Not a few people experience post-traumatic stress disorder – a mental health condition that is an outcome of a terrifying event. Among others, soldiers returning from duty top the list of affected individuals. The symptoms may include nightmares, flashbacks, anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event. Indeed, this mental health issue requires attention and management.
The good news is that there are ways to address the above-mentioned issue, including the use of a service dog. But not all service dogs can help in dealing with PTSD. However, a PTSD service dog training can be done to prepare your canine for this job.
Many facilities offer a PTSD service dog training program. If you are in the San Diego area, the team here at ProTrain is readily available to cater to your dog for PTSD training. And while a service dog training is usually done to help address visible conditions, PTSD training is specifically designed to train a service dog for mental issues. For instance, dogs can become a comfortable companion in stressful situations. They help their owners by sensing problematic situations and emotions before they even appear.
Here are what PTSD service dogs capable of doing:
- He knows when to help adjust serotonin levels – a contributor to feelings of well-being and happiness
- He can help lower blood pressure in high-stress situations
- He can help in times of depression
- He knows how to protect the owner from any overcrowding
- He can calm the owner if he is having a hard time
- He can provide company to help at all times
What to expect when sending your dog to a training facility for the first time
Before your dog formally undergoes a PTSD training, certain protocols are to be done first. This includes an assessment to determine whether your dog is qualified for the said training.
A dog training facility may also offer free refresher training. This would mean that there might be a need for your dog to stay at the training facility to receive refresher training while you are on vacation.
Online looking for a facility that offers a PTSD service dog training? You might be interested in the program at ProTrain.
Contact us today at 1-877-BAD DOGS.