SERVICE DOG TASKS
for
PSYCHIATRIC DISABILITIES
Tasks to mitigate certain disabling illnesses
classified as mental impairments under
The Americans with Disabilities Act
Author: Joan Froling
Trainer
Consultant
Sterling
Service Dogs
SERVICE DOG TASKS
FOR PANIC DISORDER, PTSD and DEPRESSION
According to the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA), a service animal must be individually trained to do work or perform tasks
of benefit to a disabled individual in order to be legally elevated from pet
status to service animal status. It is
the specially trained tasks or work performed on command or cue that legally
exempts a service dog [service animal] and his disabled handler from the “No
Pets Allowed” policies of stores, restaurants and other places of public
accommodation under the ADA.
The following list identifies a number of tasks a
service dog could be trained to do that would serve to mitigate the effects of
a disabling condition classified as a psychiatric disability. In particular, the tasks were developed for
those who become disabled by Panic Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD),
or Depression, conditions attributed to a brain chemistry malfunction. The List also contains some activities that
may be useful as a coping mechanism, but would not stand up in a court of law
as "a trained task that mitigates the effect of a disability,” and those
will be marked with a Disclaimer to provide guidance to a therapist and patient
on that issue. The author, a mobility
impaired service dog trainer who has been deeply involved in the assistance dog
field for many years, initiated research into this new kind of assistance dog
in 1997. She became familiar with these
disorders through the input of early pioneers of the psychiatric service dog
concept. Subsequent research has
involved garnering input from experts in psychology and psychiatry and from
patients to gain a better understanding of the symptoms, treatment goals, and
ways in which partnership with a service dog might become a valuable adjunct to
conventional therapy.
In addition to task training, it should also be
recognized that housebreaking, basic obedience training and mastering the
behaviors of no nuisance barking, no aggressive behavior, and no inappropriate
sniffing or intrusion into another person or dog’s space are an essential part
of educating any dog for a career as a service dog.
CLARIFICATION:
While a dog’s companionship may offer emotional support, comfort or a
sense of security, this in and of itself does NOT qualify as a “trained task”
or “work” under the ADA, thus it does not give a disabled person the legal
right to take that dog out in public as a legitimate service dog. Setting up a realistic training plan to
transform a dog with a suitable temperament
into an obedient, task trained service dog is the only way to legally
qualify a dog to become a service dog [service animal] whose disabled handler
is legally permitted to take the dog into restaurants, grocery stores,
hospitals, medical offices and other places of public accommodation. I recommend reading IAADP’s Minimum Training
Standards for Public Access for further guidance at www.iaadp.org
GENDER: While I refer to a dog as “him” in this
article rather than using the word “it,” both genders can be equally good at a
service dog career if the dog has the temperament to calmly tolerate loud
noises, other animals, strangers reaching out to pet the dog without permission
and the other challenges of working with a service dog out in public.
Assistance Work or Tasks for Psychiatric Disabilities
I. Assistance
in a Medical Crisis
II. Treatment
Related Assistance
III. Assistance Coping With Emotional Overload
IV. Security Enhancement Tasks
I. ASSISTANCE
IN A MEDICAL CRISIS
A service dog can learn a number of helpful tasks to
assist his partner to cope during a sudden flare up of symptoms, medication
side effects, or in a situation requiring outside help.
Bring Medication to Alleviate Symptoms
Dog assists partner to cope with nausea, cramps,
dizziness, other medication side effects or the fear paralysis of PTSD or the
sudden waves of terror, chest pains and respiratory distress of a severe panic
attack by fetching antidote medication to alleviate the severity of the symptoms.
∙ Dog is trained to retrieve a small
canvas bag with medication from a specific location that he is schooled to go
to on command, such as a closet floor, bathroom vanity or shelf.
∙ Dog can be trained to go tug open a
cupboard door and retrieve a basket or satchel with medication if access to the
first location is blocked by the door to the room being shut.
∙ Dog can be trained to locate a purse with medication in home, office or on a hotel room dresser, desk or chair by following directional commands, then drag-deliver it to partner.
