Thank you to this wonderful organization who has recognized Service Dog Express as a “go-to” group!!
Service Dogs are changing the game in terms of helping veterans who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder(PTSD).
Category Archives: Military
VA to review 24,000 brain injury diagnoses
Some post 9/11 veterans with traumatic brain injuries who were denied disability compensation by VA between 2007 and 2015 have another chance to receive their benefits.
CONGRATS TO WOUNDED WARRIOR STEVE AND “ELLIE”
CONGRATULATIONS TO WOUNDED WARRIOR (NAVY) STEVE AND HIS NOW SERVICE DOG, GREAT DANE “ELLIE”!!!!!!!!!! THEY PASSED THEIR PUBLIC ACCESS TEST – AND ELLIE IS AN OFFICIAL RED CROSS THERAPY DOG, AS WELL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Steve suffers from PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, anxiety, panic attacks, depression, and night terrors – but not much anymore since he’s had ELLIE!!
Laurie writes:
“What can I say? Service Dog Ellie is an absolutely perfect, on-point, sharp as a tack, loving Great Dane. Her relationship with her handler, Steve, is unbelievable. There is nothing this team can’t do! Ellie is truly a model Service Dog, and she brings so much joy to Steve and his whole family! Ellie does many extra tasks like “covers”, “deep pressure therapy”, waking Steve up from night terrors, and she goes from room to room checking on each member of the house before she lies down! Ellie had also earned her Red Cross patch, and accompanies Steve to disaster relief areas, where she provides therapy for those in distress! She is on her way to her third trip for flood victims, where she is treated like a queen at the places they stay! Here are pictures of Ellie on her first Amtrak train ride!
SCORING OF THE PUBLIC ACCESS CERTIFICATION TEST
Always=All the time
Mostly=Most of the time (more than half of time)
Sometimes=Some of the time (half or less of the time)
Never=Never demonstrated the skill
The team must score all ‘Always’ or’ Mostly’ ’ responses on the A-M-S-N parts of the test.
The team must score at least 80% “YES” answers on the “YES” “NO” portion of the test.
All questions marked by an asterisk (*) must be answered by a “YES” response.
CONTROLLED UNLOAD OUT OF VEHICLE:
Ellie did not try to leave vehicle until given release command.
Ellie waited in the vehicle until released.* Yes
Ellie waited outside the vehicle under control. Yes
Ellie remained under control while another dog was walked. Yes
APPROACHING THE BUILDING:
Relative heel position, not straining or forging.
Ellie stayed in relative heel position. Always
Ellie was calm around traffic.* Yes
Ellie stopped when Steven came to a halt. Always
CONTROLLED ENTRY THROUGH A DOORWAY
Ellie waited quietly at the door until commanded to enter.* Yes
Ellie waited on the inside until able to return to heel position.* Yes
HEELING THROUGH THE BUILDING
Ellie was within the prescribed distance of Steven. Always
Ellie ignored the public, remaining focused on Steven. Always
Ellie readily adjusted to speed changes. Always
Ellie readily turned corners–did not have to be tugged or jerked to change direction. Always
Ellie readily maneuvered through tight quarters. Always
SIX FOOT RECALL ON LEAD
Ellie responded readily to the recall command–did not stray away, seek attention from others, or trudge slowly.* Yes
Ellie remained under control and focused on Steven.* Yes
Ellie came within the prescribed distance of Steven.* Yes
Ellie came directly to Steven.* Yes
SITS ON COMMAND
Ellie responded promptly to the command to sit. Always
Ellie remained under control around food–not trying to get food and not needing repeated corrections.* Yes
Ellie remained composed while the shopping cart passed–did not shy away, show signs of fear, etc.* Yes
Ellie maintained a sit-stay while being petted by a stranger.* Yes
DOWNS ON COMMAND
Ellie responded promptly to the command to down. Always
Ellie remained under control around the food–not trying to get food and not needing repeated corrections.* Yes
Ellie remained in control while the child approached – child should not taunt Ellie or be overly dramatic.* Yes
NOISE DISTRACTIONS
If Ellie jumps, turns, or shows a quick startle type reaction, that is fine. Ellie should not show fear, aggression, or continue to be affected by the noise.
