Category Archives: Dallas-Fort Worth

Dallas-Fort Worth, Military, Psychiatric, PTSD, Texas, Veteran, Wounded Warrior

Wounded Warrior Kathryn and her SDIT Abigail

From our trainer Candace, who is working with Wounded Warrior Kathryn, who suffers from PTSD and Adjustment Disorder, and her SDIT, Abigail.

“This session was an assessment/training to see if Australian Shepherd Abigail has what it takes to be a Service Dog. So far, so good! Abigail is slightly skittish when it comes to loud, unexpected noises, but has quick recovery. She needs some basics and advanced work, but it was clear from the beginning the bond between her and her owner, Kathryn, is very strong. I think, with intense training, Kathryn and her SDiT will be an unstoppable team!

Abigail also gets vocal around other dogs. Once we practiced redirection, Kathryn was able to get Abigail under control in under 2 seconds and was able to avoid vocalizations. This points to the need for more socialization for the two. With Kathryn’s anxiety, this will be a great test and trial for the team. I set them up with a basic training regimen, and Kathryn already has a wonderful plan set up for Abigail’s progression into Service work. I look forward to working with them both. They have great potential!”

Air Force, Army, Austin, Coast Guard, Dallas-Fort Worth, El Paso, Experience, General, Houston, Lubbock, Marine, Military, Navy, New Mexico, San Antonio, Texas, Veteran, Waco, Wounded Warrior

Unbelievable kindness

Unbelievable kindness. Ken, a Wounded Warrior who has Service Dog “Mozart”, does this amazing artwork. He is donating proceeds from the sale of it to help wounded warriors get funding for Service Dog training with Service Dog Express!!! THANK YOU KEN!!!!!

Helping Veterans suffering from PTSD the oppurtunity to adopt service dogs to assist in their rehabilitation at no cost
Helping Veterans suffering from PTSD the opportunity to adopt service dogs to assist in their rehabilitation at no cost
Dallas-Fort Worth, Military, PTSD, Texas, Wounded Warrior

Nova and handler, Wounded Warrior Sean

From our trainer Candace, in Ft. Worth, who is training Nova for handler, Wounded Warrior Sean!

“The Morrison Family is doing a remarkable job with Nova. They, like other families, have a problem with motivating their SDiT with treats. This can be a blessing in disguise, as treats need to be removed from a SDiT’s reinforcement options as quickly as possible. But now that brings up the dilemma, “What can we do to get Nova excited about working?” The answer: A water hose! The girl goes crazy for it! Not only is it a bonding experience for Sean and Nova, it can be used to instill instant command reaction, which is something they are working on. They have made visible progress with Nova’s strength and endurance program. She is filling out in the shoulders and they are wrapping her front leg to protect joint integrity. She is also on a working dog’s diet, which she puts to great use running around with the family’s other dog. She is really doing great. Other things discussed were Nova accompanying Sean to work, at least for half days. I am anxious to hear how that goes! For now, the Morrison’s are set with the basics and are fine-tuning her command work and leash walking. They have a long road ahead of them, but they are dedicated individuals. Keep up the great work, Sean and Dawn!”

WHAT A NOVEL AND CREATIVE IDEA, CANDACE! WAY TO GO, MORRISONS!!!!

Nova the trifecta - Tripawd Dog

Anxiety, Dallas-Fort Worth, Experience, Texas, Tourette's Syndrome

Training at Trenton’s elementary school

From our wonderful trainer, Candace, in Fort Worth, who went above and beyond training Trenton and Priddy to pass the PAT!!!

“Today I spent five hours at Trenton’s elementary school. What an incredible day! Priddy, who passed her Public Access Test the previous weekend, did spectacularly! She stayed under Trenton’s desk or close by his chair the entire time. She was alert and aware of the children and classroom movement, but she did a great job of “blending in” as much as she could. Trenton did amazingly as well, both personally and handling Priddy. His symptoms were decreased or avoided!! (Tourette’s and anxiety). Not only that, but Trenton was the hit on the playground during recess. The only thing that Priddy didn’t handle too well was dodge ball!

