Category Archives: Anxiety

Anxiety, Epilepsy, San Antonio, Seizure, Texas

Amanda and SDiT Diezel

Our trainer, Andrew, has had several training sessions with Amanda, who suffers from epilepsy and anxiety related to her fear of having seizures. Her SDIT is beautiful Diezel! Andrew writes:

At our first session, we began our session by walking around the block. Having Penelope, my little companion dog with me, I handed her to Amanda in trade for the big, beautiful Diezel! I worked on his heel, allowing the dog to correct himself when he pulled and rewarding Diezel for keeping the leash loose. This is also the beginning of teaching Diezel that when he is called, he needs to be in position, but when released he can go anywhere within the reach of the leash without pulling. After we finished our walk, we went inside the house and worked on “stays” and “waits”.

At our next session, Amanda made the trip to my house. At first, Diezel was very distracted all the scents of our horses, donkey, and many dogs, which was to be expected. We worked with Diezel on trying to keep his focus on the task at hand, and we rewarded him handsomely each time he remained focused. We worked on loose-leash walking and heeling with directional changes, trying to make the training firm but fun. By the end of our first session, Diezel was focusing so well on Amanda and was not very distracted at all!

We practiced “accept restraint” – a game used to desensitize a dog to various circumstances like a vet visit, or a grooming, or something simple like accepting training equipment. We also practiced what I call “take it”, where the handler tosses a treat for the dog to retrieve and then commands the dog to return. This game can be used to teach the dog to fetch a toy, then eventually personal items.

At the most recent session, we reinforced heeling maneuvers, focus, loose-leash walking, wait, stay, and take it. I had to remind Amanda a little bit about the importance of stepping off with the correct foot when beginning a walk or commanding the dog to stay/wait. I believe our body language speaks volumes to the dogs we are working with, far more so than our words, so it I absolutely imperative that we are consistent in not only the correct sequence of gestures, but way we hold ourselves with confidence and authority.

We have now reached the end of our obedience behaviors and from now on we will be working out in a real world environment to solidify, generalize, and strengthen our dogs working behavior and our bond with the animal. We will be learning “cover”, and whatever helps to soothe Amanda’s anxiety and stress. Both Amanda and her husband have confessed to me that they are very proud of the state of calm confidence that has been instilled into Diezel as a result of our training. In the beginning he was a big wrecking ball – unable to sit still and keep focus on anything, but at the end of our last session he was sitting calmly and confidently in front of them, fully receiving pets from them.

 

Anxiety, Experience, PTSD

Back home in Alaska

From a dear client I had awhile ago who is an ER nurse who suffers with anxiety and PTSD. She is back home in Alaska with her family, and Karma is always there for her as a Service Dog. I will miss them!

Hey Laurie,

Hope things are going well. Karma and I moved back to Alaska in May, Texas wasn’t really a place for us. We’re doing good though. I had a bad allergic reaction in October and the whole night Karma didn’t stop touching me. She laid there with her head on my lap while I struggled breathing. I’ve been in India the last two weeks and I truly realize how much I depend on her. She’s the apple of my eye. She recently had a seizure which I cannot begin to tell you how much it scared me. She is OK for now, and the vet is trying to assure me to not worry unless they become more frequent (took her to the pet ER here and contacted our normal vet). Wanted to give you an update, need to work on some more training as my epi pens have changed a little. Thankfully a company called Midnight Sun Service Dogs is very close to home and I can take her there. Miss you, I wanted to thank you for the help with Karma, giving me Dr Downs’ name and everything you’ve done for us!

Sutapa and Karma

ADA Rights, Anxiety, Experience, Panic Attack, PTSD

Great story of empowerment

A great story of empowerment by our client Brian and his SD Faith. He is leaning forwarding, ensuring access rights of all handlers and their beloved Service Dogs.

“Hi Laurie, I had already been let into the Copper Top restaurant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama when one of the security/doormen came up to me and my dog from the back and said “You and your dog will have to leave. ” He said something to the effect of “You don’t even need that dog.” I’ve been in this place several times with absolutely no problems with my SD Faith – even the doorman before recognized me and Faith and had absolutely no problems. I had the business card from the DOJ that had all of the laws about Service Dogs, and I asked him to please read them. He said he wasn’t reading anything, and that we needed to get out and get out now.

