What is a therapy or Service Dog? 

A therapy dog is a dog that is trained to provide affection, comfort and support to people, often in settings such as hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, libraries, hospices, or disaster areas. In contrast to assistance dogs, which are trained to assist specific patients with their day-to-day physical needs, therapy dogs are trained to interact with all kinds of people, not just their handlers. Not all dogs are designed for Therapy or Service. We recommend having puppies evaluated by a trained professional before selecting a puppy for Therapy. Dogs must be at least one year old to become a therapy dog and require many hours of training and socialization prior to certification.

Therapy dogs need to have a calm and gentle disposition. They must be good around other dogs, calm when strangers pet them all over, not jump on others, walk on a leash without pulling, and not startled by things such as strange noises, smells, and medical equipment. The role of therapy dogs is to react and respond to people and their environment, under the guidance and direction of their owner. For example, an individual might be encouraged to gently pat or talk to a dog to teach sensitive touch and help them be calm. Research suggests using therapy dogs in response to traumatic events can help reduce symptoms of depression, post traumatic stress disorder and anxiety. The human-animal bond can impact people and animals in positive ways. Research shows therapy dogs can reduce stress physiologically (cortisol levels) and increase attachment responses that trigger oxytocin – a hormone that increases trust in humans.

Dogs also react positively to animal-assisted activities. In response to the human-animal bond, dogs produce oxytocin and decrease their cortisol levels when connecting with their owner. Often dogs feel the same  when engaging in animal assisted activities as if they were at home, depending on the environmental context.

Therapy dogs have been visiting hospitals, hospice centers, disaster areas, and even schools and universities to promote emotional support. Wherever there is stress and emotional support is needed, therapy dogs can go there and provide assistance. There has been an increase in the frequency of therapy dog visits to regular schools in recent years. This is due to the confirmed emotional support that they can give to students who are academically stressed or emotionally damaged due to bullying. Dogs can even promote better communication in some cases, because their attention is undivided. Research shows that the inclusion of therapy dog teams in classroom settings has a beneficial effect on student learning, self-esteem and concentration (Kirnan, 2016).

Animal assisted therapy can:

• teach empathy and appropriate interpersonal skills

• help individuals develop social skills

• be soothing and the presence of animals can more quickly build rapport between the professional and client, and

• improve individual’s skills to pick up social cues imperative to human relationships. Professionals can process that information and use it to help clients see how their behavior affects others.

More recently, therapy dogs are being used as a form of engagement with students at school and university. Therapy dogs have been active in schools for some time. Teachers and administrators have witnessed the effects therapy dogs have on students and themselves. A recent report highlighted children working with therapy dogs experienced increased motivation for learning, resulting in improved outcomes.

Therapy dogs are being used to support children with social and emotional learning needs, which in turn can assist with literacy development.

Research into the effects of therapy dogs in schools is showing a range of benefits including:

• increase in school attendance

• gains in confidence

• decreases in learner anxiety behaviors resulting in improved learning outcomes, such as increases in reading and writing levels

• positive changes towards learning and improved motivation, and

• enhanced relationships with peers and teachers due to experiencing trust and unconditional love from a therapy dog. This in turn helps students learn how to express their feelings and enter into more trusting relationships.

Traits of Good Service Dogs

Service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks to assist people with disabilities. Some of the traits that are generally considered important for service dogs to possess include:

• Trainability: Service dogs need to be able to learn and perform a variety of tasks, and be willing to work with their handler.

• Temperament: Service dogs should have a calm, even temperament and be able to remain focused and undistracted in a variety of environments.

• Health: Service dogs should be in good physical condition and free from any medical conditions that might interfere with their ability to perform their tasks.

• Sociability: Service dogs should be friendly and comfortable interacting with people, but also be able to focus on their work and not be overly distracted by other dogs or animals.

• Endurance: Service dogs should have the physical stamina to work long hours and be able to handle the demands of their job.

• Adaptability: Service dogs should be able to adapt to new environments and situations, and be able to handle changes in routine.

It's important to note that not all dogs have the necessary traits to be successful as service dogs, and it takes a lot of time, training, and effort to turn a dog into a successful service dog.

Although good service dogs come in all shapes, sizes, and breeds, most of the best exhibit a few common traits. This includes:

• Intelligence: Service dogs should be able to learn and understand new tasks quickly and problem-solve when faced with new challenges. Pet dogs needn’t be especially smart – it doesn’t take a lot of intelligence to follow you around, shower you with love, and randomly do cute stuff. But service dogs must often perform complex tasks, which require considerable intelligence to pull off. So, most of the best service dogs are smart cookies.

