Category Archives: Panic Attack

Anxiety, Bipolar, Depression, Military, Navy, Night Terrors, Panic Attack, PTSD, San Antonio, Texas, Veteran, Wounded Warrior

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%

Anxiety, Depression, Night Terrors, Panic Attack, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

CONGRATS TO CHRISTIAN AND ELLEN

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CONGRATULATIONS TO CLIENT CHRISTIAN AND HIS NOW SERVICE DOG, “ELLEN”!!! THEY PASSED THE PUBLIC ACCESS TEST!!! Christian suffers from PTSD, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and night terrors. Christian was a first responder at Ground Zero (in an unofficial capacity) and suffered from sexual abuse as a child.

Trainer Robin, in Philadelphia, writes:

“Service Dog “Ellen” was initially trained as a Seeing Eye dog through another organization. Therefore commands are different, and she was trained to walk further ahead (hip to leg) and to keep the leash taut. She is, however, extremely bonded, obedient, enthusiastic and responsive. Great dog!

Location of where PAT took place: Bridgewater Commons, NJ

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:

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

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

APPROACHING THE BUILDING:

Relative heel position, not straining or forging.

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

CONTROLLED ENTRY THROUGH A DOORWAY

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

HEELING THROUGH THE BUILDING

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

SIX FOOT RECALL ON LEAD

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

SITS ON COMMAND

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

DOWNS ON COMMAND

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

NOISE DISTRACTIONS

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

Ellen remained composed during the noise distraction.* Yes

RESTAURANT

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

OFF LEAD

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

DOG TAKEN BY ANOTHER PERSON

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

CONTROLLED EXIT

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

CONTROLLED LOAD INTO VEHICLE

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

TEAM RELATIONSHIP

When Ellen did well, Christian praised Ellen. Always
Ellen is relaxed, confident, and friendly. Always
Christian kept Ellen under control. Always
Christian was prepared with proper working materials and equipment in case of an access confrontation (laws, etc.). No

PASS TEST: Yes

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

Agoraphobia, Air Force, Anxiety, Depression, Military, Mobility, Panic Attack, PTSD, San Antonio, Texas, Veteran, Wounded Warrior

CONGRATS TO WOUNDED WARRIOR TRACY AND SD DAISY!!

Service Dog Express's photo.

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

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

CONGRATS TO ANN AND SD SCHATZ!!

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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, Army, Depression, Military, Panic Attack, PTSD, Texas, Veteran, Wichita Falls, Wounded Warrior

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.”

Air Force, Anxiety, Army, Coast Guard, Depression, Experience, Fibromyalgia, General, Marine, Medical Alert, Military, Mobility, Navy, Pain Management, Panic Attack, Psychiatric, PTSD, San Antonio, TBI, Texas, Veteran, Wounded Warrior

Capone’s Success Story

The animal rescue world is challenging on the best of days. We see the broken and unwanted of the City of San Antonio on a daily basis. One of the most unforgettable of those days was 5 weeks ago, when Capone walked through our door. He was starving, with patches of hair missing, broken teeth, and his ears jagged and cropped…you won’t believe his transformation…read more at  SAPA – San Antonio Pets Alive | Capone’s Story

Dallas-Fort Worth, Depression, Military, Panic Attack, PTSD, Texas, Wichita Falls

First session with Wounded Warrior, James

From our trainer, Barbara, who had her first session with Wounded Warrior, James. James does not yet have a dog to work with, but we will help him find one. James was a rescue worker on 9/11 at the Pentagon while in the Army, and suffers from fear of crowds, panic attacks, depression, PTSD, night terrors, and has several triggers – especially anything that is burning reminds him of burning flesh and jet fuel. September is his most difficult month.

Barbara writes:

“Today’s initial intake session took place at James’ apartment in Irving, TX. We reviewed and signed the Service Dog Express contract, reviewed the Service Dog Express training manual, and discussed James’ needs and expectations. We talked about the items which would need to be purchased for the Service Dog and the veterinary care responsibilities.

Although it was difficult for him to talk about, James bravely shared that burning smells triggers the smell of jet fuel and burning flesh from 9/11. James is not able to handle being out in crowds, and this severely affects family outings. He also is triggered being around people of certain ethnicities; not trying to be prejudicial, but after tours in Iraq he constantly has the feeling of people out to kill him. James wants a Service Dog to alert him to his triggers and help him get in a safe spot to help deal with crowds so that he can stay at family outings. He would also like his Service Dog to help him with his night terrors and interrupt them, which would help his sleep. James’ wife is very supportive of James needing and getting a Service Dog. They have also discussed this with their 6 year-old daughter, explaining the difference between when the Service Dog is working and when she could play with the dog.

