Friday, August 19, 2016
Wednesday, August 10, 2016
Our turn next?
Though other animals can be used for therapy, the dogs are commonly used due to the fact that they are domesticated as pets. Just by being at your side, they can reduce loneliness.
Protection giving love and emotional support doesn't make a dog a service dog. The dog goes through training classes, and when successfully matched with a veteran, they both train together to be sure this is a good match on both sides. The agency that trains the dogs also make home visits to be sure all is well with dog and veteran.
Set, Stay.
The strongest foundation in training therapy/service dogs is obedience. Once the dogs have this part of the training down, advanced training for specific needs are easily taught to the dog. They are trained to provide what the veteran needs to be more independent.
Wednesday, August 3, 2016
Put Me In Coach!
Commands such as "Block", the dog is to stand in front of the veteran. "Behind", the dog is to stand behind him/her, they are creating a secure space. "Lights" and the dog will turn on/off the light switch. The command "Sweep" means the dog will enter a room or a building before the veteran and will bark if someone is in there. "Bring" means fetch.
Training the therapy/service dogs consist of verbal commands, non-verbal commands, and at times the dog can just read body language. Safety is key for both dog and handler, things can go poorly if the wrong dog is matched with a veteran/owner, they must have a connection from the start for this to be successful. Veterans with PTSD will travel to a site and work with their therapy dog for up to two weeks on-site training.
Paws of War
Paws of War was established to aid military veterans with trained rescued dogs to be service dogs. This has proven to assist in the healing process. Just to have a dog present and to have the loyalty and love, also has shown that by the dogs being near can lower blood pressure and reduce stress in their human companion.
There are roughly 10,000 active teams, training dogs in the United States today to provide service dogs to civilians and veterans. In World War I they used dogs in hospitals to help with psychiatric patients. So historically the military has been promoting therapeutic use of dogs for wounded soldiers for years.
Lean on Me
Many veterans when returning home are alone and isolated. With PTSD they have feelings of irritability, guilt, and are scared to go to sleep as the trauma often returns as nightmares. As of primeval days, dogs were nicknamed "man's best friend" for a reason, they are a source of comfort and companionship.
Communication of love
Bonding or communication with your service dog is very important. The dog trainers call this rapport-building. Some dogs have different personalities, some may be more active, as another may be more willing to work for you than another breed of dog. This is how a vendor will help match a dog to a veteran.
Bonding or communication with your service dog is very important. The dog trainers call this rapport-building. Some dogs have different personalities, some may be more active, as another may be more willing to work for you than another breed of dog. This is how a vendor will help match a dog to a veteran.
Tuesday, August 2, 2016
CommunicationThrough Body Language.
A veteran with PTSD explained that he stopped going to crowed places, he used to enjoy walks in the National Mall, or go to museums, but had to stop, he felt like he was always on guard, watching every movement people made, he finds it hard to even go set in a restaurant unless he can set with his back to the wall. Therapy dogs can give the sense that you are not alone.
Old Time Therapy Dogs.
For centuries rehabilitation animals have been used, including dogs and horses. They have been used to help people with mental and physical impairments. In a research they found that dogs made a positive balance in their lives.
A Bond of Love.
Dogs communicate through a special bond of love, they comfort and support you, and best of all they never judge you. And when working with your dog it seems less work and more play.
Being matched with the right service dog can open a world of possibilities. Many organizations will donate the service dog to the veterans, but they must keep in mind, will they be able to financially support the veteran dog. There are no organizations that will help pay for the care of the dog once they have been trained and placed.
I'll Be Here.
When a picture says a thousand words: For the men and women that have given all for our county and suffer in silence. Veteran dogs can help!
Never Lonely
Many people with therapy/service dogs feel comfort having the animal by their side. The dogs are well trained and normally allowed to go into public places and on airplanes, as long as they behave
and mind their handler/owner.
Unspoken Trust
For veterans recovering with PTSD, is a work in progress. Dogs can help them get back to doing things they have been avoiding, such as going out in public and standing to close to an individual, or going into buildings without scanning it first for dangers. The communication is an unspoken trust between the two companions.
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