Ellie remained composed during the noise distraction.* Yes
RESTAURANT
Ellie is unobtrusive and out of the way of patrons and employees as much as possible.* Yes
Ellie maintained proper behavior, ignoring food and being quiet.* Yes
OFF LEAD
When told to drop the leash, the team maintained control and Steven got the leash back in position.* Yes
DOG TAKEN BY ANOTHER PERSON
Another person can take Ellie’s leash and Steven can move away without aggression or undue stress on the part of Ellie.* Yes
CONTROLLED EXIT
Ellie stayed in relative heel position. Always
Ellie was calm around traffic.* Yes
Ellie stopped when Steven came to a halt. Always
CONTROLLED LOAD INTO VEHICLE
Ellie waited until commanded to enter the vehicle. Yes
Ellie readily entered the vehicle upon command. Yes
TEAM RELATIONSHIP
When Ellie did well, Steven praised Ellie. Always
Ellie is relaxed, confident, and friendly. Always
Steven kept Ellie under control. Always
Steven was prepared with proper working materials and equipment in case of an access confrontation (laws, etc.). Yes
PASS TEST: Yes – 110%
CONGRATS TO WOUNDED WARRIOR BRIAN AND SD HOLLY!!
CONGRATULATIONS TO NAVY WOUNDED WARRIOR BRIAN AND HIS AMERICAN PIT BULL TERRIER, “HOLLY”!!! THEY PASSED THEIR PUBLIC ACCESS TEST!!!! Brian suffers from Anxiety, Bipolar, Depression, Mobility, and Pain Management (two hip replacements, extreme back pain issues, knee injuries)
Director and San Antonio Trainer Laurie writes:
Brian and his rescued American Pit Bull Terrier, “Holly”, have done an absolutely TREMENDOUS job training at home prior to “official” training – and have continuously worked daily on all required commands including extra commands to keep Holly’s mind sharp and Brian always thinking outside of the box. Holly immediately comes to Brian when he is having extreme anxiety or depression and offers deep pressure therapy, paws at him, or nudges his chest. They have an incredibly wonderful bond, and are truly best buddies! Brian said that through training Holly, he himself has learned how to react more calmly and have renewed confidence in himself.
Brain wrote, “We are so excited that Holly has done so well and we are now ready for our new life together as a team, and a totally different life for Holly. The training process itself is therapy worth its weight in gold. Not only have I learned more about myself and how to deal with my symptoms, but I have gained a partner in Holly, and an advocate and friend in Laurie. Now I can add something to my list of things I started and finished. Even though the training really never ends, Holly and I have reached that mark where we are given our wings, to now strive for excellence and healing together!!”
SO PROUD OF THEM!!! SUCH BEAUTIFUL AND INSPIRING WORDS!!!! YAY TEAM BRIAN AND HOLLY!!!
CONTROLLED UNLOAD OUT OF VEHICLE:
Holly did not try to leave vehicle until given release command.
Holly waited in the vehicle until released.* Yes
Holly waited outside the vehicle under control. Yes
Holly remained under control while another dog was walked. Yes
APPROACHING THE BUILDING:
Relative heel position, not straining or forging.
Holly stayed in relative heel position. Always
Holly was calm around traffic.* Yes
Holly stopped when Brian came to a halt. Always
CONTROLLED ENTRY THROUGH A DOORWAY
Holly waited quietly at the door until commanded to enter.* Yes
Holly waited on the inside until able to return to heel position.* Yes
HEELING THROUGH THE BUILDING
Holly was within the prescribed distance of Brian. Always
Holly ignored the public, remaining focused on Brian. Always
Holly readily adjusted to speed changes. Always
Holly readily turned corners–did not have to be tugged or jerked to change direction. Always
Holly readily maneuvered through tight quarters. Always
SIX FOOT RECALL ON LEAD
Holly responded readily to the recall command–did not stray away, seek attention from others, or trudge slowly.* Yes
Holly remained under control and focused on Brian.* Yes
Holly came within the prescribed distance of Brian.* Yes
Holly came directly to Brian.* Yes
SITS ON COMMAND
Holly responded promptly to the command to sit.
