Hi, I am wondering is I could get a service dog. I have ptsd from previous abuse. I am going through therapy right now tho for the next month or month and a half. I am super scared around in crowded areas, and people of the opposite gender. I still have some flash backs, and am scared of sudden movements and sounds. I can’t get one now, but I am thinking of getting one later. Does it sound like I qualify?
I would talk to your therepist, service dogs are not for eberyone however you may qualify. Please keep in mind if you owner train you will have to over come walking through crowded areas, and you will have to overcome certin sound to desensitized your dog. However in the end it is worth it.
No you would not qualify without written certification from a specialist therapist and your service dog needs to be trained by a recognized quqlified trainer, sounds more like counseling would help you more than a service dog.
you don’t need a doctors note or therapist note. i am a therapist with severe ptsd and I made my dog a service dog, barely had to train her(golden retriever). She literally knew by herself and would sense my horrible panic attacks that would have me crawling the walls. Google it and get a vest, ID, find out what you need to say if ask in store. Get one, you deserve it.
hi i am sierra! so does that mean i qualify? i mean my PTSD i have panic attack shaking dizziness blurry vision and my turrets go off giving me heart issues i am 12 years old going on 13 and my mom says i do not qualify for ADA what does that mean? when we have emergency drills are happening i have the symptoms from my panic attacks that are listed up above.NOW! when the drills are happening my friends freak out and they try and calm me down but none of it works! i mean really! the only dog breed i truest is German Shepherds and the only gender i trust are males! somehow i do not work well with the females. ( and i know what ADA means i just do not understand it! ) also i am very scared to step foot in stores because the last time i was in a store the alarm came off for a fir alarm test i started crying and screaming. we went to my doctor appointment and they diagnosed me with PTSD. it came with something exclusive my turrets! that was when my heart started to have not so bad issues. BUT! do i need a male German Shepherd service dog for my PTSD? also my principle said i can bring a don on school premises when i told my bffs that my mom said NO we never gave up on the fight! please help! THANK YOU! for the advice as well!
Hello i was wondering if there are any uK acredited organisations that text trained dogs for non military ptsd service dog
I have many severe traumas including ptsd n was in marines n need a therapy dog??.
I also have major depressive disorder, anxiety, and OCD, and trauma.
Take the dog back. You said you dont want to hurt anyone. YOU ARE SOMEONE.
What YOU NEED MATTERS. Sometimes its very important for people to put their own needs first.
Im betting your friend would be DEVASTED if something happened to you because you couldnt handle the seperation or simply because that dog wasnt there when YOU needed her.
Thats just my opinion. Is there a medical proffesional you could ask?
Wish you all the best!
Hello,
I am helping a neighbor relocate his dogs. One is a service dog for PTSD. He is a vet. He is in Spring, Tx. Can you please guide me in relocating this dog for service elsewhere. tks
Depending on the state your neighbor moves to, check if there is a service dog law in place. And follow the rules of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If your neighbor is relocating within Texas you may find this article interesting – https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/register-service-dog-in-texas/
I have been looking for a PTSD dog for a while now but been unable to get one. I am a U S Army Vietnam Veteran with PTSD, TBI, lost left leg plus other medical problems. I would love to help you with the PTSD dog if still available. I live in Mansfield, Tx
Hi I been dealing with depression and ptsd, my one year old dog benelli has gotten me through so much. My parents kicked out of the house and I’m 17 years old. i Am still going to school and working and I’m not making enough money to make enough food for me But I. Make sure she is spoiled. What can I do?
I have PTSD and I am not a Veteran. My dog chose me when I went to the shelter and she has naturally served min e well. She knows when I’m about to Flip out. She comes to lick my hand to calm me down, she brings comfort and when I go in public I meet people and I get out of my house more. She helps me when I go out in public. She is a natural PTSD dog with no training and has sensed what her owner needs and knows her purpose to her owner. A person with PTSD is A service Dog not just a emotional support animal. They truly service their owner with a purpose.
hi my name is Sierra i am 12 years old going on 13 i did get PTSD when my dad abused me. when i am at school and we have fire and earthquake drills it puts me in a panic. And yes my whole class fracks out and try to calm me down and nothing works! i also had a trauma with alarms and loud noises. My friends classmates and teachers are suggesting i get a service dog for my PTSD. The only dog breed that i trust are PURE BRED GERMAN SHEPHERDS and the only gender i truest are male German shepherds because somehow i do not work well with females. i do have 4 cats the 4th one is pregnant and my landlord only accepts cats we can only have dogs for disabilities and medical condition.well i also have a mental health issue and i have bipolar.i heard my fave breed GSD are very protective and vicious. but i still need a dog my mom says i do not qualify for one because of ADA ( which i do not get. ) my school is a charter school they do accept service animals we do have some kids who are autistic epileptic walking disabilities speak and mentally disabled. my principle talked to me privately in her office saying she will accept me bringing a dog on school grounds. i do not have any money either to train the dog too! also with COVID-19 i cant go to school and not much places are open. what should i do!? ( PLEASE ANSWER ASAP! )
Hey kiddo,
If you are able to get supervised Youtube subscriptions I HIGHLY suggest watching Donna Hill or Service Angel Percie!! These two YouTube channels are very informational with training videos. I know Service Angel Percie has a patreon as well! So if you ever find a prospect you can subscribe to her and get specific and in depth training videos!
Good luck and I wish you well!
Hey 🙂 Apartment living, especially with many other animals and family members, isn’t often best environment for a service dog. I would do a lot of research now, write down everything you’re learning, and prepare for training or obtaining a service dog when you are older and have the means to care for the animal.
