Category Archives: Anxiety

Anxiety, Dallas-Fort Worth, PTSD, Texas

Heather, Marcus and SDiT Duke

From our trainer in Ft. Worth, Candace! She is working with wonderful mom, Heather, and her 7 1/2 year-old son, Marcus. Heather writes that Marcus suffers from PTSD and anxiety as a result of severe abuse and neglect he suffered prior to our adoption when he was 4 1/2. PTSD disrupts his life on a daily basis. He is a bright, compassionate, energetic young man who is being limited by the ghosts of his past. Poor Marcus’ PTSD seems to be most intense at school. The hustle and bustle of school can be overwhelming to him. His teacher reports a lot of hyper-vigilance behaviors that interfere with his ability to focus in class. He is constantly on the lookout for trouble and has to sit in a spot where he can see the whole classroom. . Often, he is afraid of sleeping in his room by himself because he has frequent nightmares / night terrors. His mother is completely committed to helping Marcus with the aid of a Service Dog.

“We’d like to give a warm welcome to Heather and her son Marcus! They just added Duke to the family and are beginning their journey. The only thing I did with Ms. Wilson this session is help assess the dogs, providing pros and cons. Duke really took to Marcus. They are both in the higher energy realm, so it looks like they will be great buddies! More than that, Duke will be a wonderful companion for Marcus. Ms. Wilson reports that they are doing well with leash training, but mostly they are working on the two bonding. They will start working on the easier commands sit and down, but more than that, play! It’s just wonderful to see Marcus happy! Here are some pictures of the two Marcus and Duke the day after they brought him home. Looks like a great match to me!!”

ADA Rights, Anxiety

SD Brody at the Dentist

Oh, what wonderful things our Service Dogs can do for us! So many different situations, so many different conditions – they are there for us truly everywhere we go! From our dear client, Sarah:

“Here is a picture of Brody- he was my support at the dentist today. He lied in the chair with me for 1 1/2 hours and didn’t move. Everyone thought he did awesome for a 10-month old. I would have never been able to go to the dentist without Brody!”

Anxiety, Virginia

Baron is doing just fantastically

An update from client and trainer Catherine, in Virginia, with her SDIT, “Baron”.

“Baron is doing just fantastically! He “comes” flawlessly and barely needs a play-time break between classes anymore (we’ll go through 2 classes with no break sometimes). He also comes to work with me and hangs out at the research lab. He is so so good! Everyone always comments on how well behaved he is for such a young dog.

He’s doing a LOT better at ignoring people and “leave it” as we walk around. If I can see that he’s distracted on a certain day, if I just say “Baron focus” before we’re about to pass someone, he looks at me and ends up walking right past the person. Usually, though, I don’t even have to say anything.

He’s great at restaurants, though he’s getting bigger and having more trouble fitting under tables lol

Baron started an interesting behavior in the last couple weeks when I get stressed out at work and start feeling really anxious. He gets up from his down/stay under the table and lays his upper body and head over my lap. He was doing this completely on his own, without any prompting, and so I decided to start introducing him to “cover” since he seems to be sensing some of my moods. What he’s doing with laying over me is a lot of what I want him to do with “comfort” or “hug” when I need that calming pressure, so I’m encouraging him to do that when I’m feeling stressed, but ONLY then, not just for the sake of breaking his down/stay.”

WONDERFUL WORK, CATHERINE AND BARON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ADA Rights, Anxiety, Depression, Medical Alert, Military, Psychiatric, PTSD, Veteran, Wounded Warrior

CONGRATULATIONS to Jacqueline, a Vietnam Veteran

A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to Jacqueline, a Vietnam Veteran in New Hampshire, who has been working with a trainer there and her caseworker, sending me videotapes consistently for almost a year of her now SD, beautiful Aussie “Seeley”, performing each command in the Public Access Test and demonstrating three additional tasks specific to her disabilities. Jacqueline has been absolutely diligent and consistent in her determination to bring Seeley up to perfect par as a Service Dog. She has never waivered in her determination to demand absolute perfection, even despite setbacks in her personal life. I am so proud of her and am SO inspired by all her extremely hard work!  Seeley officially passed two days ago! Jacqueline writes;

“Dear Laurie,

My experience following your personal instruction in training Seeley has been positively rewarding beyond words. You helped me through very challenging times with Seeley when I was almost ready to give up.

I don’t think people realize how much a person’s quality of life is affected with a well-trained Service Dog. Especially, a dog that has bonded and is specifically task trained to help get through both daylight and nighttime disability issues
.
I use the word “issue” reluctantly, because unfortunately making the choice of including a Service Dog as part of my treatment in managing my service connected (100%) disability of PTSD, MST, depression, OCD, etc… has been made an issue at VA facilities – which to this day, I find perplexing. Civilian medical facilities have welcomed Seeley and I as a SDiT team, whereas VA facilities do not allow SDiT teams. Period. And with your help, I have painstakingly raised and trained my own SD because I know that a well trained dog to address specific needs will improve my quality of life. Period.