Holly remained under control around food–not trying to get food and not needing repeated corrections.*
Holly remained composed while the shopping cart passed–did not shy away, show signs of fear, etc.* Yes
Holly maintained a sit-stay while being petted by a stranger.* Yes
DOWNS ON COMMAND
Holly responded promptly to the command to down. Always
Holly remained under control around the food–not trying to get food and not needing repeated corrections.*
Holly remained in control while the child approached – child should not taunt Holly or be overly dramatic.* Yes
NOISE DISTRACTIONS
If Holly jumps, turns, or shows a quick startle type reaction, that is fine. Holly should not show fear, aggression, or continue to be affected by the noise.
Holly remained composed during the noise distraction.* Yes
RESTAURANT
Holly is unobtrusive and out of the way of patrons and employees as much as possible.* Yes
Holly maintained proper behavior, ignoring food and being quiet.* Yes
OFF LEAD
When told to drop the leash, the team maintained control and Brian got the leash back in position.* Yes
DOG TAKEN BY ANOTHER PERSON
Another person can take Holly’s leash and Brian can move away without aggression or undue stress on the part of Holly.* Yes
CONTROLLED EXIT
Holly stayed in relative heel position. Always
Holly was calm around traffic.* Yes
Holly stopped when Brian came to a halt. Always
CONTROLLED LOAD INTO VEHICLE
Holly waited until commanded to enter the vehicle. Yes
Holly readily entered the vehicle upon command. Yes
TEAM RELATIONSHIP
When Holly did well, Brian praised Holly. Always
Holly is relaxed, confident, and friendly. Always
Brian kept Holly under control. Always
Brian was prepared with proper working materials and equipment in case of an access confrontation (laws, etc.).
PASS TEST: Yes
CONGRATS TO WOUNDED WARRIOR MARTHA AND SD, “RAIN”!!
CONGRATULATIONS TO WOUNDED WARRIOR (ARMY) MARTHA AND HER NOW SERVICE DOG, “RAIN”!! RAIN IS AN AUSTRALIAN SHEPARD. THEY PASSED THEIR PUBLIC ACCESS TEST (PAT)!! Martha suffers from Anxiety, Depression and PTSD.
Our San Antonio Trainer Beverli writes:
SCORING OF THE PUBLIC ACCESS CERTIFICATION TEST
CONTROLLED UNLOAD OUT OF VEHICLE:
Rain did not try to leave vehicle until given release command.
Rain waited in the vehicle until released.* Yes
Rain waited outside the vehicle under control. Yes
Rain remained under control while another dog was walked. Yes
APPROACHING THE BUILDING:
Relative heel position, not straining or forging.
Rain stayed in relative heel position. Always
Rain was calm around traffic.* Yes
Rain stopped when Martha came to a halt. Always
CONTROLLED ENTRY THROUGH A DOORWAY
Rain waited quietly at the door until commanded to enter.* Yes
Rain waited on the inside until able to return to heel position.* Yes
HEELING THROUGH THE BUILDING
Rain was within the prescribed distance of Martha. Mostly
Rain ignored the public, remaining focused on Martha. Mostly
Rain readily adjusted to speed changes. Always
Rain readily turned corners–did not have to be tugged or jerked to change direction. Always
Rain readily maneuvered through tight quarters. Always
SIX FOOT RECALL ON LEAD
Rain responded readily to the recall command–did not stray away, seek attention from others, or trudge slowly.* Yes
Rain remained under control and focused on Martha.* Yes
Rain came within the prescribed distance of Martha.* Yes
Rain came directly to Martha.* Yes
SITS ON COMMAND
Rain responded promptly to the command to sit. Always
Rain remained under control around food–not trying to get food and not needing repeated corrections.* Yes
Rain remained composed while the shopping cart passed–did not shy away, show signs of fear, etc.* Yes
Rain maintained a sit-stay while being petted by a stranger.* Yes
DOWNS ON COMMAND
Rain responded promptly to the command to down. Always
Rain remained under control around the food–not trying to get food and not needing repeated corrections.* Yes
Rain remained in control while the child approached – child should not taunt Rain or be overly dramatic.* Yes
NOISE DISTRACTIONS
If Rain jumps, turns, or shows a quick startle type reaction, that is fine. Rain should not show fear, aggression, or continue to be affected by the noise.
