The Elizabeth Dole Foundation recognized Brain Injury Awareness Month by calling attention to the unique needs and resources available to those who care for service members and veterans who sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI). More than 320,000 service members have returned from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan with a TBI, and the Foundation’s …
CONGRATS TO WOUNDED WARRIOR TRACY AND SD DAISY!!
CONGRATULATIONS TO WOUNDED WARRIOR (Air Force) TRACY AND HER NOW SERVICE DOG, “DAISY”!! THEY PASSED THEIR PUBLIC ACCESS TEST (PAT).
San Antonio trainer Sue tested Tracy and her Great Pyrenees, “Daisy”. Tracy suffers from agoraphobia, anxiety, depression, mobility issues, panic attacks, PTSD, and night terrors.
Tracy needs Daisy to be able to accompany her in public and to be able to go to stores where she would freeze up when walking in. Daisy was also trained to wake Tracy up every morning for work when her husband was TDY for six weeks. Daisy naturally helps with ‘reduction of hyper-vigilance through teamwork’. Bottom line is that Daisy makes Tracy feel safe.
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:
Daisy did not try to leave vehicle until given release command.
Daisy waited in the vehicle until released.* Yes
Daisy waited outside the vehicle under control. Yes
Daisy remained under control while another dog was walked. Yes
APPROACHING THE BUILDING:
Relative heel position, not straining or forging.
Daisy stayed in relative heel position. Always
Daisy was calm around traffic.* Yes
Daisy stopped when Tracy came to a halt. Always
CONTROLLED ENTRY THROUGH A DOORWAY
Daisy waited quietly at the door until commanded to enter.* Yes
Daisy waited on the inside until able to return to heel position.*
HEELING THROUGH THE BUILDING
Daisy was within the prescribed distance of Tracy. Always
Daisy ignored the public, remaining focused on Tracy. Always
Daisy readily adjusted to speed changes. Always
Daisy readily turned corners–did not have to be tugged or jerked to change direction. Always
Daisy readily maneuvered through tight quarters. Always
SIX FOOT RECALL ON LEAD
Daisy responded readily to the recall command–did not stray away, seek attention from others, or trudge slowly.* Yes
Daisy remained under control and focused on Tracy.* Yes
Daisy came within the prescribed distance of Tracy.* Yes
Daisy came directly to Tracy.* Yes
SITS ON COMMAND
Daisy responded promptly to the command to sit. Mostly
Daisy remained under control around food–not trying to get food and not needing repeated corrections.* Yes
Daisy remained composed while the shopping cart passed–did not shy away, show signs of fear, etc.* Yes
Daisy maintained a sit-stay while being petted by a stranger.* Yes
DOWNS ON COMMAND
Daisy responded promptly to the command to down. Mostly
Daisy remained under control around the food–not trying to get food and not needing repeated corrections.* Yes
Daisy remained in control while the child approached – child should not taunt Daisy or be overly dramatic.* Yes
NOISE DISTRACTIONS
If Daisy jumps, turns, or shows a quick startle type reaction, that is fine. Daisy should not show fear, aggression, or continue to be affected by the noise.
Daisy remained composed during the noise distraction.* Yes
RESTAURANT
Daisy is unobtrusive and out of the way of patrons and employees as much as possible.* Yes
Daisy maintained proper behavior, ignoring food and being quiet.* Yes
OFF LEAD
When told to drop the leash, the team maintained control and Tracy got the leash back in position.* Yes
DOG TAKEN BY ANOTHER PERSON
Another person can take Daisy’s leash and Tracy can move away without aggression or undue stress on the part of Daisy.* Yes
CONTROLLED EXIT
Daisy stayed in relative heel position. Always
Daisy was calm around traffic.* Yes
Daisy stopped when Tracy came to a halt. Always
CONTROLLED LOAD INTO VEHICLE
Daisy waited until commanded to enter the vehicle. Yes
Daisy readily entered the vehicle upon command. Yes
TEAM RELATIONSHIP
When Daisy did well, Tracy praised Daisy. Always
Daisy is relaxed, confident, and friendly. Always
Tracy kept Daisy under control. Always
Tracy was prepared with proper working materials and equipment in case of an access confrontation (laws, etc.). Yes
CONGRATS TO ANN AND SD SCHATZ!!
CONGRATULATIONS TO ANN AND HER NOW SD SCHATZI!! THEY PASSED THEIR PUBLIC ACCESS TEST (PAT)!