Know that your dedication is appreciated every time Seeley responds to my specific needs at all hours of the day and night.
Thank you once again.
Sincerely,
Jacqueline”

DEAR JACQUELINE – THE ISSUES YOU HAVE FACED AT THE VA FACILITIES THERE IN NH ARE ALSO PERPLEXING TO ME. BUT YOU HAVE DONE IT!! YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION TO ME AND I KNOW TO ALL THOSE WHO ARE ALSO STRUGGLING WITH ISSUES REGARDING THEIR SERVICE-RELATED DISABILITIES AND ACCESSIBILITY ISSUES. I AM SO PROUD OF YOU AND SEELEY!!!

Anxiety, PTSD, San Antonio, Texas

Welcome Leah and SDiT Abby

Welcome new client, Leah, who suffers from PTSD and vision loss, and her SDIT, Abby! Trainer Beverly writes:

“Leah had stated that during bonding time, she and Abby were doing GREAT, and she and Abby were inseparable. Abby was, however, seemingly nervous around other people. After talking to Leah and knowing she has no peripheral vision and that one of her fears is being victimized, it was determined that she and Abby were possibly feeding each other’s anxieties. We went for a walk outside and I showed Leah how to “appear” confident and how to encourage confidence in Abby. After a brief walk, both Abby and Leah were much more confident – fake it ’til you make it!. Abby does keep her eye on Leah very attentively and does a great “watch me.

Abby is a wonderful, loving, attentive, gentle soul who is happy to have a person and a purpose. She is loved greatly by Leah and even has a buddy (Leah’s cat) to lie in the sun with. Abby and Leah were connected on 12 July and she has been helping Leah ever since. Since July is the month of Leah’s birthday, she says this was the BEST present EVER!”

CONFIDENCE IS THE KEY, BEVERLY – YOU ARE RIGHT. FOR ALL CLIENTS – HAVE FAITH THAT YOUR DOG WILL DO WHAT IT IS SUPPOSED TO DO – EVEN IF IT’S STILL IN EARLY TRAINING. THE DOGS COMPLETELY FEED OFF OF THE HANDLER’S LEVEL OF TRUST AND CONFIDENCE. I KNOW THIS IS HARD TO DO WHEN MANY OF US SUFFER FROM ANXIETY, BUT THE FAKE IT TIL YOU MAKE IT TRULY MAKES A DIFFERENCE.

Anxiety, Austin, Bipolar, Depression, Hearing, Mobility, Pain Management, Texas

One more to go – Lee and SDiT Hagger

An update from our trainer in Austin, who trained with the amazing Hagger the Humungous and his dad, Lee, who suffers from Bi-Polar Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder and Major Social Anxiety. He also has major hearing loss in his left ear which also causes balance issues. He has scoliosis and chronic right shoulder pain.

“I wanted to let you know on Sunday afternoon, I did a 1/2 hour Mock Public Access Test session with Lee and Hagger. We went to Walmart and went over some all commands for the PAT. Hagger has his commands perfected and is so ready for the test in September! We practiced sit/stays while I rolled by with a shopping cart and worked on down.stays. Hagger has a strong “leave it” when it comes to food and certain things that can distract him. He heels next to Lee with no problems and never once strays from him! They are a great duo!”

WAY TO GO HAGGER AND LEE!!!!! SO PROUD OF BOTH OF YOU!!!

 

Anxiety, Autism, Dallas-Fort Worth, General, PTSD, Texas

Welcome Ben and his SDiT

Ben and Lucy Bonnie Wild Style

An update from our trainer Candace, in Ft. Worth, who is working with new client, Ben! Ben is an eight year old boy that has been through so much in his young life. As a result, this beautiful young child has autism, PTSD, and anxiety that causes him to get very nervous when in public. His adoring parents write that “Ben is a sweet heart that God made special.” How lucky Ben is to be a part of such a beautiful family!

Candace writes:

“Ben’s mom, Lacey, just adopted this beautiful 6 month old girl to be Ben’s shadow/helper/friend. They are already attached at the haunches! Ben hasn’t decided on a name for this sweet girl just yet, but he is leaning towards Lucy, I think. We shall find out shortly. Everyone give this family a warm welcome as they start their journey on the hard but rewarding road of Service Dog training and ownership!”

Anxiety, Army, Depression, Equipment, General, Military, Psychiatric, PTSD, San Antonio, TBI, Texas, Veteran, Wounded Warrior

Wounded Warrior Brian and SDIT Cassie

An update from trainer Beverly, who is working with Wounded Warrior Brian and his SDIT, Cassie!