Rain remained composed during the noise distraction.* Yes
RESTAURANT
Rain is unobtrusive and out of the way of patrons and employees as much as possible.* Yes
Rain maintained proper behavior, ignoring food and being quiet.* Yes
OFF LEAD
When told to drop the leash, the team maintained control and Martha got the leash back in position.* Yes
DOG TAKEN BY ANOTHER PERSON
Another person can take Rain’s leash and Martha can move away without aggression or undue stress on the part of Rain.* Yes
CONTROLLED EXIT
Rain stayed in relative heel position. Always
Rain was calm around traffic.* Yes
Rain stopped when Martha came to a halt. Always
CONTROLLED LOAD INTO VEHICLE
Rain waited until commanded to enter the vehicle. Yes
Rain readily entered the vehicle upon command. Yes
TEAM RELATIONSHIP
When Rain did well, Martha praised Rain. Always
Rain is relaxed, confident, and friendly. Mostly
Martha kept Rain under control. Always
Martha was prepared with proper working materials and equipment in case of an access confrontation (laws, etc.). Yes
PASS TEST: Yes
CONGRATS TO WOUNDED WARRIOR CHELSEA AND SD ATHENA!!
CONGRATULATIONS TO WOUNDED WARRIOR (NAVY) CHELSEA AND HER NOW SERVICE DOG, “ATHENA”!! ATHENA IS A MASTIFF/ ST. BERNARD MIX. THEY PASSED THEIR PUBLIC ACCESS TEST (PAT)!!
Chelsea suffers from PTSD, anxiety, and hypervigilance. She also suffers from anger issues, and major depression,(recurrent, moderate).
Our Wichita Falls Trainer Barbara writes:
Chelsea and Athena stated they were ready for the PAT test. I agreed! We began in PetSmart, and walked past a busy dog training class. Athena ignored all the dogs, children and people in the class and continued with Chelsea, keeping her focus on Chelsea. Men, women, and children with and without hats were in PetSmart and Office Max, and did not affect Athena in any way. Athena always checked the rows as the team passed them, and when they stopped, Athena was looking behind or to the side of Chelsea – wonderful vigilance!
Chelsea asked a young lady to pet Athena, and she remained in the “sit” position and waited for her pat under the head. A new trainer at PetSmart (Robert) came and offered assistance, and we used him as another person to pet Athena. Athena remained in place and had one bark, to which Chelsea told her “it’s okay” and Athena relaxed, quieting down and allowing Robert to pet her. (Robert had squatted down within arm reach to Athena and he was looking away from her). This was a good thing, as Athena is usually more comfortable around women.
Athena and Chelsea did very well in Office Max, and managed to heel perfectly through the items in the isles as well as in tight areas, weaving in and out of them. Different men (employees) approached Chelsea to offer their assistance, and Athena was perfectly behaved.
At Taco Bell, a small child around 3 or 4 yrs old came up unnoticed behind Chelsea. Athena had an appropriate “grumble” alert, and Chelsea checked behind her to find the child taunting Athena. Chelsea told Athena “it’s okay – I’ve got it”, and Athena calmed down, put her head on the floor and rested. Chelsea went to pick up her order and returned to the table with Athena. Athena again went under the table, facing Chelsea so she was able to watch people coming up behind Chelsea. The child again began approaching Athena. I advised Chelsea about what was happening, and we called for the child’s father who was at the opposite end of Taco Bell. The father came and got the child and walked away.