San Antonio Trainer Sue tested Ann and her Weimeraner SD Schatzi. Ann suffers from Anxiety, OCD and Panic Attacks.
Sue writes:
“Ann and Schatzi are a great team. Schatzi had his basic obedience training a while ago and was truly eager to learn new tasks to help Ann in public”
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:
Schatzi did not try to leave vehicle until given release command.
Schatzi waited in the vehicle until released.* Yes
Schatzi waited outside the vehicle under control. Yes
Schatzi remained under control while another dog was walked. Yes
APPROACHING THE BUILDING:
Relative heel position, not straining or forging.
Schatzi stayed in relative heel position. Always
Schatzi was calm around traffic.* Yes
Schatzi stopped when Ann came to a halt. Always
CONTROLLED ENTRY THROUGH A DOORWAY
Schatzi waited quietly at the door until commanded to enter.* Yes
Schatzi waited on the inside until able to return to heel position.* Yes
HEELING THROUGH THE BUILDING
Schatzi was within the prescribed distance of Ann. Always
Schatzi ignored the public, remaining focused on Ann. Always
Schatzi readily adjusted to speed changes. Always
Schatzi readily turned corners–did not have to be tugged or jerked to change direction. Always
Schatzi readily maneuvered through tight quarters. Always
SIX FOOT RECALL ON LEAD
Schatzi responded readily to the recall command–did not stray away, seek attention from others, or trudge slowly.* Yes
Schatzi remained under control and focused on Ann.* Yes
Schatzi came within the prescribed distance of Ann.* Yes
Schatzi came directly to Ann.* Yes
SITS ON COMMAND
Schatzi responded promptly to the command to sit. Always
Schatzi remained under control around food–not trying to get food and not needing repeated corrections.* Yes
Schatzi remained composed while the shopping cart passed–did not shy away, show signs of fear, etc.* Yes
Schatzi maintained a sit-stay while being petted by a stranger.* Yes
DOWNS ON COMMAND
Schatzi responded promptly to the command to down. Mostly
Schatzi remained under control around the food–not trying to get food and not needing repeated corrections.* Yes
Schatzi remained in control while the child approached – child should not taunt Schatzi or be overly dramatic.* Yes
NOISE DISTRACTIONS
If Schatzi jumps, turns, or shows a quick startle type reaction, that is fine. Schatzi should not show fear, aggression, or continue to be affected by the noise.
Schatzi remained composed during the noise distraction.* Yes
RESTAURANT
Schatzi is unobtrusive and out of the way of patrons and employees as much as possible.* Yes
Schatzi maintained proper behavior, ignoring food and being quiet.* Yes
OFF LEAD
When told to drop the leash, the team maintained control and Ann got the leash back in position.* Yes
DOG TAKEN BY ANOTHER PERSON
Another person can take Schatzi’s leash and Ann can move away without aggression or undue stress on the part of Schatzi.* Yes
CONTROLLED EXIT
Schatzi stayed in relative heel position. Always
Schatzi was calm around traffic.* Yes
Schatzi stopped when Ann came to a halt. Always
CONTROLLED LOAD INTO VEHICLE
Schatzi waited until commanded to enter the vehicle. Yes
Schatzi readily entered the vehicle upon command. Yes
TEAM RELATIONSHIP
When Schatzi did well, Ann praised Schatzi. Always
Schatzi is relaxed, confident, and friendly. Always
Ann kept Schatzi under control. Always
Ann was prepared with proper working materials and equipment in case of an access confrontation (laws, etc.). Yes
CONGRATS TO RUSSELL AND CHEWIE
A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS TO ARMY WOUNDED WARRIOR RUSSELL AND HIS NOW SERVICE DOG, MALTESE/YORKIE MIX “CHEWIE”!!!! THEY PASSED THEIR PUBLIC ACCESS TEST!!!!!
Russell suffers from PTSD, anger issues, depression, anxiety, and pain management.
Austin trainer Lori writes:
“Russell and Chewie took the Public Access Test at Walmart in Cedar Park, TX. Chewie was just outstanding, and it’s all because of the hard work Russell has put into his training. This team was spot on!
CONTROLLED UNLOAD OUT OF VEHICLE:
Chewie did not try to leave vehicle until given release command.
Chewie waited in the vehicle until released.* Yes
Chewie waited outside the vehicle under control. Yes
Chewie remained under control while another dog was walked. Yes
APPROACHING THE BUILDING:
Relative heel position, not straining or forging.