• Friendly Disposition: Because your service dog will frequently be required to work in public settings, they need to be comfortable around and friendly with other people and pets. Dogs who are aloof or overprotective may make good pets or guard dogs, but they rarely make good service, therapy, or emotional support dogs.

• Calm Demeanor: Service and support dogs must be relatively calm to ensure they don’t cause disturbances when you are in public. And this not only means avoiding dogs who tend to run, jump, and play during inappropriate times, it also means avoiding dogs who are reactive or easily startled.

• Strong Work Drive: Some dogs have a strong desire to work with their owner, while others are happy to lounge on the couch all day and have their stomach scratched. If you are in need of an emotional support dog, you may be able to get by with one in the latter category, but a strong work drive is an important trait to seek when picking a service dog.

• Tidiness: For the sake of social harmony, you’ll want to make sure that your service dog doesn’t drool and shed everywhere you go. This will just lead to unnecessary conflict and strife, which may cause some to resent service and support dogs.

• Tendency to Bond Strongly: Although independent dog breeds can be wonderful in some circumstances, most good service and support dogs tend to be touchy-feely dogs who bond strongly with their owners. Besides, you are going to end up depending on your dog pretty heavily, so it’ll just work better if you pick one that’ll develop a strong bond with you.

The benefits of having therapy dogs in the classroom include:

Therapy dogs can have many benefits for children in the classroom. Some of the potential benefits of having therapy dogs in the classroom include:

1. Improving social skills: Children may be more likely to socialize and interact with their peers when a therapy dog is present, which can help improve their social skills.

2. Reducing stress and anxiety: Therapy dogs can provide comfort and support to children who may be feeling anxious or stressed.

3. Improving motivation and concentration: The presence of a therapy dog can help create a positive and supportive learning environment, which can improve motivation and concentration.

4. Promoting physical activity: Children may be more likely to engage in physical activity if a therapy dog is present, as they may be inspired to play and interact with the dog.

5. Enhancing emotional well-being: Therapy dogs can provide emotional support and a sense of companionship, which can enhance overall well-being.

It's important to note that therapy dogs should be well-trained and well-behaved, and they should be used in a way that is safe and appropriate for the classroom setting. It's also important to consider the needs and preferences of individual children, as not all children may be comfortable or interested in interacting with therapy dogs.

Physical benefits. Interaction with therapy dogs has been shown to reduce blood pressure, provide physical stimulation and assist with pain management.

Social benefits. A visiting therapy dog promotes greater self-esteem and focused interaction with other students and teachers.

Cognitive benefits. It has been empirically proven that therapy dogs stimulate memory and problem-solving skills.

Emotional and mental health benefits. A recent national survey of adolescent mental health found that about 8 to 10 percent of teens ages 13 to 18 have an anxiety disorder. A therapy dog can lift moods in the classroom, often provoking laughter. The therapy dog is also there to offer friendship and a shoulder to lean on for students.

In order for a dog to be a good candidate to become a therapy dog and receive certification, it should be calm and social with strangers. They should also be able to adjust to loud noises and fast movements. There are certain steps that are needed for a dog to become certified by a national organization such as The Alliance of Therapy Dogs, e.g., to socialize the dog around other animals and people. They are tested on behaviors such as not jumping on people and being able to walk on a loose leash. Exact testing/certification requirements differ based on the organization's requirements. Some organizations offer classes such as "distraction-proofing," which strengthens the dog's ability to focus, and therapy training to help prepare the dog and the dog's owner for therapy visits.

There are many different breeds of dogs that can be good therapy dogs, as long as they have the right temperament and training. Some breeds that are known for their gentle, patient, and loving nature, and may be well-suited for therapy work include:

1. Golden Retrievers & Goldendoodles: These dogs are known for their friendly, outgoing, and intelligent personality. They are often used as therapy dogs due to their calm and patient nature.

2. Labradors & Labradoodles: Like golden retrievers, Labradors are known for their friendly and outgoing personality. They are also intelligent and easy to train, which makes them a good choice for therapy work.

3. Poodles: Poodles are intelligent and gentle dogs that are often used as therapy dogs. They have a calm, patient nature and are easy to train.

4. Greyhounds: Despite their athletic build, greyhounds are known for their calm and gentle nature. They are often used as therapy dogs due to their gentle and affectionate personality.

5. Beagles: Beagles are small, friendly dogs that are known for their curious and playful nature. They are often used as therapy dogs due to their friendly and outgoing personality.

It's important to note that any breed of dog can potentially be a good therapy dog, as long as they have the right temperament and are properly trained. It's also important to consider the individual needs and preferences of the person or facility where the therapy dog will be working. They love meeting new people including children, are very gentle, and are eager to sit on someone’s lap for long periods of time and are small enough to do so.