Athena never moved and remained quiet after the initial alert on both occasions. Athena did not have any further grumbles or barks.
During the PAT, Athena gave “covers” very well when needed. Athena leans in on Chelsea’s leg and sits on Chelsea’s foot.
Location of where PAT took place: PetSmart, Office Max and Taco Bell in Denton, Texas.
SCORING OF THE PUBLIC ACCESS CERTIFICATION TEST
CONTROLLED UNLOAD OUT OF VEHICLE:
Athena did not try to leave vehicle until given release command.
Athena waited in the vehicle until released.* Yes
Athena waited outside the vehicle under control. Yes
Athena remained under control while another dog was walked. Yes
APPROACHING THE BUILDING:
Relative heel position, not straining or forging.
Athena stayed in relative heel position. Always
Athena was calm around traffic.* Yes
Athena stopped when Chelsea came to a halt. Always
CONTROLLED ENTRY THROUGH A DOORWAY
Athena waited quietly at the door until commanded to enter.* Yes
Athena waited on the inside until able to return to heel position.* Yes
HEELING THROUGH THE BUILDING
Athena was within the prescribed distance of Chelsea. Always
Athena ignored the public, remaining focused on Chelsea.
Athena readily adjusted to speed changes. Always
Athena readily turned corners–did not have to be tugged or jerked to change direction. Always
Athena readily maneuvered through tight quarters. Always
SIX FOOT RECALL ON LEAD
Athena responded readily to the recall command–did not stray away, seek attention from others, or trudge slowly.* Yes
Athena remained under control and focused on Chelsea.* Yes
Athena came within the prescribed distance of Chelsea.* Yes
Athena came directly to Chelsea.* Yes
SITS ON COMMAND
Athena responded promptly to the command to sit. Mostly
Athena remained under control around food–not trying to get food and not needing repeated corrections.* Yes
Athena remained composed while the shopping cart passed–did not shy away, show signs of fear, etc.* Yes
Athena maintained a sit-stay while being petted by a stranger.* Yes
DOWNS ON COMMAND
Athena responded promptly to the command to down. Always
Athena remained under control around the food–not trying to get food and not needing repeated corrections.* Yes
Athena remained in control while the child approached – child should not taunt Athena or be overly dramatic.* Yes
NOISE DISTRACTIONS
If Athena jumps, turns, or shows a quick startle type reaction, that is fine. Athena should not show fear, aggression, or continue to be affected by the noise.
Athena remained composed during the noise distraction.* Yes
RESTAURANT
Athena is unobtrusive and out of the way of patrons and employees as much as possible.* Yes
Athena maintained proper behavior, ignoring food and being quiet.* Yes
OFF LEAD
When told to drop the leash, the team maintained control and Chelsea got the leash back in position.* Yes
DOG TAKEN BY ANOTHER PERSON
Another person can take Athena’s leash and Chelsea can move away without aggression or undue stress on the part of Athena.* Yes
CONTROLLED EXIT
Athena stayed in relative heel position. Always
Athena was calm around traffic.* Yes
Athena stopped when Chelsea came to a halt. Always
CONTROLLED LOAD INTO VEHICLE
Athena waited until commanded to enter the vehicle. Yes
Athena readily entered the vehicle upon command. Yes
TEAM RELATIONSHIP
When Athena did well, Chelsea praised Athena. Always
Athena is relaxed, confident, and friendly. Mostly
Chelsea kept Athena under control. Always
Chelsea was prepared with proper working materials and equipment in case of an access confrontation (laws, etc.). Yes
PASS TEST: Yes
Brain Injury Awareness Month – Caring for Military Families: The Elizabeth Dole FoundationCaring for Military Families: The Elizabeth Dole Foundation
The Elizabeth Dole Foundation recognized Brain Injury Awareness Month by calling attention to the unique needs and resources available to those who care for service members and veterans who sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI). More than 320,000 service members have returned from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan with a TBI, and the Foundation’s …
CONGRATS TO WOUNDED WARRIOR TRACY AND SD DAISY!!
