Category Archives: El Paso

Anxiety, Bipolar, El Paso, Fibromyalgia, PTSD, Texas

CONGRATS TO JORDAN AND SERVICE DOG, “BELLA”!!

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CONGRATULATIONS TO JORDAN AND NOW SERVICE DOG, “BELLA”!! BELLA IS A PIT BULL MIX. THEY PASSED THEIR PUBLIC ACCESS TEST (PAT)!! Jordan suffers from Anxiety, Bipolar, Fibromyalgia and PTSD.

Our El Paso Trainer Terry writes:

After all the medical obstacles that Jordan faced, she and her Service Dog “Bella”, effectively and efficiently adapted, maneuvered, and overcame all the road blocks presented to become a Service Dog Team. Good luck and God bless Jordan & Bella in their 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:

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

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

APPROACHING THE BUILDING:

Relative heel position, not straining or forging.

Bella stayed in relative heel position. Mostly
Bella was calm around traffic.* Yes
Bella stopped when Jordan came to a halt. Always

CONTROLLED ENTRY THROUGH A DOORWAY

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

HEELING THROUGH THE BUILDING

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

SIX FOOT RECALL ON LEAD

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

SITS ON COMMAND

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

DOWNS ON COMMAND

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

NOISE DISTRACTIONS

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

Bella remained composed during the noise distraction.* Yes

RESTAURANT

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

OFF LEAD

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

DOG TAKEN BY ANOTHER PERSON

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

CONTROLLED EXIT

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

CONTROLLED LOAD INTO VEHICLE

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

TEAM RELATIONSHIP

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

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

El Paso, Mobility, Seizure, Texas

Jordan and her American Pit Bull Terrier/Labrador Retriever mix, Bella.

From our trainer Terry, in El Paso, who had his first intake session and assessment with Jordan and her American Pit Bull Terrier/Labrador Retriever mix, “Bella”. Jordan was diagnosed with a seizure disorder, but the doctors are still trying to figure out what kind and how to treat it. Right now, she is experiencing about 4 seizures a week, one of which she was sent to the ER because she stopped breathing and turned blue. Jordan struggles to walk and maintain balance, so sometimes she has to use a transport wheelchair. She had to take this semester off of college as she cannot focus or read well.

Terry writes:

“Today, I provided an assessment for trainability and temperament of 5 year-old Bella and an intake for her owner, Jordan at her home. A temperament test was performed on Bella, and she passed with no issues to record. Bella has had some good basic training from Jordan already, and has a knowledge of basic obedience commands, and upon command, executes them to a good degree of accuracy. From observation, I could detect a strong instinctive bond between owner Jordan and Bella, and Bella’s strong willingness to assist and please Jordan.

Bella is a medium-sized dog, and the living arrangement inside the home is good for Bella. The house has a nicely sized back yard, with a rock wall with no holes where the dog might escape or be placed in danger while playing or exercising in the back yard area. In addition, Jordan takes the Bella out for walks and to the dog park to socialize with other dogs. Bella was checked for any skin discoloration, scars, protruding bones, teeth decay, and any other sign that might indicate a pending health risk, and there was none found. All vaccinations and monthly preventatives are in order, and from all indications, I could see how eager both Jordan and Bella are to get started. In my professional observation and opinion, I would recommend Jordan and her dog Bella for the Service Dog Express Training Program.

Kindest regards
Terry”

El Paso, Fibromyalgia, Mobility, PTSD, Texas, Veteran, Wounded Warrior

Wounded Warrior Marsha and Charlie

From our trainer Terry, in El Paso, who had his third training session Wounded Warrior Marsha and her SDIT, German Shepherd “Charlie”! Marsha suffers from PTSD, fibromyalgia, and mobility issues.