Their homework is to get Priddy into the gym more around balls so that she becomes comfortable with them. Until then, an area was specialized for her outside of the immediate gym area. What a wonderful day! It was a pleasure being a part of Trenton and Priddy’s debut together in school!”

WHAT A MARVELOUS GIFT YOU HAVE GIVEN THIS FAMILY, CANDACE! TRENTON AND PRIDDY – WE ARE SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!! AND WHAT A MARVELOUS WAY TO TEACH OTHER STUDENTS ABOUT SERVICE DOGS!!

Dallas-Fort Worth, Military, PTSD, Texas, Veteran, Wounded Warrior

Dawn and her Wounded Warrior’s Husband’s SDiT Nova

From Candace, our trainer in Fort Worth, who is working with the Morrison family to train Dawn’s husband, a Wounded Warrior, who suffers from PTSD.

“Dawn Morrison is helping her husband train their tripod German Shepherd Dog mix, Nova, while her husband is receiving treatment. While gathering some baseline information, I noticed that Nova was having some problems maintaining an upright position during walking tasks. I also noted that she would dip on her one front leg every 5 steps or so. I decided to offer some suggestions on strengthening her legs, and increasing her endurance. We also went over some basic command work such as “come,” “sit,” “down,” and “stay.” She knows the basics, but what the Morrison family needs to focus on is getting her response time quicker. We did include some walking, but a good portion of the session was focused on education and action planning, as Nova did require a significant amount of rest. They were given a lot of information, but they were implementing the correct strategies with training his SDIT, so she was doing extremely well.

Today, I could tell the difference in Nova’s endurance level. She was able to tolerate more activity and training, subsequently lessening the down/lag time between commands. However, it was noted that she was dipping on her one front left every 5-7 hops. I was concerned about her joint integrity and offered some advice to help protect her from possible injury. I also saw that she needs some major work with “heel,” and walking in general. I think this will be an uphill battle for the Morrison Family as it is a little harder for Nova to regulate her speed. However, good news on the horizon, as they found someone who is donating Nova a prosthetic leg!! In the mean time, they will wrap up her leg and continue the basic to advance obedience work, until Mr. Morrison is out of treatment and back home with his family. At that time, more specialized training and socialization will begin. I’m so excited to be a part of their journey!”

Of course, Nova’s Service Dog abilities will constantly be monitored by their veterinarian

Dallas-Fort Worth, Marine, Military, PTSD, Texas, Veteran, Wounded Warrior

Happy Day For Marc and Genevieve

A happy day for Marc, a Wounded Warrior who spent 20 years in the Marines and suffers from PTSD. He found a “battle buddy” in Genevieve!!! He drove down from Austin to first meet Nelly, whom Cherry Jenkins with In Dog We Trust graciously lent her time to see if it was a match, but it just wasn’t the “right” dog for Marc’s particular situation. It’s always important that each client feels completely secure in their choice of dog, and Nelly WILL find that special someone – thank you Cherry. However, then Marc met with Genevieve’s foster from S.A. Rocks, and they spent time together – Genevieve was quite shy at first, but after talking with Marc on his drive home to Ft. Worth, where he is a Nursing Student, the bond is beginning to grow. It was wonderful talking to him – he understood that Genevieve and he will learn and grow and train and bond together – making mistakes together, and having triumphs together. He said it was just like being in the Marines and learning with your actual battle buddies. I have no doubt that Marc and Genevieve will thrive with the help of trainer Candace. Please wish them the best of luck!!!

Anxiety, Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, Tourette's Syndrome

CONGRATULATIONS TO PRIDDY AND TRENTON

CONGRATULATIONS TO PRIDDY AND TRENTON, WHO, WITH THE HELP OF TRAINER CANDACE IN FT. WORTH, PASSED THEIR PUBLIC ACCESS TEST!!!! Trenton has Tourette’s Syndrome and suffers from anxiety – but not so much anymore!!!