We discussed locating a dog for James. They have been in contact with a Rescue, “Operation Kindness” and the Irving Animal Shelter. He has also searched the Service Dog Express website to look at the Available Assessed Dogs. He understands the need for having any dog he is interested in needing to be assessed for temperament and trainability for Service Dog work.

We discussed rotating our appointments once a suitable dog is obtained and possibly meeting in Denton – it also depends on weather this time of year. Currently, James is working nights, and hopes to move to the day shift soon. In the meantime, we will begin our search for the best Service Dog for James!”

Agoraphobia, Anxiety, Bipolar, Depression, Panic Attack, PTSD, San Antonio, Texas

Kerri and her Corgi/Border Collie mix, “Bandit”

From our wonderful trainer, Beverli! She is working with Kerri and her Corgi/Border Collie mix, “Bandit”.  Kerri suffers from Agoraphobia, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Panic Attacks, and PTSD.

Beverli writes:

“Today, at Kerri’s home, we worked on the following commands: “cover”, “touch”, “stay”, and “give”. We worked very hard on Bandit’s ability to STAY while in a sitting position. He does well when he’s laying down and asked to stay, but from a sit was a little difficult for him. He was doing very well by the end of the session. We also introduced “cover” during our last session, and by this week, he has it nearly mastered!

Bandit will need more work with stay, both from a sit and stay in public places. We will work more on this during our next session. Bandit seems to have made huge strides with “cover” since last session, and is doing increasingly well with the ‘touch’ command.

For homework, Kerri and Bandit will work more on stay and cover, and ask him to “touch” at random, while at home and in public.”

Depression, Medical Alert, Mobility, Pain Management, Panic Attack, Rheumatoid Arthritis, San Antonio, Texas

Update on Natalie

Laurie is training with dear Natalie, who suffers from multiple disabilities including extreme rheumatoid arthritis, heart conditions, has had over 20 surgeries in her young life for various conditions, and must use a cane, walker, or wheelchair even in the house. But she and her father, who himself suffers from deafness and early onset Alzheimer’s, have saved five dogs that have shown up over the years on their front steps – despite their fragile financial issues. They both often say that once the dogs are taken care of, whatever money is left, they use for food, to pay medical co-pays, and to keep their electricity on. It’s just a joy to be around people who care so deeply about all God’s creatures.

Laurie writes:

I initially went to their home to help train Natalie’s father’s little buddy to help with hearing as a Service Dog. But he saw how much Natalie was suffering just walking, and he suggested we focus on training Pearl, a gorgeous, gentle, and extremely intelligent Yellow Labrador for mobility for Natalie. I asked him many times if that was what he wanted – but he wanted his daughter taken care of first. Just beautiful people.

We have already had two sessions with Pearl. Our second session was at a very busy Walmart. Thanks to the generous donations of individuals through the GoFundMe account I set up for Natalie (she is too prideful to ask for help, so I did it for her!), Pearl now has a beautiful blue vest with a handle that Natalie can use to help stabilize herself if she needs extra help when her cane or walker are not readily available. Pearl did exquisitely!!!! Pearl just heels alongside Natalie no matter what assistive device she is using. Pearl never pulls, doesn’t react at all to distractions (created or accidental), keeps her focus on Natalie, is both treat and love-motivated, and does meets and greets with adult males and females and children in the most beautifully gentle way I could imagine. She will go into an automatic sit, and just let everyone love on her – and boy, do the people she meets get such joy from being able to hug her!!

After only two sessions, Pearl can “sit”, “down”, “sit/stay”, “down/stay”, “leave it”, “meet and greet”, “navigate through tight corners with Natalie’s walker”, walk in a perfect “heel” next to a shopping cart, will “leave” snacks set down before her when told to, “let another person take her as she heels”, do beautiful “meet and greets” with any other dog and remain completely non-reactive – it’s just amazing. I am so proud of both of them. The key to this amazing work is undoubtedly the love Pearl feels from Natalie. That’s the thing about rescue dogs – they are so grateful to have been saved – and if given the proper amount of bonding time and unconditional love, they will give back tenfold. That’s Pearl and Natalie.

Here are some pictures. I didn’t have my camera on me at the last session, but Natalie’s dad took some pictures yesterday with his shaky hands of the two of them – so although they are blurry, you can see the love. That’s all that matters.