I asked “let’s not take this to that point that I have to call the police.” He seemed very hostile from the start, and, of course this made him even more hostile. He also made a comment that I did not need a Service Dog because I was in there the night before without one. That was because Faith had surgery several days before and was not up to going out, of course. As you and I know my medical condition and my Service Dog’s medical condition is none of his business.

Sadly enough, I did call the police and they took the restaurant’s side! Two officers from the Tuscaloosa City Police Department came and said that any private business could kick anybody out for any condition whatsoever. They called the next officer in charge, and he had the same attitude! He asked what he could do to make me happy and asked if he would please just read the laws!

All of this was this past Friday night approximately 8:30 PM (Nov 28th). On Monday, I called Lieutenant M. at the Tuscaloosa Police Department – he also said any private business can kick anyone out it anytime regardless of having a Service Dog or any type of disability!

My Service Dog, Faith has been a complete Savior to me since I’ve gotten her! She’s done nothing but help me along the way; I couldn’t get along without her. I’ve been completely depressed and had anxiety attacks ever since this is happened!!! I feel that she and I are going to be a target anywhere we go!! I’m afraid to take her anywhere because I feel I am going to be run out of every little business that I go into!!

I thought I was calling the police department for help, but yet they’re the ones who helped run me off and took the side of the other people who were kicking me out -and gave me false hope for me and anyone who is disabled or has a Service Dog! Not just with the doorman, Copper Top, Tuscaloosa, but everywhere.

I did talk to the Department of Justice on Monday, and the lady I spoke with did confirm that the Tuscaloosa Police Department and the Coppertop and Mr. Jones were in complete violation of the laws and would be sending me a packet in the mail ASAP.

UPDATE: 8 December 2014 – Brian met with the owner of Copper Top

The meeting went extremely well. The owner of Copper Top was great! It was entirely 1 employee trying to “Flex his muscle”! The owner was wanting details and was very apologetic and invited me and Faith back! He guaranteed he’d take care of the employee. Cherry (a Service Dog Express Trainer) was such great help on the phone the other day!! I had built up so much anxiety and depression since the incident, and she made me feel much better!!!! She provided me with tons of info! Thanks to all of you!! I am still going to schedule a meeting with the chief of police to try to get local laws in line with the ADA or to get them to realize their street level officers are not up to date on laws. Lastly, the owner mentioned us working together to find a charity to help fund together !!!! Who would’va thought?

Brian

Air Force, Anxiety, Army, Coast Guard, Marine, Military, Navy, PTSD, San Antonio, Texas, Veteran, Wounded Warrior

Congratulations to Elizabeth and SD Beatrice

CONGRATULATIONS TO DR. ELIZABETH S AND HER OUTSTANDING NOW SERVICE DOG, BEATRICE!!

From Laurie:  They passed the Public Access Test at the mall despite all the crowds! I am so proud of Elizabeth! She is WAY too humble to take credit for all the work she did training Beatrice in between sessions, but she did an amazing job and Beatrice is the PERFECT Service Dog. Most importantly – the way that Elizabeth shares Beatrice with all who ask to pet her – children and adults – is beyond beautiful. Elizabeth realizes how much joy Beatrice brings to everyone she meets – and Elizabeth shares that joy openly. Of course, when it’s time to work, Beatrice works – but the beauty of it is not only that Elizabeth has an amazing Service Dog that does her job – but that she teaches others and shows by example. I must say, the funniest part of it was going through the fancy department stores with their Gucci and Armani and perfectly coiffed sales people with a small horse and surprising them at every turn! I think Beatrice preferred the new perfume by Estee Lauder the best. TEE HEE. My husband, Joey, even tried to taunt Beatrice with a French Fry at the food court, but Beatrice showed him!

I am going to miss my dear, dear friend Elizabeth and beautiful, drooling Beatrice when they move!! Elizabeth’s new job will entail her continuing to help our Wounded Warriors – but now that she has Beatrice by her side, I think just seeing that humungous, loveable Service Dog will heal others better than any drug!!

