Service dogs who assist handlers affected by post-traumatic stress disorder are part of the Psychiatric Service Dog category, and they are taught a wide variety of tasks to successfully support their partners in their daily life activities. The tasks learnt can vary according to the symptoms and necessities of the service dog handler, as not everyone needs the same type of assistance. My use of the word “task” is actually a little improper here, as PTSD service dog’s job consists of tasks and work. Tasks being the actions intentionally requested by the handler, while work is cued by the environment, or changes in the handler’s demeanor, and it is not requested vocally by the handler, but it is taught the dog during training. In the list below, both task and work actions are reported.

• Bring objects to the handler, such as medications, phone, bag, water bottle, and anything else his mouth can carry

• Remind the handler to take his medications

• Turn lights off/on

• Room or house check, to ascertain no threat is present, that the environment is safe for the handler

• Lead the handler to an exit or predetermined safe location

• Make space in a crowd when the handler is feeling overwhelmed • Call for help using a special canine phone during emergencies

• Lead rescue staff to the handler

• Distract the owner at the first signs of anxiety or distress, by licking, nudging, or pawing, to prevent emotional escalation

• Perform deep pressure therapy (DPT), by laying his weight on the handler’s lap or legs, sometimes even pinning the handler to the ground under their weight

• Find the car in a parking lot

• Hug or kiss (face lick) the handler on cue • Wake up the handler if he is having trouble or is restless in his sleep

• Wake up handler for an appointment or date

• Open and close doors and cabinets

• Hallucination discernment, helping the handler in a non-aggressive way to understand what is real and what is just a projections of their mind

• Provide physical support for the handler feeling dizzy after taking a medication or because experiencing emotional distress Although not all dogs are fit to become PTSD service dogs, dogs with a mild nature and higher capacity of empathize are easier to succeed, still there are many valid training courses available now for handlers who want to train their own PTSD service dog.

Training the dog themselves has also many benefits, like creating a stronger bond with the dog, get a better understanding of the dog’s character and capabilities, mould the dog training to the handler’s effective needs. Many service dog courses are available online, so that can be taken at one’s own pace, in a comfortable and familiar environment, with the guidance of an expert trainer. This is the case for Service Dog Training School International Psychiatric Service Dog Training Course, available completely online, at a very affordable price. The course also provides a Service Dog Certification, given after the course completion and after passing the final test. The certification allows the service dog to accompany the handler in public locations and stores, providing constant support and comfort to their partner.