Therapy dogs offer many benefits to people and patients. For example, therapy dogs help patients participate in physical activities. They also help encourage them to have cognitive, social, and communication goals.

It has been proven by a large number of research results that having a therapy dog promotes the release of oxytocin and dopamine, which are involved in stabilizing mood and well-being. Therapy dogs can boost self-confidence for both child and adult patients. The socialization that a therapy dog can provide is very effective with children who have confidence issues because it allows these children to speak more and interact with their therapy dogs rather than be subjected to the pressure of interacting with another person.

There are three classifications for therapy dogs. The most common type of therapy dog is a therapeutic visitation dog. These dogs are usually household pets; the owner of these dogs will take their pets to hospitals, nursing homes, or rehabilitation facilities to visit patients. These dogs are used to improve the mental health of patients through socialization and encouragement. Another type of therapy dog is an animal-assisted therapy dog (AAT). Dogs who fall under this category have the duty of providing assistance to patients to reach certain goals towards their recovery. They work to help patients gain skills such as motor skills, use of limbs, and hand-eye coordination. They do this by walking patients through certain activities and games to help them practice these skills. These dogs are usually based in rehabilitation facilities. The last type of therapy dog is a facility therapy dog. These dogs usually work in nursing homes along with their handlers. They live at the facility and help patients with Alzheimer's disease and other cognitive and mental illnesses.

Psychological Benefits

Animal Assisted Therapy has been reported to help many psychological health issues such as anxiety, depression, social skills, and simply improve the moods of the patient.

Additional psychological benefits of therapy dog programs in educational settings are that they can provide comfort, companionship, a diversion to unpleasant thoughts or situations, can lessen resistance and expedite the development of a relationship in the therapy process, and can help people feel more comfortable in a new situation.

Therapy dogs can provide a number of psychological benefits to people. Some of the potential benefits of having a therapy dog include:

• Reducing stress and anxiety: Therapy dogs can provide comfort and support to people who are feeling stressed or anxious, which can help to reduce those feelings.

• Providing a sense of purpose: Having a therapy dog can give people a sense of purpose and fulfillment, as they are able to care for and help others through their work with the dog.

• Improving social skills: Therapy dogs can provide a non-judgmental, supportive presence that can help people to feel more comfortable and confident in social situations.

• Promoting relaxation: Interacting with a therapy dog can be a relaxing and enjoyable experience, which can help to reduce feelings of tension and improve overall well-being.

• Improving self-esteem: Working with a therapy dog can give people a sense of accomplishment and pride, which can help to improve self-esteem.

• Providing companionship: Therapy dogs can provide companionship and a sense of connection to others, which can be especially beneficial for people who are isolated or lonely.

Psychological benefits in a school setting

The University of Connecticut uses therapy dogs in their program Paws to Relax, available during finals week to help students deal with increased anxiety. The school uses them in other stressful situations, including suicides and deadly automobile accidents. Since 2011, Yale Law School has used therapy dogs to aid students experiencing stress. Some colleges and universities in the US bring therapy dogs to campus to help students de-stress. These campus events are often referred to as "Therapy Fluffies", a term coined by Torrey Trust, the original founder of the University of California San Diego therapy dog de-stress event. In 2009, Sharon Franks shared the idea of bringing therapy dogs to campus with the UC San Diego Office of Student Wellness.

Researchers have found university students reported significantly less stress and anxiety, and increased happiness and energy, immediately following spending time in a drop-in session with a dog present, when compared to a control group of students who didn’t spend any time with a therapy dog.

Since the autumn of 2010, "Therapy Fluffies" has visited the UC Davis, UC Santa Cruz, and UC Riverside campuses during the week before mid-term and final exams. These events give students and staff the opportunity to pet and relax with therapy-certified dogs. The university also works with the Inland Empire Pet Partners, a service of the Humane Society to bring therapy-certified dogs to the campus’ Mental Health Day Spa, held quarterly.

In 2014, Concordia University, Wisconsin became the first university in the US to adopt a full-time therapy dog to its campus in Mequon, WI. The golden retriever, Zoey, is a Lutheran church Charities K-9 Comfort Dog, trained to interact with people at churches, schools, nursing homes, hospitals, events, and in disaster response situations. 

Cognitive Benefits

Programs such as the Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.) program promote literacy and communication skills. The practice uses therapy dogs to encourage children to read aloud by giving them a nonjudgmental listener. It has been proven that academic performance and children's enthusiasm for reading have increased by having a therapy dog with them, especially in children with special education. The goals of canine-assisted reading programs include increasing reading fluency, increasing motivation to read, providing encouragement for reluctant readers, and making reading fun.