Chewie stayed in relative heel position. Always
Chewie was calm around traffic.* Yes
Chewie stopped when Russell came to a halt. Always
CONTROLLED ENTRY THROUGH A DOORWAY
Chewie waited quietly at the door until commanded to enter.* Yes
Chewie waited on the inside until able to return to heel position.* Yes
HEELING THROUGH THE BUILDING
Chewie was within the prescribed distance of Russell. Always
Chewie ignored the public, remaining focused on Russell. Always
Chewie readily adjusted to speed changes. Always
Chewie readily turned corners–did not have to be tugged or jerked to change direction. Always
Chewie readily maneuvered through tight quarters. Always
SIX FOOT RECALL ON LEAD
Chewie responded readily to the recall command–did not stray away, seek attention from others, or trudge slowly.* Yes
Chewie remained under control and focused on Russell.* Yes
Chewie came within the prescribed distance of Russell.* Yes
Chewie came directly to Russell.* Yes
SITS ON COMMAND
Chewie responded promptly to the command to sit. Always
Chewie remained under control around food–not trying to get food and not needing repeated corrections.* Yes
Chewie remained composed while the shopping cart passed–did not shy away, show signs of fear, etc.* Yes
Chewie maintained a sit-stay while being petted by a stranger.* Yes
DOWNS ON COMMAND
Chewie responded promptly to the command to down. Always
Chewie remained under control around the food–not trying to get food and not needing repeated corrections.* Yes
Chewie remained in control while the child approached – child should not taunt Chewie or be overly dramatic.* Yes
NOISE DISTRACTIONS
If Chewie jumps, turns, or shows a quick startle type reaction, that is fine. Chewie should not show fear, aggression, or continue to be affected by the noise.
Chewie remained composed during the noise distraction.* Yes
RESTAURANT
Chewie is unobtrusive and out of the way of patrons and employees as much as possible.* Yes
Chewie maintained proper behavior, ignoring food and being quiet.* Yes
OFF LEAD
When told to drop the leash, the team maintained control and Russell got the leash back in position.* Yes
DOG TAKEN BY ANOTHER PERSON
Another person can take Chewie’s leash and Russell can move away without aggression or undue stress on the part of Chewie.* Yes
CONTROLLED EXIT
Chewie stayed in relative heel position. Always
Chewie was calm around traffic.* Yes
Chewie stopped when Russell came to a halt. Always
CONTROLLED LOAD INTO VEHICLE
Chewie waited until commanded to enter the vehicle. Yes
Chewie readily entered the vehicle upon command. Yes
TEAM RELATIONSHIP
When Chewie did well, Russell praised Chewie. Always
Chewie is relaxed, confident, and friendly. Always
Russell kept Chewie under control. Always
Russell was prepared with proper working materials and equipment in case of an access confrontation (laws, etc.). Yes
PASS TEST: Yes – with a score of 100%!!”
Army Wounded Warrior Rosamaria and “Gunnie”.
From our trainer Barbara in Wichita Falls, who had her initial intake and assessment with Army Wounded Warrior Rosamaria and her SDIT, English Bulldog, “Gunnie”. Rosamaria suffers from PTSD, major depressive disorder, chronic anxiety, anger issues, night terrors, and panic attacks.
Barbara writes:
“The first session was at Rosa’s home. I performed an initial intake and assessment of Gunnie as a potential Service Dog.
Environment: I met Rosa and Gunnie at her home on a cool day, 32 degrees with a slight breeze. Rosa lives on the third floor of an apartment complex. Initially, I met Rosa and Gunnie in the parking lot of their apartment complex. Gunnie was walking on a harness and pulling in front of Rosa.
Initial Focus and Demeanor: Gunnie was more interested in me than his surroundings, and gravitated toward me. Gunnie was sometimes distracted by his surroundings, but quickly changed focus. Gunnie makes eye contact voluntarily and holds it for a few moments. Gunnie was relaxed, calm and had high energy.
Touch and Handling: Gunnie allows petting under his chin and is okay with gentle full-body touching. He accepts full-body massage-like pressure. Gunnie is comfortable with mouth handling, stroking, lifting lips to look at teeth, and I could safely put my hand in his mouth. Gunnie did pull away without teeth touching skin.