 

Anxiety, Military, PTSD, San Antonio, Texas, Veteran

Everyone Needs To Recharge Once In Awhile

From our trainer Andrew, who is working with a wonderful client who is actually a VA psychiatrist who works with veterans who have PTSD. Unfortunately, she herself, developed PTSD and anxiety as a result of this intense work, so she is taking a hiatus to get better – and using a Service Dog is one of her top priorities!!

“We had a two hour session this time. We covered everything from loose leash walking, all basic obedience commands, to proper body language and command gestures. We covered how to teach a strong-willed dog like Olla to “down”, using a slippery surface like a linoleum floor to eventually cause her to submit and reward for each down. We talked about the importance of a structured regiment. I went over 10 basic behaviors, and 4 fun games to play, making the process fun and teaching Olla to work with higher drive and engagement.”

Anxiety, Austin, Experience, Panic Attack, PTSD, Texas

Presentation by Lucia and Lily

What a joyful day in Service Dog world! Dear Lucia, in Austin, with her SD Lily, was asked to teach a class on Service Dogs at the local college! This is what she wrote! Can you imagine – someone who was paralyzed by PTSD and anxiety going up in front of a classroom full of people to educate them about Service Dogs! SO PROUD OF YOU LUCIA AND LILY!

” Hi Laurie! The class went very well! You should have seen the critical thinkers in the class that were so interested in Service Dog issues. Since they are all future educators, we even got into how to address Service Dog concerns in the classroom after the basics were covered (kids/students that are afraid or don’t understand why they can’t pet, how to address parents and classmates without compromising privacy, even issues regarding conflicting interpretations of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the ADA Titles II and III regarding Service Dogs). I think they got a pretty good introduction to what it’s like to have a Service Dog on a daily basis, too–including the harassment, questions, weird comments, weird and inappropriate behaviors, etc. (and of course good things, too). We talked about invisible disabilities, too. Lots of things!”

I AM SO PROUD OF YOU. INFORMING OTHERS ABOUT SOMETHING YOU EXPERIENCE YOURSELF IS SO POWERFUL!

Anxiety, Mobility, San Antonio, Texas

Liz and Smokey

An update from our trainer extraordinaire, Cherry, who is working with Liz. Liz has a very special situation. She wants her Yorkshire Terrier mix, rescued by Cherry with In Dog We Trust, trained for her parents as a Service Dog. Her mom and dad had a wonderful dog, Missy, who died of cancer a few years ago and they spent a lot of money to keep her alive. Liz wants to foster and train Smokey for her mother, who is 75. Her mother is changing and wants a dog again to sit in her lap and pet all day. Her mother cannot get around very well now, uses a walker, does not drive anymore, and has fallen 5 times in the last 5 months. Liz’s father, who is 78, walks her by carrying her purse and holding onto her mother’s arm. They go to Walmart everyday in Schertz. Liz’s mother is losing a little of her mind in some ways but is still sharp in others. Liz’s deepest hope in her heart is that with a trained Service Dog, her parents will get out more and add to the quality of their lives, taking Smokey to Walmart and doctor’s appointments, and be encouraged to try new places. How beautiful and compassionate is that?

Liz also finds that Smokey helps her with her anxiety levels.

Cherry writes about their first session together:

“I had a wonderful training session with Liz and little Smokey. Smokey was found terrified in the middle of a busy highway. I told my husband to stop the truck! And despite cars and trucks honking at me, I got to the middle of the road and scooped Smokey up in my arms and took him home.

After 3 weeks of flyers and advertising and no one even looking for him, we got him neutered and soon he was ready to go…we put him up for adoption, and Liz and her husband came straight over and adopted him on the spot!

SDIT Smokey absolutely adores them both and they are doing so well as a family. Our training session was spent discussing how it is important to get everyone on board when it comes to Smokey’s training. Visitors, family and anyone else must respect that Smokey is in training and is not to be spoiled by picking him up when he demands it.

It is quite common with “cutie pie” dogs that people are tempted to spoil them, but it is important that everyone is on the same page if Smokey is to learn proper Service Dog work.

I am very fond of giving visual examples to explain myself, so I told Liz that it’s similar to when a mother says it’s ok for their child to jump on the bed but dad says it isn’t. Rules must be rules period.
We also talked about treats, using low fat ones for training, and not to give raw hides to chew as they can break off and choke the dog.