An article published by the American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease & Other Dementias reported that during visits with dogs, residents with dementia were able to be involved in special activities and were more verbal than usual. Researchers have identified further cognitive benefits of therapy dogs, which include an increase in mental stimulation and assistance in the recall of memories and the sequence of events.

Therapy dogs can provide a number of cognitive benefits to individuals. Some of these benefits include:

• Improving social skills: Interacting with therapy dogs can help people improve their social skills and communication with others.

• Reducing stress and anxiety: Therapy dogs can provide comfort and support, which can help reduce stress and anxiety in individuals.

• Enhancing memory and attention: Therapy dogs can help individuals with cognitive impairments, such as those with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia, improve their memory and attention skills.

• Improving self-esteem and confidence: Interacting with therapy dogs can help individuals feel more positive about themselves, which can improve self-esteem and confidence.

• Providing a sense of purpose: Therapy dogs can help individuals feel needed and valued, which can provide a sense of purpose and meaning.

• It's important to note that therapy dogs are not a replacement for medical treatment or therapy, but rather a complementary form of support that can provide cognitive and emotional benefits.

Physical Benefits

Interaction with therapy dogs improves cardiovascular health, and as a result, patients may need less medication. Further, petting animals promotes the release of hormones that can elevate moods, specifically serotonin, prolactin, and oxytocin. Patients receiving occupational therapy have improved their fine motor skills by grooming therapy dogs. Studies have found decreased cortisol levels in children with insecure attachment styles, children with autistic spectrum disorder, hospital patients with heart failure, and in healthcare professionals, after physical contact with a dog.

There are many physical benefits to having a therapy dog. Some of the potential benefits include:

• Decreased blood pressure: Interacting with a therapy dog has been shown to lower blood pressure in people with hypertension.

• Improved cardiovascular health: Petting a therapy dog can increase the production of oxytocin, a hormone that has been linked to improved cardiovascular health.

• Increased physical activity: Walking and caring for a therapy dog can increase physical activity, which has numerous health benefits, including improved cardiovascular fitness, weight management, and increased muscle strength.

• Reduced stress and anxiety: Therapy dogs can provide a sense of comfort and support, which can help reduce stress and anxiety levels.

• Improved sleep: Having a therapy dog may help improve sleep by providing a sense of security and comfort.

It's important to note that therapy dogs are not a substitute for medical treatment, and you should always consult with a healthcare professional for medical advice and treatment.

Social Benefits

Therapy dogs promote greater self-esteem in students and encourage positive interactions with peers and teachers. Additionally, children with autism demonstrated increased verbal abilities and social interaction during therapy sessions when animals were present compared to traditional therapy sessions without them. Dogs provide the kind of unconditional companionship and friendship that can help a child with autism build social skills and confidence. Research from the University of Lincoln found that children with autism experience fewer meltdowns in the presence of a pet dog and their parent’s stress levels are significantly lowered, but we also see that dogs can make a difference to confidence levels, help reduce anxiety, improve communication and help families do more together.

Therapy dogs can provide many social benefits to individuals and communities. Here are a few examples:

• Improved mental health: Therapy dogs can help reduce anxiety, depression, and loneliness. They provide a calming presence and offer unconditional love and support to people who may be going through difficult times.

• Increased socialization: Therapy dogs can help people who may be isolated or have difficulty interacting with others to feel more comfortable and confident in social situations.

• Enhanced quality of life: Therapy dogs can provide companionship and a sense of purpose for people who may be living with chronic illness or disability. They can also help alleviate boredom and loneliness for older adults living in assisted living facilities or nursing homes.

• Community building: Therapy dogs can bring people together and foster a sense of community. They can be used in educational settings, nursing homes, hospitals, and other settings to bring joy and comfort to people of all ages.

• Stress reduction: Therapy dogs can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. Petting a therapy dog can lower blood pressure, heart rate, and cortisol levels, which can lead to a sense of calm and well-being.

Therapy dogs can be a useful tool for children with autism, as they can provide comfort, support, and a sense of calm. Children with autism may find it easier to connect with animals than with people, and the presence of a therapy dog can help them feel more at ease and less anxious.

Here are a few specific ways in which therapy dogs can help children with autism:

• Provide comfort: Therapy dogs can provide a sense of comfort and support to children with autism, especially in stressful or unfamiliar situations. Children with autism may find it easier to cope with their emotions when they are with an animal, as pets can provide a sense of unconditional love and acceptance.