“Priddy passed her Public Access Test! And with flying colors, I might add! We started at a park where she showed that she was responsive to her handler only around other dogs. She then successfully unloaded from the vehicle and walked safely into a local mall. Right off the bat, there was a large crowd, and Priddy navigated young Trenton through at an appropriate speed. She reacted perfectly to the noise distractions and did not solicit attention from the public. When it came time for her to be pet by children and a stranger, she was a perfect lady and stayed in the appropriate positions. She passed the test in just under two hours. Great job to the Goodpaster family, who logged northward of 350 hours of training with Priddy over the summer months. They worked diligently with dedication and consistency. Congratulations!”

WHAT AN ABSOLUTELY DEDICATED FAMILY!! 350 HOURS OF TRAINING! MIRACLES HAPPEN WHEN EVERYONE IS PART OF THE PROCESS. AND THANK YOU, CANDACE, FOR MAKING THIS POSSIBLE TO HELP TRENTON!!!!!

Dallas-Fort Worth, General, Texas

Bear – a gorgeous Golden SDIT

From our trainer Candace, in Fort Worth, who is working with the Freeman family and their son, Parker, who is a special needs child.

“The Freeman family is doing spectacular training Bear, their gorgeous Golden SDIT. He is working on fine tuning his “heel” while working with the family as well as his primary handler, Parker. Bear is also working on mastering his advanced commands such as “back,” “place,” and long distance recalls. The stronger he is on these commands with high levels of distractions, the more efficient he will be in performing his duties and paying attention to his handler. Bear is also increasing his reliability in tackling basic commands, such as “leave it.” He responds well to Parker’s primary specialty needs, and is doing well with socialization in public. Next time, we will focus on “heel,” once again and we will see how he is doing with “stay” when distance and distractions are added to the picture. Great job, Freeman Family!”

Anxiety, Dallas-Fort Worth, Equipment, Marine, Military, PTSD, Texas, Veteran, Wounded Warrior

Sean the Marine…Semper Fi

From our trainer, Candace, in Fort Worth, who is working with the Morrison family. They have a very unique and special situation. Sean is a Wounded Warrior with PTSD, and they adopted a 3 – legged German Shepard. They were curious if her disability would disqualify her as a Service Dog. They will be looking at getting her a prosthetic leg as she was born missing her leg at the elbow, and has enough left for a prosthetic. The veterinarian said that she would be just fine as a Service Dog! She has the perfect temperament and trainability.

As a PTSD, service-related Marine, Sean struggles with thunderstorms, loud, sudden noises, and going out in public in general. The family were told by his psychologist that a service dog would help him greatly, and after looking into it and doing hours of research, they believed this would be most beneficial for him. It has been!! What a remarkable family they are to adopt this highly intelligent dog, and to do everything necessary to ensure that being a Service Dog will be healthy and productive for both the dog and Sean. They will constantly be reviewing progress with their veterinarian.

“I would like to introduce the newest member of the Service Dog Express family: The Morrison Clan. Yep, that’s right, Sean’s SDIT was born with just 3 legs! But, according to Sean, she is everything he needs. She will look around corners for him as they go down halls. She always remains on alert wherever they are. She passed her assessment with flying colors! The next step is working on their SDIT’s endurance and basic training. So far, she responds very well to Sean, and I think they will be a remarkable team.”

Autism, Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas

The Jaynes Family

From our trainer, Candace, in Fort Worth, who is working with the Jaynes family, who have 2 severely autistic twin 8 year old boys and an 11 year-old daughter.

“The Jaynes family is dedicated to training Bear, their SDIT. He is a handsome golden retriever who is just as laid back as laid back can be. Really. He is content to just lay there and hang out with his buddy, Parker. But for this night, the Jaynes’ family mother and daughter have teamed up to work on the basics with sweet Bear Bear. He made some progress since the last time we met, but what I didn’t tell the Jaynes’ family is that we were really working towards increasing Bear’s attention span. And it worked! Together, we got Bear to participate longer in the training and he seemed a little bit more excited about the training process than he was the time before. He is such a sweet boy, we just need to get him a little more motivated to work!