Category Archives: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Agoraphobia, Anxiety, Bipolar, Depression, Diabetes, El Paso, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Panic Attack, PTSD, Texas

CONGRATS TO JANA AND SD ZIMBOO!!

CONGRATULATIONS TO JANA AND NOW SERVICE DOG, “ZIMBOO “!! ZIMBOO IS A LABRADOR MIX. THEY PASSED THEIR PUBLIC ACCESS TEST (PAT)!! Jana suffers from Agoraphobia, Anxiety, Bipolar, Depression, Diabetes, Gastroparesis, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Panic Attacks and PTSD.

Our El Paso Trainer Terry writes:

Jana & Zimboo performed marvelously in all aspect of their Public Access Test (PAT). She masterful handled Zimboo in a manner which displayed confidence in herself, and Zimboo as well. You can tell by their openly display of affection, that this team will be around for years to come. The Service Dog family send it’s Congratulation’s, and well wishes to Jana & Zimboo, and the entire family, for making this dream and certification a reality. Good luck and God bless in your future endeavors.

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:

Zimboo did not try to leave vehicle until given release command.

Zimboo waited in the vehicle until released.* Yes
Zimboo waited outside the vehicle under control. Yes
Zimboo remained under control while another dog was walked. Yes

APPROACHING THE BUILDING:

Relative heel position, not straining or forging.

Zimboo stayed in relative heel position. Always
Zimboo was calm around traffic.* Yes
Zimboo stopped when Jana came to a halt. Always

CONTROLLED ENTRY THROUGH A DOORWAY

Zimboo waited quietly at the door until commanded to enter.* Yes
Zimboo waited on the inside until able to return to heel position.* Yes

HEELING THROUGH THE BUILDING

Zimboo was within the prescribed distance of Jana. Always
Zimboo ignored the public, remaining focused on Jana. Always
Zimboo readily adjusted to speed changes. Always
Zimboo readily turned corners–did not have to be tugged or jerked to change direction. Mostly
Zimboo readily maneuvered through tight quarters. Always

SIX FOOT RECALL ON LEAD

Zimboo responded readily to the recall command–did not stray away, seek attention from others, or trudge slowly.* Yes
Zimboo remained under control and focused on Jana.* Yes
Zimboo came within the prescribed distance of Jana.* Yes
Zimboo came directly to Jana.* Yes

SITS ON COMMAND

Zimboo responded promptly to the command to sit. Always
Zimboo remained under control around food–not trying to get food and not needing repeated corrections.* Yes
Zimboo remained composed while the shopping cart passed–did not shy away, show signs of fear, etc.* Yes
Zimboo maintained a sit-stay while being petted by a stranger.* Yes

DOWNS ON COMMAND

Zimboo responded promptly to the command to down. Always
Zimboo remained under control around the food–not trying to get food and not needing repeated corrections.* Yes
Zimboo remained in control while the child approached – child should not taunt Zimboo or be overly dramatic.* Yes

NOISE DISTRACTIONS

If Zimboo jumps, turns, or shows a quick startle type reaction, that is fine. Zimboo should not show fear, aggression, or continue to be affected by the noise.

Zimboo remained composed during the noise distraction.* Yes

RESTAURANT

Zimboo is unobtrusive and out of the way of patrons and employees as much as possible.* Yes
Zimboo maintained proper behavior, ignoring food and being quiet.* Yes

OFF LEAD

When told to drop the leash, the team maintained control and Jana got the leash back in position.* Yes

DOG TAKEN BY ANOTHER PERSON

Another person can take Zimboo’s leash and Jana can move away without aggression or undue stress on the part of Zimboo.* Yes

CONTROLLED EXIT

Zimboo stayed in relative heel position. Always
Zimboo was calm around traffic.* Yes
Zimboo stopped when Jana came to a halt. Always

CONTROLLED LOAD INTO VEHICLE

Zimboo waited until commanded to enter the vehicle. Yes
Zimboo readily entered the vehicle upon command. Yes

TEAM RELATIONSHIP

When Zimboo did well, Jana praised Zimboo. Always
Zimboo is relaxed, confident, and friendly. Always
Jana kept Zimboo under control. Always
Jana was prepared with proper working materials and equipment in case of an access confrontation (laws, etc.). Yes

PASS TEST: Yes

Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Panic Attack, San Antonio, Texas

CONGRATS TO ANN AND SD SCHATZ!!

1 Comment

CONGRATULATIONS TO ANN AND HER NOW SD SCHATZI!! THEY PASSED THEIR PUBLIC ACCESS TEST (PAT)!

San Antonio Trainer Sue tested Ann and her Weimeraner SD Schatzi. Ann suffers from Anxiety, OCD and Panic Attacks.

Sue writes:

“Ann and Schatzi are a great team. Schatzi had his basic obedience training a while ago and was truly eager to learn new tasks to help Ann in public”

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:

Schatzi did not try to leave vehicle until given release command.

