Man’s best friend has had some important duties during their time here on Earth. From companionship to herding livestock to fetching hunted fowl to standing guard, is there anything dogs can’t do? One of the noblest roles you’ll find canines participating in is that of a service dog to our heroes who are returning home. Service dogs for Veterans can help those injured mentally, physically, or both retain their independence and improve their quality of life. Here’s everything you need to know about these wonderful animals.
Suggested read: What Is K9s for Warriors?
Service Dogs for Veterans With PTSD
Finding the best service dog breeds for PTSD and anxiety means finding canines capable of staying disciplined, intelligent, and even-tempered. Here are some of the best breed options that can make excellent service dogs for Veterans:
- Golden Retrievers.
- Labrador Retrievers.
- German Shepherds.
- Doberman Pinschers.
- Goldendoodles.
How To Act When You See a Service Dog
Knowing how to act around service dogs is important information that not everyone understands. This is vital for families, friends, and acquaintances of those who are thinking about getting service animals. It’s also something that the general public should know. Who better to tell us the best practices for how to act around a service dog than the experts at Guide Dogs of America?
- Don’t judge the animal. While some may have negative experiences with dogs, service animals undergo years of training and are some of the most obedient, mild-mannered canines you’ll find.
- Respect the dog’s space and always approach the handler rather than the animal. Be respectful when asking questions and understand that at the end of the day, it’s not your business if the handler decides to decline an explanation.
- Wanting to pet dogs is a natural feeling for many, but always ask first. These animals are serving an important purpose and are on the job. You wouldn’t want to interfere with their duty and put the handler at risk.
- Dogs are social animals just as humans can be, but if you have a dog, maintain space between them and the service animal. The same goes for small children.
- Don’t give service dogs food or treats. There are allergies to consider and dietary restrictions, and like many of these other items on our list, they are a distraction.
- If a service animal is sleeping, it’s still working. Leave it be.
- Ignore service dogs that approach you but notify the owner. This could be an unwanted behavior that needs adjustment and if left unchecked could jeopardize its duty.
- However, if a service dog approaches you alone or is alone in general, this could be a sign that its owner needs help. Follow the animal, assess the situation, and assist them if needed. Call 911 for any emergencies.
Dixie the Praying Dog Is a Viral Sensation
@dixie_the_praying_dog Celebrating Veterans Day on my recent flight to Los Angeles! 🇺🇸
Keeping your distance from service dogs is always the right decision, but that doesn’t mean that under the right circumstances, they are devoid of all socialization. This notion is clear, as Dixie the Praying Dog has recently demonstrated through her now-viral video on TikTok.
The lovable Bluetick Coonhound is a therapy dog that spreads cheer wherever she goes and assists Veterans on the Honor Flight, a program that brings Vets to D.C. war memorials.
Beyond making sure that Veterans have the support they need, Dixie is now bringing this important function to the forefront of the military community and beyond. With more than a million views on the video above alone, this is surely helping increase the conversation surrounding service dogs for Veterans.
But for Dixie and her owner, Brian Calvert, the adventure is much more than becoming an Internet sensation. The duo has worked on television shows for Dog TV as well as movies, and they’re working to form the Praying Dog Foundation, a non-profit aiming to give back.
Overall, it’s inspiring to see Dixie and Brian’s work, and it’s also exciting to see what adventure is coming next.
How To Become a Service Dog Trainer for Veterans
If you’re looking to give back by training service dogs for Veterans, you’re going to need to be prepared for everything that entails. It’s one thing to have a passion for pups and for helping our Vets, but you’ll need to also gain useful skills before applying for such a position.
- Gain experience helping train dogs in general before specializing in service dogs.
- You’ll also want to get some experience working with people who have disabilities.
- Seek out certifications and training from schools near you that specialize in this discipline.
Once you’ve gained meaningful experience and have had specialized training, it’s a great idea to seek an internship or entry role to get your foot in the door. From there, networking and applying yourself over time will put you on a surefire path toward helping change the lives of both Veterans and their furry friends.
How To Get a Service Dog for PTSD Veterans
Dogs and PTSD have an important relationship, as man’s best friend can help Veterans in ways other methods cannot. If you’re looking for service dogs, there are ample organizations available both locally and nationally that can help pair you with the right pup. Here are some of the most prominent:
- K9s For Warriors.
- Patriot PAWS Service Dogs.
- Warrior Dog Foundation.
- American Humane’s Pups4Patriots™.
- Blue Star Service Dogs.
- Paws and Stripes.
Additionally, free service dog training for Veterans near you may also be available for current pets. A simple search online can help you begin your journey.
The results of a VA study on PTSD and service dogs show a variety of positive mental health benefits when connecting canines with Veterans. Service dogs for Veterans can help change the lives of those who sacrificed their own well-being to keep our country safe.
Read next: The Warrior Dog Foundation Saves the Lives of Military K9s