Hay I got PTSD after my naber salted me and don’t know what to do
Hello my name is Michelle I am 13 and have ptsd due to abuse from and being raped by my stepfather and I get very scared around men or when I’m yelled at I have been told I have depression I get panic attacks in school and they are very bad. Since Covid 19 started my panic attack got worst and my father has done nothing . My conusler has said that I might need a service dog if this gets any worst I have no idea what to do I’m worryed about my mother saying things to trigger a panic attack I have no idea if I’m even qualified for a service dog. Pls help!!
I’m so sorry about what happend I have ptsd from car crash and when I was 15 years old I got rape someone I do not know now I’m 38 years old I need Service dog oh my PTSD
Hello! My name is Samuel and I am 15 years old. I have been diagnosed with multiple debilitating mental disorders including complex post traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, autism, panic disorder, major depressive disorder, binge eating disorder, and more. I have been going to therapy for over 4 years and not a lot has helped. I have been thinking about getting a service dog for a while now, but I’m not sure quite how it will work. I attend a culinary school for most of the year and often dissociate and/or experience flashbacks and panic attacks when I hear loud noises, which are common in the kitchen. I’m not entirely sure that I can have one in there. Does anyone have any advice?
My emotional support dog helps me also meditation and prayer also I fall asleep to energy orbiting theta it helps me sleep and I wake up energized ! God bless
My name is Paige Im 14 years old, and I have been diagnosed with PTSD and Severe Depression and a panic disorder any advice?
My name is Jesse Williams I’m currently being employed with the Department of Veterans Affairs at Jefferson Barracks St Louis division from what I’ve learned I’ve been suffering from PTSD since being released from the military in the end of 2002 I currently have a dog her name is Elsa she is a Pomeranian but I’m looking for a PTSD dog if available preferably a German Shepherd
Hi Jesse. Thank you for your service. You may find these steps for veterans to get a service dog interesting https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/steps-for-veterans-service-dog/
Trying to get help training my puppy to be support for PTSD anxiety and sizures
I’m a Disabled USMC Veteran and I just bought the Cutest little Toy Yorkshire Terrier and I’m looking for a school that trains someone’s own Dog for PTSD Training
Can any dog breed be used for therapeutic reasons? I have an allergy to long haired dogs. No problems whatsoever with short glossy coated dogs though (examples-bull terrier, bulldog, boxer…etc)
I have Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder from childhood abuse, medical trauma, rape, multiple chronic illnesses, and having a violent stalker. When I had dogs as an adolescent I did a lot better with the trauma but after a few years without a dog my anxiety is horrible and I can’t function. Loud noises, harsh smells, and crowds trigger my fight or flight.
I’d love to bring a dog home to help me unfortunately my apartment doesn’t allow any large dogs or dogs of the only breeds I don’t have asthma around. I’m lost. I had a bull terrier boxer mix as a teen and he’d lay across my chest when I had panic attacks. It as so helpful. I just want a dog like him again.
There are no breed restrictions for service dogs – as long as it can be trained to perform a job or task relating to your disability.
There is no federal registry for service dogs nor is there any license for them. Don fall for sending money to anyone for false documentation. This is causing an issue with actual service dogs when people are seeking employment. I have a service dog and I am well versed in the les protecting me from the ada, EEOC, and criminal justice department.
That is correct, you do not need to register a service dog or obtain a special license for one.
I use to have 2 dogs. A few years ago I was fell asleep in the driver’s lounge waiting for my truck to get out of the shop. Both dogs were loose and door was shut. A woman walked in ( did not knock to see if anyone was in there ) and she had her dog also not on a leash. When she opened the door both my dogs went and attacked her dog. I paid her vet bill in full for months until dog no longer needed vet care. Years later I lost one of my dogs in a terrible accident so now I only have one. I’ve been working with her and trainning her and she has changed alot but still needs trainning. Can I make her a service dog or is she disqualified due to her one time past attack.
A service dog cannot exhibit any signs of aggression towards other people or animals. Service dogs must be well behaved and under control in all settings.
Unfortunately we do not provide referrals for trainers, but we wish you the best of luck in getting your dog trained and qualified.
I have just been diagnosed with ptsd through a therapist do to sever depression and additional concerns she had about me. What does it tpacally cost to train a ptsd dog? I already have a dog that is catching on to my stressers and other things that trigger my anxiety. I am looking for any recomendations for the ND area if you can give me any, thank you in advance.
Unfortunately we don’t provide recommendations for trainers, our services are for handlers with already qualified service dogs. The cost can vary widely depending on the trainer or organization you use. You are also allowed to fully train a service dog yourself if you are capable.
Unfortunately our services are only for individuals who are already fully qualified service dog owners, but we truly hope you find the help you need and wish you luck in finding assistance.
How do we prevent random people from “saying” they have a service dog for PTSD (and we’ve been told simply purchased a vest online)? Dog does not act trained, it acts like an excited pet. The person who has the dog does not act like dog is in service at all. It seems someone is taking advantage of the system. Is there some sort of registry to check or appropriate questions we can ask said person to verify proper training? Thanks.
We offer a registry for service dog owners, but being in a registry does not necessarily prove that you are qualified to have a service dog. Service dog owners in the U.S. are NOT required to register their dogs. You can verify whether someone is a legitimate service dog handler by asking two questions under the ADA: 1. Is the dog a service dog required for a disability? and 2. What work or task has the dog been trained to perform? If a dog is misbehaving or causing a disturbance, it can also be asked to leave the premises, regardless of whether or not the handler claims it is a service dog. Service dogs are highly trained animals that should never exhibit undesirably behavior in public.