Terry writes:

“Today’s session was Marsha and Charlie’s first exposure to the shopping mall. It was exciting and interesting to see both Marsha & Charlie’s reaction to the people and movement within a congested mall setting!! Both parties did well on their first outing. As expected, Marsha and Charlie were a little anxious at the beginning. But after a lot of walking, talking, shopping, and exposure to different settings within numerous stores, they both calmed down and took things in stride. We also made a quick pass through the food court! Charlie was curious for sure, but was not overly distracted! Good job!

Marsha has had a number of back surgeries, which greatly hinder her mobility and motor skills. She performed marvelously through this exercise. What a trooper!

Anxiety, El Paso, Military, PTSD, TBI, Texas, Veteran, Wounded Warrior

CONGRATS TO WOUNDED WARRIOR, ETHAN, AND SERVICE DOG, “SHAE’MUS”!!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS TO WOUNDED WARRIOR, ETHAN, AND HIS NOW SERVICE DOG, “SHAE’MUS”!!!!!

Ethan suffered from severe PTSD, anxiety, and TBI while on active duty. Trainer Terry in El Paso, who has been doing amazing training with Ethan and Shae’mus, wrote the following:

“Today, Ethan and Shae’mus performed like pros today during their Public Access Test! They completed all 14 test areas with style, grace, attention to detail, and clear and concise work with purpose and meaning. Their mall presentation absolutely impeccable! You can clearly tell that they both have put a lot of time, work, and effort into training so they could successful past their Public Access Test. Congratulations goes out to Ethan, Shae’mus and the Ethan’s entire family! They have been an absolute joy to work with!!”

Anxiety, Depression, El Paso, Military, PTSD, TBI, Texas, Veteran, Wounded Warrior

Wounded Warrior Ethan, and SDIT Shae’mus

From our trainer, Terry, who has been working with Wounded Warrior, Ethan, and his SDIT, Mastiff Mix, “Shae’mus”. Ethan suffers from PTSD, TBI, anxiety, and depression. This was Terry’s sixth and seventh session with Ethan.

Terry writes:

“What can I say about these sessions? Priceless!!! We had a family outing at one of our favorite restaurants in El Paso. Before entering the Service Dog Express Program, Ethan rarely left the house, and family time outside the house was non-existent. Today the proof is in the pudding, and the pictures are worth a thousand words! Now, Ethan, with the assistance of his SDIT Shae’mus, are enjoying an active, meaningful, and productive life, while reestablishing the loving bond with his family and friends. That is the true value of the Service Dog Express program!”

At the next session with Ethan and SDIT, Shae’mus, we met at the Mall, went to the park, and went to a restaurant in El Paso.
This was a round robin training session. I, Ethan, and Shae’mus, engaged in three different areas, similar to how I conduct my testing to prepare for the Public Access Test. I opened up the session by explaining what I expected on testing day, and demonstrated each exercise if the client was not sure how to perform the task. Ethan and Shae’mus needed minimal guidance if any! It is truly rewarding when you arrive on site, and the client is already their early practicing there craft! That is dedication and commitment for success. The sessions went very well, and am confident that Ethan & Shae’mus will do well on their Public Access Test. Keep up the great work!”

SO proud of all of you – Ethan, Shae’mus, and Terry – and you are right – that IS what we strive for!!!! Congratulations!

Anxiety, Depression, El Paso, Panic Attack, Texas

Evalynn and SDIT Oreo

From our super trainer, Terry, in El Paso, who is working with Evalynn and her SDIT, Chihuahua “Oreo”! Evalynn suffers from severe anxiety, depression, and panic attacks. Terry is GOOD – Chihuahuas are not the easiest breed to train as Service Dogs, but he is doing a wonderful job and we are proud of both him and Evalynn!

Terry writes:

Today, Evalynn, Oreo and I trained at a restaurant in El Paso Texas – the Corner Bakery. Evalynn & Oreo’s first restaurant exposure went quite well! Oreo displayed a little uneasiness when we first arrived at the restaurant; realistically that is normal behavior. First exposures always take some getting used to. I will say that about fifteen minutes upon our sitting down, Oreo was more at ease, and started to sit and lay down while we were eating. There were continuous distractions in the busy restaurant, but Oreo was at ease with the distractions! When Evalynn proceeded to the restroom, Oreo did not whine or pull to accompany her, but Oreo kept an eye out for her until she returned to her seat. One of the major distractions in the restaurant was that there were other dogs in the place; that did not seem to faze Oreo at all! Keep up the good work Evalynn & Oreo!