Schatzi waited in the vehicle until released.* Yes
Schatzi waited outside the vehicle under control. Yes
Schatzi remained under control while another dog was walked. Yes

APPROACHING THE BUILDING:

Relative heel position, not straining or forging.

Schatzi stayed in relative heel position. Always
Schatzi was calm around traffic.* Yes
Schatzi stopped when Ann came to a halt. Always

CONTROLLED ENTRY THROUGH A DOORWAY

Schatzi waited quietly at the door until commanded to enter.* Yes
Schatzi waited on the inside until able to return to heel position.* Yes

HEELING THROUGH THE BUILDING

Schatzi was within the prescribed distance of Ann. Always
Schatzi ignored the public, remaining focused on Ann. Always
Schatzi readily adjusted to speed changes. Always
Schatzi readily turned corners–did not have to be tugged or jerked to change direction. Always
Schatzi readily maneuvered through tight quarters. Always

SIX FOOT RECALL ON LEAD

Schatzi responded readily to the recall command–did not stray away, seek attention from others, or trudge slowly.* Yes
Schatzi remained under control and focused on Ann.* Yes
Schatzi came within the prescribed distance of Ann.* Yes
Schatzi came directly to Ann.* Yes

SITS ON COMMAND

Schatzi responded promptly to the command to sit. Always
Schatzi remained under control around food–not trying to get food and not needing repeated corrections.* Yes
Schatzi remained composed while the shopping cart passed–did not shy away, show signs of fear, etc.* Yes
Schatzi maintained a sit-stay while being petted by a stranger.* Yes

DOWNS ON COMMAND

Schatzi responded promptly to the command to down. Mostly
Schatzi remained under control around the food–not trying to get food and not needing repeated corrections.* Yes
Schatzi remained in control while the child approached – child should not taunt Schatzi or be overly dramatic.* Yes

NOISE DISTRACTIONS

If Schatzi jumps, turns, or shows a quick startle type reaction, that is fine. Schatzi should not show fear, aggression, or continue to be affected by the noise.

Schatzi remained composed during the noise distraction.* Yes

RESTAURANT

Schatzi is unobtrusive and out of the way of patrons and employees as much as possible.* Yes
Schatzi maintained proper behavior, ignoring food and being quiet.* Yes

OFF LEAD

When told to drop the leash, the team maintained control and Ann got the leash back in position.* Yes

DOG TAKEN BY ANOTHER PERSON

Another person can take Schatzi’s leash and Ann can move away without aggression or undue stress on the part of Schatzi.* Yes

CONTROLLED EXIT

Schatzi stayed in relative heel position. Always
Schatzi was calm around traffic.* Yes
Schatzi stopped when Ann came to a halt. Always

CONTROLLED LOAD INTO VEHICLE

Schatzi waited until commanded to enter the vehicle. Yes
Schatzi readily entered the vehicle upon command. Yes

TEAM RELATIONSHIP

When Schatzi did well, Ann praised Schatzi. Always
Schatzi is relaxed, confident, and friendly. Always
Ann kept Schatzi under control. Always
Ann was prepared with proper working materials and equipment in case of an access confrontation (laws, etc.). Yes

Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Psychiatric

Wonderful update from Julianne about “Khan”

A wonderful update from Julianne, whose family adopted “Khan”, (initially named Blanco). Blanco was found as a stray and so many people helped in saving him, getting him veterinary care, and fostering him – and Julianne’s family instantly knew he would be perfect for Julianne, who was at a summer internship at Harvard. Julianne suffers from severe anxiety, an eating disorder, and OCD. Since she has returned from Harvard, after many “Skype” sessions with Khan so he could learn her voice, they have developed a wonderful bond!

Recently, Julianne wrote:

“Hi Laurie! Great news on how Khan’s training is going! I love him SO much! He instantly applies the deep pressure therapy before I sleep, and it helps me get a good night’s rest without nightmares. Last night, he came onto the couch with me and just plopped down right on me! I said, “Khan, you are not a 2 pound baby but u act like it – you are 80 pounds!!

So, I usually go on long walks with him later in the day when it is cool. Sometimes, due to my disabilities, I sort of “space out” during the day. On this particular day, I was spaced out while walking him and I really don’t remember what I do when I’m spaced out – all I know is I was pulled back because a car was coming at us. Khan actually pulled the leash so that I was alerted when the car was coming. He saved my life! I gave him so many treats for his amazing heroic behavior and we went on our way back home.

He is amazing in every way!!!!

Julianne”

Anxiety, Austin, Fibromyalgia, Military, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Texas, Veteran, Wounded Warrior

Wounded Warrior Krisia and her SDIT, Corgi “Bear”

From our trainer, Emmett, who had his fourth session with Wounded Warrior Krisia and her SDIT, Corgi “Bear”! Krisia suffers from severe anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, and fibromyalgia.