CONGRATULATIONS TO WOUNDED WARRIOR (Air Force) TRACY AND HER NOW SERVICE DOG, “DAISY”!! THEY PASSED THEIR PUBLIC ACCESS TEST (PAT).
San Antonio trainer Sue tested Tracy and her Great Pyrenees, “Daisy”. Tracy suffers from agoraphobia, anxiety, depression, mobility issues, panic attacks, PTSD, and night terrors.
Tracy needs Daisy to be able to accompany her in public and to be able to go to stores where she would freeze up when walking in. Daisy was also trained to wake Tracy up every morning for work when her husband was TDY for six weeks. Daisy naturally helps with ‘reduction of hyper-vigilance through teamwork’. Bottom line is that Daisy makes Tracy feel safe.
SCORING OF THE PUBLIC ACCESS CERTIFICATION TEST
Always=All the time
Mostly=Most of the time (more than half of time)
Sometimes=Some of the time (half or less of the time)
Never=Never demonstrated the skill
The team must score all ‘Always’ or’ Mostly’ ’ responses on the A-M-S-N parts of the test.
The team must score at least 80% “YES” answers on the “YES” “NO” portion of the test.
All questions marked by an asterisk (*) must be answered by a “YES” response.
CONTROLLED UNLOAD OUT OF VEHICLE:
Daisy did not try to leave vehicle until given release command.
Daisy waited in the vehicle until released.* Yes
Daisy waited outside the vehicle under control. Yes
Daisy remained under control while another dog was walked. Yes
APPROACHING THE BUILDING:
Relative heel position, not straining or forging.
Daisy stayed in relative heel position. Always
Daisy was calm around traffic.* Yes
Daisy stopped when Tracy came to a halt. Always
CONTROLLED ENTRY THROUGH A DOORWAY
Daisy waited quietly at the door until commanded to enter.* Yes
Daisy waited on the inside until able to return to heel position.*
HEELING THROUGH THE BUILDING
Daisy was within the prescribed distance of Tracy. Always
Daisy ignored the public, remaining focused on Tracy. Always
Daisy readily adjusted to speed changes. Always
Daisy readily turned corners–did not have to be tugged or jerked to change direction. Always
Daisy readily maneuvered through tight quarters. Always
SIX FOOT RECALL ON LEAD
Daisy responded readily to the recall command–did not stray away, seek attention from others, or trudge slowly.* Yes
Daisy remained under control and focused on Tracy.* Yes
Daisy came within the prescribed distance of Tracy.* Yes
Daisy came directly to Tracy.* Yes
SITS ON COMMAND
Daisy responded promptly to the command to sit. Mostly
Daisy remained under control around food–not trying to get food and not needing repeated corrections.* Yes
Daisy remained composed while the shopping cart passed–did not shy away, show signs of fear, etc.* Yes
Daisy maintained a sit-stay while being petted by a stranger.* Yes
DOWNS ON COMMAND
Daisy responded promptly to the command to down. Mostly
Daisy remained under control around the food–not trying to get food and not needing repeated corrections.* Yes
Daisy remained in control while the child approached – child should not taunt Daisy or be overly dramatic.* Yes
NOISE DISTRACTIONS
If Daisy jumps, turns, or shows a quick startle type reaction, that is fine. Daisy should not show fear, aggression, or continue to be affected by the noise.