Smokey is doing well, although at the moment he is beyond spoiled! However, with consistency and adhering to clear commands, there is no reason why Smokey cannot take his training to a good level.
A great ending for a terrified little dog in the middle of a highway, and Liz is already benefiting from holding him close when she feels anxiety creeping in!”

Anxiety, Epilepsy, San Antonio, Texas

Amanda and SDIT Diezel

From our trainer, Andrew, who started training with Amanda, who has epilepsy and anxiety, and her SDIT, Diezel.

“This was our initial session and it occurred at Amanda’s house. Amanda’s dog is a lovely, exuberant pitbull named Diezel. Being treat driven, Diezel is easy to train. We worked on basic obedience; “sit”, “down” and “puppy push-ups”. Then we did some heeling maneuvers, heeling left and right, and not pulling on the leash etc. I talked to Amanda about the importance of a prong collar, especially with a dog his size, and I showed her how to properly put the collar on and how to use it safely. Diezel will mainly be correcting himself with the prong collar save the occasional pull upwards correction for misbehaving. I talked a little about the difference between “stay” and “wait”, and we will work on this at the next session. I anticipate a very short trip to the Public Access Test with these two!”

Anxiety, Experience, Panic Attack, PTSD, San Antonio, Texas

Rachel and Her BFF Piper

An update from trainer Sue, who is working with 6 year-old Rachel who has severe PTSD, and her 6 year old Brindle Greyhound mix, Piper. Piper has been raised with Rachel.

“Piper is a well-trained companion dog, as Rachel’s grandmother showed and trained collies for AKC Conformation and started obedience training with Piper as a puppy.

Piper knows sit, down, heel, cover, come, load and unload, waits and does not cross the front door threshold. She gets along with men, women, other dogs, cats, kids and strangers. Rachel’s mother, Rebecca, takes Rachel and Piper for walks and Piper automatically heels on Rachel’s left side and has been trained to obey Rachel’s commands. When Rachel gets stressed out and distraught, Piper immediately sits or lays with her to allow her to hug her until she is back to normal. Piper sleeps on her bed so that Rachel does not have nightmares. Piper puts the other two dogs that live at the house in check (in a mom dog way) when they are getting too crazy. They have a male Lab/Great Dane mix 2 year old and a 6 month old male Pit-bull/Lab mix puppy.

Rachel has many triggers. She has PTSD and has screaming fits, will freeze and tense up, shuts down and won’t communicate and even will go run and find a dark place to hide when there are loud noises, knocking, sirens, raised voices, fire alarms etc. Rachel can go to PetSmart and PetCo where Piper can go, and Rachel has no episodes as she has Piper there to comfort her. Rebecca cannot take Rachel to Walmart or HEB without Piper without having to leave because Rachel has an episode. Rebecca has to go to school to help comfort or pull Rachel out of her freeze/hiding trances. The school had a fire alarm last week, and Rebecca got called to the school as Rachel ran and hid and would not come out.

Piper seems to only need to refresh her obedience commands, sit stay, down stay and do an automatic sit when you stop walking. I left Rebecca with homework this week to work on these three things.

Rebecca and Susan (her mom) have requested my assistance in helping them get grant funding and would like me to be Piper’s trainer. I think they may be eligible for “SIP” to help them fund vet care and dog training and service dog equipment for Piper. They know that eventually they will need to start training another dog that can step in to be Rachel’s Service Dog when it is time to retire Piper as a Service Dog, but hopefully, that will be sometime down the road. Piper is almost at the point where she can pass her PAT.”

 

Anxiety, PTSD, San Antonio, Texas

Kathy and Olla

From our trainer, Andrew, who is working with Kathy, who suffers from PTSD and anxiety, and her SDIT, Olla:

“We had our initial session today and after Kathy signed the contract, we talked about a bad behavior Olla has developed since Kathy moved into her new home. She has taken to peeing on the carpet and all over the apartment. We talked about crate training Olla. We discussed the proper method to teach the command and gesture for sit, and command and gesture for down. We talked about stay and wait, and the difference between the two. And, we talked about starting walks in the heeling position and leading with the left foot. It was simple, since Olla is a fresh dog; we will have fun sessions from now on!”