• Encourage social interaction: Children with autism may have difficulty interacting with others, but therapy dogs can provide an opportunity for them to engage in social interactions. Playing with a therapy dog or simply being around one can help children with autism practice social skills and improve their ability to communicate with others.

• Promote relaxation: Therapy dogs can help children with autism relax and feel more at ease, which can be especially beneficial for children who have sensory processing disorders or anxiety. The presence of a therapy dog can help children feel calmer and focused, which can be beneficial for their overall well-being.

It's important to note that therapy dogs are not a replacement for traditional therapy or medical treatment. However, they can be a useful tool in helping children with autism to cope with their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.

Similarities and differences between facility dogs and therapy dogs

Because both may aid people in similar settings such as healthcare environments, facility dogs are often mistakenly called therapy dogs; however, there are several important distinctions between them. Facility dogs are trained by accredited assistance dog organizations and therapy dogs are trained by their owners. Facility dogs may be handled by a wide variety of working professionals, while therapy dogs must be handled by their owners.

Facility dogs are trained by canine professionals or by their owner for a period of 18 to 24 months and must pass very rigorous tests before graduating from an assistance dog organization. In contrast, registration for therapy dogs by a therapy dog organization does not require enrollment in obedience classes or therapy dog classes, meaning that therapy dogs often undergo a much less rigorous training process. Furthermore, the tests that therapy dogs must pass are less complicated and challenging than those taken by facility dogs.

A person with either a therapy dog or a facility dog must have permission from the facilities they visit before they can enter with their animal. They do not have the right to demand access to places where pets are not generally permitted, or to have fees associated with their pets waived.

Facility dogs and therapy dogs are both types of service dogs that are trained to provide specific types of assistance to people in different settings. Both types of dogs are trained to be well-behaved, friendly, and obedient, and both types of dogs can provide a range of therapeutic benefits to those they assist. However, there are some key differences between facility dogs and therapy dogs.

Similarities:

• Both facility dogs and therapy dogs are trained to be well-behaved and friendly, and they are typically calm and gentle around people.

• Both types of dogs can provide therapeutic benefits to those they assist, including reducing stress and anxiety, providing comfort and companionship, and improving social interactions.

• Both facility dogs and therapy dogs are typically trained to perform specific tasks or behaviors that assist the people they work with.

Differences:

• Facility dogs are trained to work with a specific person or group of people in a particular setting, such as a school, hospital, nursing home, or other facility. They are typically owned and cared for by the facility where they work, and they are usually present at that facility on a full-time basis.

• Therapy dogs are typically owned and cared for by individual volunteers, who bring their dogs to visit a variety of settings, such as hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and other facilities. Therapy dogs are not typically present at a facility on a full-time basis.

• Facility dogs are often trained to perform more advanced tasks that are specific to the needs of the people they work with. For example, a facility dog working in a school might be trained to assist a student with a disability in navigating the school building, or a facility dog working in a hospital might be trained to help a patient with mobility issues. Therapy dogs, on the other hand, are typically trained to provide comfort and companionship, and may not be trained to perform specific tasks.

Types of Service Dogs

Service animals are working animals that have been trained to perform tasks that assist disabled people. Service animals may also be referred to as assistance animals, assist animals, or helper animals depending on the country and the animal's function. Service animals, which do work for persons with disabilities other than blindness or deafness.

Dogs are the most common service animals, assisting people in many different ways since at least 1927. Other animals such as horses are allowed per the ADA in the U.S. The service animal is not required by the Americans with Disabilities Act to wear a vest, ID tag or a specific harness.

In places of public accommodation in the United States, only dogs (and in some cases miniature horses) are legally considered service animals. It is legal in certain states to have service "animals". For instance, in Montana, all animals are allowed at the state level. Many cats, birds, and even a wolf source needed are working to help mitigate people's disabilities in Montana. It is also legal to train your own service animal in the United States. There is a broader definition for assistance animals under the US Fair Housing Act as well as a broader definition for service animals under the US Air Carrier Access Act. In the United States, prior to a revision of the Americans with Disabilities Act going into effect on March 15, 2011 types of animals other than service dogs and miniature horses were protected at least on the Federal level; individual states could expand coverage.

There are several types of service dogs that are trained to assist people with a variety of disabilities or conditions. Some of the most common types of service dogs include:

• Guide dogs: These dogs are trained to assist people who are blind or visually impaired by guiding them around obstacles and safely navigating through unfamiliar environments.

• Hearing dogs: These dogs are trained to assist people who are deaf or hard of hearing by alerting them to important sounds, such as doorbells, alarms, and phone calls.

• Mobility assistance dogs: These dogs are trained to assist people with mobility issues by helping them with tasks such as opening doors, retrieving items, and providing balance and stability when walking.