Daisy remained composed during the noise distraction.* Yes
RESTAURANT
Daisy is unobtrusive and out of the way of patrons and employees as much as possible.* Yes
Daisy maintained proper behavior, ignoring food and being quiet.* Yes
OFF LEAD
When told to drop the leash, the team maintained control and Tracy got the leash back in position.* Yes
DOG TAKEN BY ANOTHER PERSON
Another person can take Daisy’s leash and Tracy can move away without aggression or undue stress on the part of Daisy.* Yes
CONTROLLED EXIT
Daisy stayed in relative heel position. Always
Daisy was calm around traffic.* Yes
Daisy stopped when Tracy came to a halt. Always
CONTROLLED LOAD INTO VEHICLE
Daisy waited until commanded to enter the vehicle. Yes
Daisy readily entered the vehicle upon command. Yes
TEAM RELATIONSHIP
When Daisy did well, Tracy praised Daisy. Always
Daisy is relaxed, confident, and friendly. Always
Tracy kept Daisy under control. Always
Tracy was prepared with proper working materials and equipment in case of an access confrontation (laws, etc.). Yes
CONGRATS TO RUSSELL AND CHEWIE
A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS TO ARMY WOUNDED WARRIOR RUSSELL AND HIS NOW SERVICE DOG, MALTESE/YORKIE MIX “CHEWIE”!!!! THEY PASSED THEIR PUBLIC ACCESS TEST!!!!!
Russell suffers from PTSD, anger issues, depression, anxiety, and pain management.
Austin trainer Lori writes:
“Russell and Chewie took the Public Access Test at Walmart in Cedar Park, TX. Chewie was just outstanding, and it’s all because of the hard work Russell has put into his training. This team was spot on!
CONTROLLED UNLOAD OUT OF VEHICLE:
Chewie did not try to leave vehicle until given release command.
Chewie waited in the vehicle until released.* Yes
Chewie waited outside the vehicle under control. Yes
Chewie remained under control while another dog was walked. Yes
APPROACHING THE BUILDING:
Relative heel position, not straining or forging.
Chewie stayed in relative heel position. Always
Chewie was calm around traffic.* Yes
Chewie stopped when Russell came to a halt. Always
CONTROLLED ENTRY THROUGH A DOORWAY
Chewie waited quietly at the door until commanded to enter.* Yes
Chewie waited on the inside until able to return to heel position.* Yes
HEELING THROUGH THE BUILDING
Chewie was within the prescribed distance of Russell. Always
Chewie ignored the public, remaining focused on Russell. Always
Chewie readily adjusted to speed changes. Always
Chewie readily turned corners–did not have to be tugged or jerked to change direction. Always
Chewie readily maneuvered through tight quarters. Always
SIX FOOT RECALL ON LEAD
Chewie responded readily to the recall command–did not stray away, seek attention from others, or trudge slowly.* Yes
Chewie remained under control and focused on Russell.* Yes
Chewie came within the prescribed distance of Russell.* Yes
Chewie came directly to Russell.* Yes
SITS ON COMMAND
Chewie responded promptly to the command to sit. Always
Chewie remained under control around food–not trying to get food and not needing repeated corrections.* Yes
Chewie remained composed while the shopping cart passed–did not shy away, show signs of fear, etc.* Yes
Chewie maintained a sit-stay while being petted by a stranger.* Yes
DOWNS ON COMMAND
Chewie responded promptly to the command to down. Always
Chewie remained under control around the food–not trying to get food and not needing repeated corrections.* Yes
Chewie remained in control while the child approached – child should not taunt Chewie or be overly dramatic.* Yes
NOISE DISTRACTIONS
If Chewie jumps, turns, or shows a quick startle type reaction, that is fine. Chewie should not show fear, aggression, or continue to be affected by the noise.
Chewie remained composed during the noise distraction.* Yes
RESTAURANT
Chewie is unobtrusive and out of the way of patrons and employees as much as possible.* Yes
Chewie maintained proper behavior, ignoring food and being quiet.* Yes
OFF LEAD
When told to drop the leash, the team maintained control and Russell got the leash back in position.* Yes
DOG TAKEN BY ANOTHER PERSON
Another person can take Chewie’s leash and Russell can move away without aggression or undue stress on the part of Chewie.* Yes
CONTROLLED EXIT
Chewie stayed in relative heel position. Always
Chewie was calm around traffic.* Yes
Chewie stopped when Russell came to a halt. Always
CONTROLLED LOAD INTO VEHICLE
Chewie waited until commanded to enter the vehicle. Yes
Chewie readily entered the vehicle upon command. Yes
TEAM RELATIONSHIP
When Chewie did well, Russell praised Chewie. Always
Chewie is relaxed, confident, and friendly. Always
Russell kept Chewie under control. Always
Russell was prepared with proper working materials and equipment in case of an access confrontation (laws, etc.). Yes
PASS TEST: Yes – with a score of 100%!!”
