How we help you train your own service dog
training your service dog trains your brain to trust your service dog
The process of teaching your own dog to become your service dog empowers you to develop and employ self-management skills that come about as a result of training your traumatized brain to regulate responses. Veterans who train their own dog with Service Dogs for Patriots report an increased ability to manage frustration, anxiety, and anger. These improvements positively impact every part of the veteran’s life at home and at work.
The training program includes an average of 24 weekly training sessions over the course of a year. Each training session involves an experienced trainer working one-on-one with you and your dog, teaching you and your dog to communicate together as you learn to work as a cohesive team dedicated to PTSD therapy. Training is conducted in public places, encouraging veterans to enter the public domain once again and interact with others in a positive manner.
We are with you every step of the way
In each training session, your trainer will introduce new skills for you and your dog. Your trainer will show you how to train your dog step-by-step, with you holding the leash.
Your service dog will learn to detect your unique pre-escalation behaviors in response to triggering events like crowds, flashbacks, sudden movements, and loud noises. Your dog will learn to “read” behaviors you exhibit like knuckle-cracking, shallow or rapid breathing, and changes in tone/cadence of voice.
You’ll teach your service dog intervention tasks in response to these behaviors that refocus you and deescalate a PTSD reaction. Refocusing allows you to employ coping techniques to stop an escalation. You will also train your service dog to assume watchful positions to treat your hypervigilance and threat-anxiety in crowded spaces.