• Medical alert dogs: These dogs are trained to assist people with medical conditions, such as epilepsy or diabetes, by alerting them to the onset of a seizure or low blood sugar levels.

• Psychological service dogs: These dogs are trained to assist people with mental health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or anxiety, by providing comfort and support during times of stress or panic. A psychiatric service dog is a recognized sub-category of service dogs trained to assist their handler with a psychiatric disability or a mental disability, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. A psychiatric service dog can assist their handler by providing a safe presence that grounds them; the dog may perhaps lean on the person to provide a calming pressure. 

• An autism service dog is a service dog trained to assist a person with autism to help them gain independence and the ability to perform activities of daily living similar to anyone else.

It's important to note that service dogs are highly trained and must meet specific standards in order to perform their duties safely and effectively.

In Wisconsin, Pawsitism strives to provide a family with a personally and professionally trained service dog that will enhance the life of a child with autism and ensure success through continued education for the family.

The primary focus of an autism service dog is to protect the safety of the children they work with. Autism service dogs are sometimes trained to prevent autistic children from leaving the house unsupervised. When autism service dogs are paired with children, the dog takes commands from the parents, not the child. Autism service dogs also alert parents of dangerous situations regarding the children they work with. Autism service dogs can help open the door for children and keep them from becoming over-stimulated.

Some autistic children have been reported to have an increased sense of independence because of their interactions with the autism service dog.

Sometimes a child harness - attached to an autism service dog - is worn by an autistic child. Autistic adults may also wear such a harness.

Dogs Good Positive Impact for those with Autism

1. Road Safety we’re helping children and adults with autism by using animal assisted intervention to improve road-safety awareness and keep them safer when they go out.

2. Playing games. A simple game of Pairs or hide and seek can be a great way for a child with autism to learn about taking turns and sharing – a dog never cares who wins!

3. A new best friend. Before autism assistance dog Sox arrived, 11 year old Toby said he wanted to end his life. He says Sox made him feel better: “it’s as if our hearts are connected by a thread.’

4. Reducing family stress. University of Lincoln surveyed 100 families who had attended Dogs for Good’s Autism Family Dog workshops. They found the introduction of a pet dog significantly reduced parental stress.

5. Overcoming fear. The constant presence of a specially trained dog offers a calming focus for a person with autism. Dogs for Good have helped children and adults with trips to the dentist, overcoming anxieties about vaccinations and starting school.

6. New opportunities. Life with a child with autism can be dominated by routines and narrow interests but the arrival of a dog can help persuade a child to try something new. Autism Instructor Kelly says: “one partnership started agility training – they want to give something back to their dog but the great thing is both got real benefits.”

7. Sensory support. The reassuring pressure of a dog’s head resting in a child’s lap helps to bring a feeling of calm in a moment of high anxiety and gives great support for a child with sensory needs.

8. Better days out. Mum Emma was amazed when her son Thomas asked if they could go out for lunch. “When Briggs, Thomas’ autism assistance dog is by his side it’s like they’re in a protective bubble, Thomas is happy to do things so we all get to do more as a family.

9. More than words. Mark is an adult with autism who regularly benefits from animal assisted therapy sessions with the Dogs for Good team. His support worker commented: “After the sessions, Mark is chattier; we even see his sense of humour come out after he’s worked with a dog.

10. Building friendships. When human friendships and relationships prove difficult, nothing beats the enthusiastic wag of tail from a friend that never judges.

A PTSD Service Dog:

Post-traumatic stress disorder, more commonly referred to as PTSD, is an epidemic impacting millions of Americans every year. In fact, it’s estimated that nearly 8% of our population will have some form of PTSD during their lifetime, with about 8 million reported cases annually.

Men, women and even children can fall prey to this mental health affliction, usually after experiencing a traumatic event or witnessing a loved one endure a hardship. PTSD can become a burden by affecting people with panic attacks, sudden mood swings, difficulty in social settings, and an overall inability to return to life as it was before the distressing event occurred.

In recent years, dogs has been shown to provide life-altering advantages to those who struggle with PTSD symptoms. Service and therapy dogs have been expanding their skills over the last few decades, and although research supporting service dogs who specialize in assisting those with PTSD is relatively new, many people are finding their experience working with their dog to be nothing short of incredible.

Characteristics of a Quality PTSD Service Dog

Generally speaking, dogs are very loving, devoted creatures whose essence has made them man’s best friend for centuries. There are many assets dogs seem to be born with that enable them to support those with PTSD, but there are also specific merits that trainers look for when considering a dog for this important role.