Emmett writes:

“Today, at Target, we worked on reinforcing Bear’s” sit/stay” and “down/stay”, as well as introducing Bear to blocking Krisia with “covers”. Krisia can become very anxious or pained (fibromyalgia) if strangers get too close to her. We are working on having Bear block (cover) on command in front of Krisia as well as behind her.

We also worked on having Bear heel through tight quarters, as well as having him do controlled meet and greets by several strangers. We also had two different willing strangers hold Bear’s leash while Krisia walked off in preparation for the Public Access Test.

Since our last session, Bear has improved tremendously!! He used to be a bit distracted in new environments, and would slide into a “down” when asked to sit and stay. He now (80% of the time) will stay in an upright, seated position when asked for a “sit/stay” which is HUGE progress. He also accepts treats much more politely now that Krisia has been working with him on that.

So far Krisia and Bear are doing wonderfully! They will be working on Bear’s “cover” while Krisia is visiting family in Puerto Rico.

Anxiety, Austin, Fibromyalgia, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Texas, Veteran, Wounded Warrior

Wounded Warrior Krisia and SDIT, Corgi “Bear”.

From our trainer, Emmett, in Austin, who had his first session with Wounded Warrior Krisia and her SDIT, Corgi “Bear”. Krisia suffers from Anxiety, Fibromyalgia, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

Emmett writes:

Today I assessed Bear, a five year old Corgi, as a potential Service Dog candidate at Krisia’s home. He greeted me very gently and insisted on cuddling against my side. He has no history of aggression toward people or other animals. From the get-go, it was very apparent that Bear and Krisia are bonded strongly. He follows her around wherever she goes and flips into her lap when she sits down! He allowed me to touch all over his body including his legs and mouth without issues. Krisia also had her training contract ready for me when I arrived. I think these two will make a wonderful team!

Bear will need to work on heeling on a leash and appropriately responding to other dogs in public settings. He tends to get very excited and bark at passerby’s; not in an aggressive way, but more so in a “come play with me!” way.

Krisia will be ordering a vest for Bear as well as picking up some training treats and other essential equipment. We have a training scheduled for next week. I must say – Bear is quite possibly the cutest Corgi I have ever seen in my life!”

 

ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, El Paso, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Panic Attack, Texas

Melissa and SDiT Bjorn

From our wonderful trainer, Terry, in El Paso, who is training with Melissa and her SDIT, Bjorn! Melissa suffers from have major depression, anxiety, ADD, and OCD. Her anxiety has many triggers; the biggest two lately have been extreme amounts of stress and claustrophobia. She also has naturally low blood pressure, and when she gets sick, it tends to drop even lower and she has been known to lose her balance or pass out. She has appointments at the end of the month with a Rheumatologist. Her PCP thinks there is a likely chance that she has Lupus and RA.

Terry writes:

This is a great picture of Melissa and Bjorn successfully completing “controlled load into vehicle”. Additional training covered; proper leash control, “sits on command”, “noise distraction”, “off lead heeling”, and “controlled unload out of vehicle”. All in all, things went exceptionally well, especially for the first session of hands-on-training. Melissa has only had this dog for two weeks, but you can definitely tell during the session that she has put a lot of work into training, that Bjorn already had training despite being a rescue, and that Melissa and Bjorn absolutely love each other. From all indications, she will continue to provide this passion as long as she has this dog. Melissa and Bjorn are a wonderful fit, and will do well throughout the program.”

Anxiety, New Mexico, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), PTSD

Barbara and her beloved Beast

From our wonderful trainer in New Mexico, Michelle, who had her first session with Barbara, who suffers from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and severe PTSD, and her SDIT, “Beast”.

Michelle writes:

I met with Barbara today for an assessment of “Beast”, who is a beautiful blue American Bully. Beast is a gorgeous, stout 1 year and 3 months old boy.

Commands: Beast had been taught his commands in the following languages: German, Russian, and English. It is outstanding. He tends to watch for Barbara when she walks away from him, will move to a “sit”, then lay back down upon her return. They have an amazing bond. Beast is definitely not in a hurry; he wanders the yard checking on the safety of his people and dog family.

Temperament: mellow, loving, gentle, and has been carefully raised around Barbara’s 4-month old son, her female Rottweiler, and her 4 year-old blonde American Bully.

Outings: Barbara’s family takes Beast everywhere they can. At church, he lays down on the floor and does not draw attention to himself, and interaction with the children is a treat only if mom says it is OK. He absolutely loves children. He is welcome at Walmart without his vest, and does spectacularly.

Medical: When Barbara has an episode of anxiety, all 69 lbs of this Beast sits on her chest immediately, making her relax and come out of her panic attack.

Confrontation: When out, Barbara gives commands when being approached by other dogs, causing Beast to submit and lay down. However, if her sister is in accompaniment, then he will back up and protect the younger of the daughters.

I know that Barbara is lucky to have Beast as her companion. He is the epitome of a perfect dog!!!! I know this team will be an asset to the world of Service Dogs and education that any breed, if trained well from a young age and with careful precision, can become a Service Dog.