Response to Distractions: Gunnie did fine with people at a distance and basically ignored them. Rosa shared that Gunnie has alerted to strangers at night, and keeps his eyes on them until they are no longer in sight. Gunnie has no problems with any man, woman, child or other dogs. He does startle to loud noises, but recovers quickly. Gunnie whines at other dogs wanting to play with them. Rosa shared that cats are a definite NO NO for Gunnie. Gunnie goes to PetSmart and has no problems with people, children and dogs.
Trainability: Gunnie is totally food motivated and willingly followed through for sit, stand, down, watch me, heel, and he kept his focus on myself and Rosa, whoever was training.
Final Focus and Demeanor: Gunnie is more comfortable and focused on me especially with treats. Gunnie gave eye contact more easily now while in the home. Gunnie has been walking on a harness.
What extra tasks were worked today? We discussed buying items from Active Dogs through Service Dog Express for a discount, and Rosa stated she had a few items picked out. I encouraged her to send that information to SDE to receive her 18% discount. We also discussed using a prong collar and treats to help Gunnie to learn to heel in the correct position. Rosa stated that he pulled more initially, and was doing better but they haven’t really worked on it recently. Rosa heeled with Gunnie in her apartment with treats and Gunnie stayed with her and in heel position most of the time. We also discussed using one word commands; Rosa hasn’t decided which to use; sit or up.
What improvements were made since last session? Rosa stated Gunnie did not like going into the down position. Gunnie gave wonderful downs for me without hesitations along with treats.
What area(s) need attention? Figure out commands, keep them one word, and use consistently.
What homework was given for the next session? Work on Sit, Stand, Down and add the Stays. Work on correct heel position (Gunnie’s front leg in line with Rosa’s left leg) and don’t forget to play. Practice at least one hour a day.
What a beautiful team – and Gunnie is fantastic!! Rosa would like for Gunnie to help her break her panic attacks and flashbacks and help to calm her. She shared that Gunnie naturally leans on her legs or sits between her legs and leans one way when she is experiencing anxiety. We will work toward helping Rosa and Gunnie fine tune this skill to help Rosa the best way possible.”
Robin’s Training Experience
After an intensive week of many, many hours a day training here in San Antonio after she and Smokey flew in from Philadelphia, combined with her own self-training (she had a previous Service Dog who just passed away), the team passed the Public Access Test!!!
Smokey is a rescued, 3 year-old black Labrador/Shepherd mix. Robin suffers from complex PTSD and mobility and balance issues. Robin spent two years in the Israeli Army, and then went on to become a Physician’s Assistant. Robin’s trainers were Beverli and Laurie .
Laurie was absolutely delighted to see the transformation in both Smokey and Robin’s disposition from the time they arrived until the day they left. They came as a unit that knew most every “command”, but by the end of the week of training, their bond had increased dramatically and the team dynamic was outstanding!!!!
Please watch this 15 minute video of Robin talking about her experience:
Flying With a Service Dog: 5 Required Skills – Anything PawsableAnything Pawsable
Great information about flying with your Service Dog. Of course, for Service Dog Express clients please remember to fill out the Airline Assistance form under “Members” on our website when you have booked your flight so we can call the airline on your behalf and make sure everything will be smooth ahead of time.
Flying with a Service Dog requires your dog to have great manners and some basic skills. Here are some behaviors that will make your experience smoother.
Source: Flying With a Service Dog: 5 Required Skills – Anything PawsableAnything Pawsable
Areas We Serve
We have trainers that service the following areas:
Texas: Austin, Bryan/College Station, Central Texas (Killeen, Temple, Belton), Dallas-Fort Worth, El Paso, San Antonio, Waco, Waxahachie, and Wichita Falls (Quanah, Seymour, Olney, Jacksboro, Decatur)
Oklahoma: Altus, Ardmore, Chickasha, Duncan, and Lawton
New Mexico: Alamogordo and Las Cruces
Colorado: Denver
Florida: Jacksonville
Pennsylvania: Philadelphia
Capone’s Success Story
The animal rescue world is challenging on the best of days. We see the broken and unwanted of the City of San Antonio on a daily basis. One of the most unforgettable of those days was 5 weeks ago, when Capone walked through our door. He was starving, with patches of hair missing, broken teeth, and his ears jagged and cropped…you won’t believe his transformation…read more at SAPA – San Antonio Pets Alive | Capone’s Story
Please Don’t Say or do These Things to Service Dog Teams – Anything PawsableAnything Pawsable
Please Don’t Say or do These Things to Service Dog Teams
Source: Please Don’t Say or do These Things to Service Dog Teams – Anything PawsableAnything Pawsable