Anxiety, El Paso, Military, Panic Attack, PTSD, Texas, Veteran, Wounded Warrior

Wounded Warrior Tonya and Bella

From our excellent trainer, Terry, in El Paso, who had his second session with Wounded Warrior Tonya and her SDIT, Yorkshire Terrier “Bella”! Tonya suffers from PTSD, severe anxiety, and panic attacks.

Terry writes:

“We started today’s session at the park, reinforcing the basic commands “sit”, “down”, “avoiding noise distractions”, and “six foot recall on lead”. Next, we moved to a store setting for the initial exposure to a public place with both Tonya and Bella. The key to success is repetition; doing it the same way, at a particular time, with the same commands, and performing the exercises correctly over and over until they are consistent. One of the key factors is, practice-practice- and more practice! Our overall session went quite well! I could tell that Tonya and Bella are putting a lot of time into their practice sessions. Keep up the good work, and success will surely come during test time!

Anxiety, Depression, El Paso, Panic Attack, Texas

Evalynn and Oreo

From our trainer Terry, in El Paso, who did an assessment with new client Evalynn, who suffers from depression, stress and severe social anxiety. She would like a Service Dog who will distract her from her depressive thoughts, scratching herself, major panic attacks, and feeling lonely. Her SDIT is a 5 year-old Chihuahua named “Oreo”.

Terry writes:

“A temperament and trainability test was performed on Oreo, and he passed with flying colors! Oreo knows some basic commands, and upon command executed them to a good degree of accuracy. From my observation, I can detect a very strong bond between Evalynn and Oreo, and the dog’s willingness to assist and please Evalynn. This is a small dog – only 8 lbs, and the living arrangement with other dogs and cats in the home is excellent. The dogs have a fenced in back yard where they exercise and play in a safe environment. I checked for any skin discoloration, scars, protruding bones, teeth decay, and any other sign that might indicate a pending health risk, and there was none found. I would highly recommend Evalynn and her dog Oreo for Service Dog training. It will be a pleasure to work with them!”

Anxiety, El Paso, PTSD, TBI, Texas, Veteran, Wounded Warrior

Welcome Wounded Warrior Ethan and SDiT Shae’mus

From our trainer Terry, in El Paso, who did an initial assessment on new client Wounded Warrior Ethan, and his SDIT, “Shae’mus”. Ethan suffers from severe PTSD, anxiety, and a TBI. Ethan’s wife wrote that since Ethan has been home, Shae’mus already seems to know there is something wrong, and helps my husband when he is sleeping if he’s having nightmares by coming and lying half his body on my Ethan. If they are out in public, Ethan has severe anxiety. Terry writes:

“I performed an assessment on 4 year-old Mastiff mix, Shae’mus for trainability and temperament. Shae’mus passed the assessment perfectly. Shae’mus has some knowledge of basic obedience commands, and executed them to a good degree of accuracy. From observation, I could detect a very strong bond between owner Ethan and Shae’mus, and the dog’s willingness to assist and please the owner. Shae’mus is a fairly large dog, and the living arrangement with another dog in a house was good, as it provided a large backyard for exercising. In addition, the owners take Shae’mus out for walks to allow him some other means to relax and exercise. Shae’mus is excellent with the children inside the home, as well as with the other dog in the family. I checked Shae’mus for any skin discoloration, scars, protruding bones, teeth decay, and any other sign that might indicate a pending health risk; there was none found. However, I did note that the Shae’mus has a slight limp, and the owners have agreed to take the dog to the vet for further observation. I would highly recommend Ethan and his dog Shae’mus for training in the Service Dog Express Program.