” Part 1: Since Brian and his wife are staying at the Fisher House on base to treat his medical issues, we met at the park near SAMMC to work on basic skills. Brian had been spending a lot of time with Cassie for bonding purposes, and they have become very close! Cassie is doing well with “sit”, “down”, and “heel”. We practiced “watch me” and, while she knew what she needed to do, distractions (squirrels and the occasional runner) interrupted her focus a little more than usual. Brian and Cassie will continue to bond and work on these basic skills, especially “leave it” and “watch me”.

Part 2: We tried introducing Cassie properly to another SDIT, who also needs a bit of work on socialization skills, but they’re both young and fed off each other’s energy too much; so we will try introductions with an older, more “seasoned” dog to reassure both dogs and build their confidence, while also teaching Cassie to reign in some of her excitement. We will also be trying the Adaptil DAP collar for calming.

Brian will continue to work on Cassie’s basics and building their bond through more touch and vocal reassurance. Next session, we will work more on “down” and “stay.”

Anxiety, Army, Depression, Military, PTSD, San Antonio, Texas, Veteran, Wounded Warrior

Great Self-Training…DUDE!

A lovely update from trainer April, who started working with Mike, a Wounded Warrior who suffers from anxiety, depression, and possibly PTSD, and his SDIT, “Dude”! Yes, that’s the dog’s awesome name – “Dude”!!!

“I had a wonderful first meeting and training with handler Mike and his super German Shepherd, “DUDE”. Mike has already taught Dude a lot of basic obedience. I was very impressed. Dude can sit, stay, down, come, leave it, wait, etc. We worked on the proper way to load and unload in a vehicle. We went over what is needed to pass the PAT test and what Mike and Dude can expect in our training together. I answered basic questions Mike had about Service Dogs and I was able to see were this team is in training and what is needed to complete the training. We walked up and down the side walk in a good heel. We stopped every so many steps and did a “sit” and “watch me”, and then continued on. Dude is a true GSD. Dude LOVES to work and please Mike. Dude has a favorite sitting spot on the couch with Mike. Actually, Dude sits ON Mike when he lays on the couch. Dude is toy motivated and treat motivated, so that makes it nice also.

I am really excited to be working with this team. It won’t take long for Mike and Dude to get ready to pass the PAT test. This team is already to start their in-public training. We are going to start out at a Petsmart and get used to the noises, smells and distractions and see how Dude is with other dogs. Then, we will move down to Target to see how this team does in a store.”

GREAT SELF-TRAINING, MIKE AND DUDE! WHAT A WONDERFUL BOND YOU TWO SHARE!

Anxiety, Army, Equipment, Military, Psychiatric, PTSD, San Antonio, Texas, Veteran, Wounded Warrior

Update on Wounded Warrior DJ

An update from our trainer, Beverly, who is working with Wounded Warrior DJ, who suffers from PTSD, and SDIT, Tabitha!

“Part 1: Tabitha was able to stay seated to “greet” me without getting overly excited and jumping up for much longer than during previous sessions! We are working on her socializing skills with other dogs, as she tends to get very excited, so at our next session, we will have her meet an older, mellow dog, to build Tabitha’s confidence and teach her proper social skills. DJ is a bit hesitant to take her out with her vest due until she starts to become more comfortable with new dogs and people and stays calmer.

I also took the suggestion from Laurie at SDE to purchase the Adaptil DAP (Dog Appeasing Pheromone) collar for Tabitha to wear at all times. Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP) is a chemical developed to calm dogs suffering from separation anxiety disorder, astraphobia (fear of thunder and lightning), fear of fireworks, or those with excessive barking problems. The chemical is a synthetic analogue of a hormone produced by nursing canine mothers that promotes calm and secure behavior and in establishes a bond with the mother. It is absolutely safe, and also comes in a spray form for your dog’s bed and vest, or as a plug-in diffuser. It has come highly recommended by many veterinarians, and can be purchased at amazon – http://www.amazon.com/Adaptil-Appeasing-Pheromone-Collar-Medium/dp/B000HPVH78. Laurie has seen it work wonders on hyperactive, nervous dogs.

Part 2: After Tabitha had worn herself out a bit, she did very well with her “down/stay” and meet and greets with new people. Her energy level, though high, certainly workable, so we will be working on teaching her “self-control” and getting her to engage more with DJ.

We also worked on “leave it” games and “touch” to help her engage in her training and focus on DJ more intently. Tabitha already has a solid “sit”, “down”, “sit/stay”, “heel”, “leave it”, and “watch me”.

We are planning for a weekend intensive session to get Tabitha to a place where DJ feels more comfortable taking her out in public more! Laurie also suggested that DJ reminds himself that the vest gives a dog a sense of security, much like the concept behind the “Thunder Shirt”, available at any pet store – so, if he does not feel comfortable taking her out yet in a vest, he could benefit from getting Tabitha a Thunder Shirt to wear to help her get used to that secure feeling.