Therapy Service Dogs

[David Baxter PhD]

Therapy Service Dogs
by Dr. Deborah Serani
October 15, 2010

Psychiatric Service Dogs are amazing helpers and companions for children and adults with mental health issues. I love seeing service dogs when I'm out and about in the world. What kinds of tasks can Psychiatric Service Dogs be trained to do? Take a look:

• Remind handler to take medication on time
• Warm handler?s body during a panic attack
• Interrupt repetitive OCD behaviors
• Comfort handler during emotional distress
• Accompany handler outside of the home
• Interrupt dissociative episodes or flashbacks
• Protect and safeguard handler during seizure
• Provide a safe grounding presence
• Interrupt self-harming

Just remember, if you see a Service Dog, ask their handler if the dog is "working". Dogs can be petted and played with only when they're on a break!

For more on Psychiatric Service Dogs:

• Psychiatric Dogs
• Wolf Packs? - Service Dog Trainers