The very act of pet parenthood has mental health benefits, according to the American Psychological Association. Although these service dogs are trained to care for their handlers in many capacities, the owner is also responsible for the wellbeing of his animal. The dog’s role in instilling a nurturing ability in her owner will make him feel accomplished in his role as a pet parent.

Because service dogs must have the right personality and qualities in order to care for someone with PTSD, many dogs are considered for the job. Some of the most important qualities a dog must demonstrate are sociability with other people and animals, the intuition to anticipate her owner’s needs, and a sweet but not overly-excited disposition.

Because of the nonjudgmental nature of dogs, they are biologically equipped to help humans emerge from the protective walls that may have been emotionally constructed as a result of PTSD. Although this is an innate quality in dogs, trainers work to hone these skills in their pooch trainees, so that even the most closed-off individual will feel more inspired to be more social and open with family and friends.

Dogs are inherently protective of their pack. In your dog’s eyes, you are the pack leader – it is her responsibility to secure your welfare. A good PTSD service dog carries out her duties to defend you in a nonviolent and nonthreatening way, so you will constantly be reminded that there is a special somebody who always has your best interests at heart.

What PTSD Service Dogs are Trained to Do

Dogs can be trained as service dogs or provide emotional support as therapy dogs. The main difference between these two breeds of dogs are the kind of assistance they provide to their owners, and what kind of rights they’ll have in public. According to the ADA, a service dog is one that has been trained to help someone with an emotional or physical disability that impacts one or more major life activities. If you have been diagnosed with PTSD, you and your certifiably trained service dog may be protected under this act. Emotionally supportive therapy dogs, although life-changing companions, are usually not protected by the ADA, because they haven’t been formally trained to assist in aiding you in your daily tasks, such as taking medication or overcoming anxiety issues. Whatever education your dog receives, there are several important functions she will perform to help ensure your wellbeing.

Service dogs must have a primary focus on their owner. Although the bond between dog and human is strong and loving, the dog is still on the clock full-time to be alert to cues that indicate her owner is in danger. Even in a social setting where there may be a lot of distractions, the dog must be able to drop everything should her owner suddenly find himself in the midst of a panic attack.

Dogs can be trained to provide a sense of security to war veterans with specific anxieties. For example, some physically and emotionally wounded warriors fear walking down the street or even shopping for groceries, because their PTSD is triggered by not knowing what may be hiding around the next block or supermarket aisle. Dogs are trained to be a protective set of eyes for their owner, so they can confirm there is no danger around the bend and prevent an anxiety attack.

Dogs are trained to watch over you around the clock. One of the most troubling effects of PTSD may be the tendency for having nightmares or issues falling asleep. But PTSD service dogs’ duties to your wellbeing don’t set with the sun. They are trained to wake you from nightmares by being alert to night terror indicators. Many people living with PTSD also report that the very presence of their dog in their room at night brings them the comfort they need to fall asleep.

Many military veterans with PTSD were used to being a leader and giving orders during their service. Dogs are naturally loyal and obedient to their owners, and the very act of giving your dog a command can be helpful in transitioning from life in the field to returning home. PTSD service dogs are trained to obey specific commands, but can also be taught additional tricks and obedience orders by owners.

Benefits of Owning a PTSD Service Dog

Dogs with a degree in PTSD service receive comprehensive training by specialists who are familiar with the many obstacles posed by this disorder. Living with this unique service animal offers a variety of benefits. The following resources provide insight on the wide array of services this special dog has to offer

Therapy dogs are trained to calm someone having an anxiety or panic attack.These remarkable animals have been educated to look for indicators of an impending meltdown, such as crying, incessant fidgeting or twitching, or stomping. The dog takes action to comfort and soothe her owner by “hugging” or nestling up on him, or even using her paws or head to block the individual from hitting or harming himself.

Dogs can help ensure that their partners are taking medication. PTSD is a complex disorder that is often treated with both therapy and medication. Therapy dogs are trained to retrieve medication and bring it to owners in bite-proof containers.

A dog is trained to alert her owner to sounds that may go unnoticed in the event of a panic attack.For example, if a smoke detector goes off in the middle of an episode, and the PTSD sufferer is too distraught to notice it, the dog may bark in addition to taking action to calm the person down to indicate they need to evacuate the building. They are also trained to lead their human out of the house by gently biting onto a sleeve or pant leg and guiding the handler to safety.

Therapy dogs can help prevent future issues like substance abuse. This resource points out that having emotional support is crucial for individuals suffering from mental health issues like PTSD. While this aid can come from fellow humans, having the unconditional love and assistance of a trained service dog can keep emotional issues at bay and help thwart drug or alcohol dependencies that some people may turn to as a way of coping.

