In a dog training world often shrouded in misconceptions, my journey into service dog training has driven me to share a remarkable realm of understanding of it.
Furthermore, I am trying to raise awareness that approaching a service dog in public is not proper human etiquette. -It parallels approaching someone in a wheelchair simply because they are handicapped.
-More times than not, approaching someone with a psychological condition and their service dog could cause the handler severe distress. You likely will unintentionally cause a disabled or autistic person to have a meltdown episode in public.
I've witnessed this firsthand on many outings, in my service dog lessons, when strangers come up to my disabled handlers' dog, uninvited to pet it. Be thoughtful of others - Please just carry on like you would if the person did not have their service dog or disability. Thank you - now back to the dog training -
Empowering Lives Through Service Dog Training: ASD, PTSD, Anxiety, Autoimmune Diseases, Cerebral Palsy and Physical Limitations
Service dogs are not mere companions; they are invaluable allies for individuals coping with a spectrum of daily challenges. My focus lies in the profound impact service dogs have on the following conditions:
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Individuals navigating the intricacies of ASD find solace in the companionship of service dogs. Beyond emotional support, these dogs provide grounding during sensory overload, mitigating meltdowns and enhancing social interactions.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): With a keen understanding of psychology, I have closely collaborated with veterans and others affected by PTSD. Service dogs offer unparalleled support through alerts, comfort, and companionship, contributing to emotional healing and an improved quality of life.
Anxiety Management: Service dogs prove invaluable in managing daily challenges for individuals with anxiety. Tasks like blocking—creating a physical barrier between the handler and overwhelming situations—provide personal space in crowded environments. The presence of a service dog helps some anxiety sufferers find more motivation to leave their houses and gain more independence.
Autoimmune Diseases: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Crohn's Disease: Service dogs offer essential assistance to individuals in ways often taken for granted. For those dealing daily with severe inflammation, service dogs provide practical aid, from picking up items to assisting in basic life skills. These dogs can help individuals navigate walkers, stand up, get on and off of wheelchairs, and offer support during flare-ups - providing deep pressure therapy (DPT) and comfort during difficult times.
Cerebral Palsy and Disabling Physical Limitations: Enhanced Independence
In the context of Cerebral Palsy and disabling physical limitations, service dogs are transformational partners. While I never train to put full weight on any service dog - Service dogs are trained for tailored tasks, and they may offer stability assistance in bending, standing, walking, retrieve items, open doors, activate on and off switches, aid wheelchair navigation, and guide on stairs. This collaboration signifies triumph over constraint. My dedication, backed by a psychology background, integrates these skills into lives, easing challenges and fostering empowerment.
Deep Pressure Therapy: The Psychological Angle
My psychology background enhances the effectiveness of service dog training. Deep Pressure Therapy (DPT), a cornerstone of my approach, is instrumental in aiding individuals with ASD, anxiety, and autoimmune diseases. DPT involves the dog applying gentle pressure to the handler's body, triggering a physiological response that releases calming hormones and reduces anxiety. By incorporating DPT into service dog training, we create a symbiotic relationship that not only assists the person but also enhances their overall well-being.
Transformative Journeys with Seniors: Enhancing Quality of Life
Beyond age limits, my training extends to seniors grappling with ASD, PTSD, anxiety, cerebral palsy, physical limitations and autoimmune diseases. The bond between seniors and their service dogs is profound, offering emotional solace, companionship, and practical assistance. This collaboration empowers seniors to navigate life with renewed confidence, maintaining independence and social engagement.
Conclusion:
As a psychology student dedicated to fostering positive change, I approach service dog training holistically. The skills these remarkable dogs acquire—blocking, Deep Pressure Therapy, and practical assistance—integrate seamlessly into individuals' lives, alleviating challenges and empowering them to thrive. If you're ready to embark on this transformative journey, connecting with The Traveling Dog Trainer LLC can be your first step towards a more enriched and empowered life. If you are in northwest Indiana, give me a call if this is a service you would like more information about.
Best regards,
Lisa The Traveling Dog Trainer LLC
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