Army Wounded Warrior Rosamaria and “Gunnie”.
From our trainer Barbara in Wichita Falls, who had her initial intake and assessment with Army Wounded Warrior Rosamaria and her SDIT, English Bulldog, “Gunnie”. Rosamaria suffers from PTSD, major depressive disorder, chronic anxiety, anger issues, night terrors, and panic attacks.
Barbara writes:
“The first session was at Rosa’s home. I performed an initial intake and assessment of Gunnie as a potential Service Dog.
Environment: I met Rosa and Gunnie at her home on a cool day, 32 degrees with a slight breeze. Rosa lives on the third floor of an apartment complex. Initially, I met Rosa and Gunnie in the parking lot of their apartment complex. Gunnie was walking on a harness and pulling in front of Rosa.
Initial Focus and Demeanor: Gunnie was more interested in me than his surroundings, and gravitated toward me. Gunnie was sometimes distracted by his surroundings, but quickly changed focus. Gunnie makes eye contact voluntarily and holds it for a few moments. Gunnie was relaxed, calm and had high energy.
Touch and Handling: Gunnie allows petting under his chin and is okay with gentle full-body touching. He accepts full-body massage-like pressure. Gunnie is comfortable with mouth handling, stroking, lifting lips to look at teeth, and I could safely put my hand in his mouth. Gunnie did pull away without teeth touching skin.
Response to Distractions: Gunnie did fine with people at a distance and basically ignored them. Rosa shared that Gunnie has alerted to strangers at night, and keeps his eyes on them until they are no longer in sight. Gunnie has no problems with any man, woman, child or other dogs. He does startle to loud noises, but recovers quickly. Gunnie whines at other dogs wanting to play with them. Rosa shared that cats are a definite NO NO for Gunnie. Gunnie goes to PetSmart and has no problems with people, children and dogs.
Trainability: Gunnie is totally food motivated and willingly followed through for sit, stand, down, watch me, heel, and he kept his focus on myself and Rosa, whoever was training.
Final Focus and Demeanor: Gunnie is more comfortable and focused on me especially with treats. Gunnie gave eye contact more easily now while in the home. Gunnie has been walking on a harness.
What extra tasks were worked today? We discussed buying items from Active Dogs through Service Dog Express for a discount, and Rosa stated she had a few items picked out. I encouraged her to send that information to SDE to receive her 18% discount. We also discussed using a prong collar and treats to help Gunnie to learn to heel in the correct position. Rosa stated that he pulled more initially, and was doing better but they haven’t really worked on it recently. Rosa heeled with Gunnie in her apartment with treats and Gunnie stayed with her and in heel position most of the time. We also discussed using one word commands; Rosa hasn’t decided which to use; sit or up.
What improvements were made since last session? Rosa stated Gunnie did not like going into the down position. Gunnie gave wonderful downs for me without hesitations along with treats.
What area(s) need attention? Figure out commands, keep them one word, and use consistently.
What homework was given for the next session? Work on Sit, Stand, Down and add the Stays. Work on correct heel position (Gunnie’s front leg in line with Rosa’s left leg) and don’t forget to play. Practice at least one hour a day.
What a beautiful team – and Gunnie is fantastic!! Rosa would like for Gunnie to help her break her panic attacks and flashbacks and help to calm her. She shared that Gunnie naturally leans on her legs or sits between her legs and leans one way when she is experiencing anxiety. We will work toward helping Rosa and Gunnie fine tune this skill to help Rosa the best way possible.”