They give PTSD sufferers the confidence to live their lives more independently. Because PTSD can often leave people with unprovoked feelings of devastation or fear, sometimes just getting out of bed in the morning can seem like too much to handle. Because these dogs are trained to help owners overcome their issues at home and elsewhere, PTSD victims feel like their illness isn’t as big of a setback, and find it’s easier to participate in and enjoy their daily lives.

What is the Difference Between a Therapy Dog vs a Service Dog?

Service Dogs are trained to perform tasks and to do work that eases their handlers’ disabilities. Working as part of a team with their disabled partners, service dogs help them attain safety and independence. It is very important to note that these dogs are not for petting as it could prevent them from performing their job correctly. Most service dogs have a “no petting” policy established by their owners.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects the rights of people with disabilities to be accompanied by their service dogs in public places such as restaurants, grocery stores, and hotels. Additional laws such as the Department of Transportation’s Air Carrier Access Act, the Housing and Urban Development’s Fair Housing Act, and the Federal Rehabilitation Act protect the rights of people with disabilities to be accompanied by their service animals in a wide variety of circumstances under which the ADA may not be applicable.

Therapy dogs also receive training but have a completely different type of job from service dogs. Their responsibilities are to provide psychological or physiological therapy to individuals other than their handlers. These dogs have stable temperaments and friendly, easy-going personalities. Typically, they visit hospitals, schools, hospices, nursing homes, and more. Unlike service dogs, therapy dogs are encouraged to interact with a variety of people while they are on duty including petting the therapy dog.

Therapy dogs may also visit schools, daycares, group homes, and rehabilitation centers. Their roles vary from dogs who give learning-disabled children the confidence to read out loud, to actively participating in physical rehabilitation therapy. In some cases, a therapy dog will work in an establishment exclusively, such as a psychotherapy practice.

Therapy dogs may be trained by just about anyone, but must meet set standards to be dog certified and registration and actively participate in the program. They are usually handled by their owners, but in some cases of Animal Assisted Therapy, the therapy dog may be handled by a trained professional.

Despite thorough training, registration and the therapeutic benefits therapy dogs provide, they do not have the same jobs or legal designation as service dogs. While some institutions offer therapy dogs access on a case-by-case for the benefit of patients, guests, customers, or clientele, the handlers or owners of therapy dogs do not have the same rights to be accompanied by these dogs in places where pets are not permitted.

Service Dog Organizations

4 Paws for Ability
4 Paws for Ability is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to enrich the lives of children with disabilities and veterans by training and placing quality, task-trained service dogs. This provides increased independence for the children and assistance to their families. 4 Paws for Ability also helps with animal rescue and educates the public regarding the use of service dogs in public places.

Autism Service Dogs of America 
Our mission at Autism Service Dogs of America (ASDA) is to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals living with autism, and their families, by providing exceptionally well-trained service dogs. Our service dogs provide physical safety and an emotional anchor for children with autism.

Assistance Dogs International
Assistance Dogs International (ADI) is a coalition of not-for-profit assistance dog organizations. The purpose of ADI is to improve the areas of training, placement, and utilization of assistance dogs, staff and volunteer education, as well as educating the public about assistance dogs, and advocating for the legal rights of people with disabilities partnered with assistance dogs.

Blessings Unleashed
Blessings Unleashed is a national life-changing program that turns rescue dogs into heroes for children with autism. Our mission is to enrich the lives of individuals with autism by training and placing highly skilled service dogs. We accomplish this by properly training select rescue dogs for their future individualized task and educating recipients to utilize and care for their service dogs.

Canine Companions for Independence
Canine Companions for Independence is a non-profit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly trained assistance dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships. Headquartered in Santa Rosa, CA, Canine Companions is the largest non-profit provider of assistance dogs and is recognized worldwide for the excellence of its dogs, and the quality and longevity of the matches it makes between dogs and people. The result is a life full of increased independence and loving companionship.

Custom Canines Service Dog Academy
Custom Canines Service Dog Academy is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization of volunteer professionals and individuals who embrace the endeavor of creating and supporting lasting partnerships between highly skilled service dogs and the community of mankind with diverse impairments and disabilities, thus greatly enhancing their quality of life. The dogs of Custom Canines are placed with their human partners at no cost.

THERAPY DOG ORGANIZATIONS

• Alliance of Therapy Dogs (formerly Therapy Dogs, Inc.)

• Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs

• Love on a Leash

• Pet Partners (previously Delta Society)

• Therapy Dogs Incorporated (TD Inc.) – new name is Alliance of Therapy Dogs

• Therapy Dogs International

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