Bring a Beverage So Human Partner Can Swallow
Medication
This complex task involves a sequence of skills, takes
four to six months to master.
∙ Dog can be trained to fetch a beverage
to enable the human partner to swallow the medication.
Must master the skills of: 1) going to the kitchen
from another room to pull open a refrigerator door or cupboard door with a
strap, 2) picking up the beverage from refrigerator shelf before the door
swings shut, 3) carrying cold beverage to the partner in another room, 4) going
back, if need be, to shut the refrigerator door or instead: 5) fetch a basket
or some other container from a kitchen cupboard with a beverage and other
items; may also contain antidote type medication in a vial with a childproof
cap.
Bring The Emergency Phone During a Crisis
Enables the human partner to contact a doctor,
therapist or others in a support system when experiencing alarming medication
side effects, terror or respiratory distress from a panic attack, or a
flashback. An individual suffering from
depression, possibly with suicidal ideation, also needs to be able to reach a
supporting person or agency. Retrieval
of the portable phone can be very useful in other situations too. (Training Note: this should be made a “place
command,” as asking a dog to visually search the house is unreliable, especially
if the phone is left on a counter or piece of furniture above the dog’s line of
sight. It is best to locate the charger
unit on the floor in a room with two entrances.
If possible, the emergency phone should never be used except during
practice sessions. This will ensure its
availability during a crisis.)
∙ Dog is trained to bring the handler a
portable phone. If the room where the
emergency phone is permanently located has two entrances, the dog should also
be specifically taught to find the second entrance in case the first is
blocked. The end goal is to train a service dog to bring the phone to any room
in the house when needed on command.
Answer the Doorbell
When situations occur in which the handler urgently
needs help but cannot get to the front door to let someone into the home due to
physical incapacity from drug interactions, injuries that occurred due to
lightheadedness, fainting, other side effects, or illness, the service dog
could assist by opening the front door and escorting emergency personnel or a
member of the support system to the handler’s location.
∙ Dog is trained to tug strap on a lever
handle to open the front door to let in emergency personnel or members of
support system on command or in response to the doorbell itself.
∙ Dog is trained to escort the person to
the handler’s location.
Call 911 or Suicide Hotline on K-9 Rescue Phone
People with physical disabilities have reported going
through periods of severe depression and not a few admit they’ve contemplated
suicide. Those with a mental disability
like PTSD are equally susceptible to developing this mood disorder or
experiencing a sudden exacerbation of its symptoms. Scientists view it as a biological problem,
not purely psychological. With some
persons, the condition becomes a lifelong struggle. A service dog can improve the safety of his
partner whenever the mood disorder becomes life threatening. One task to consider is schooling the dog to
operate the K-9 Rescue phone to summon help during a crisis. [available at
www.ablephone.com]
∙ Dog is trained to call 911 / any preprogrammed number by depressing the huge white button on a K-9 Rescue speaker-phone with his paw.
Bring Help Indoors and Provide Speech Impairment
Assistance
Symptoms of extreme terror, shortness of breath or the
wrong dosage of a major tranquilizer like thorazine are a few of the reasons
why the patient may need to summon help and may not be able to give a verbal
command. Suggested tasks can be taught
with hand signals so as to enable the team to communicate in such a
crisis. These tasks may be useful at
other times too.
∙ Dog taught to bark at a speaker-phone
on a hand signal (As pre-planned with the patient’s family, therapist or other
members of his or her Support System.)
∙ Dog is trained to go nudge a certain
household member on command in a crisis.
∙ Dog taught to carry a note to a spouse
or another household member on command.
∙ Dog should learn to open interior doors
with a lever handle and strap or knob-to-lever conversion device so he could
exit bedroom or office to carry out a “get help” task.
Summon Help from a Secretary, Co-worker or Supervisor
Dog can learn to carry a message to designated support
person or relief person in an office or retail setting. Could also learn to bark to summon designated
employee as prearranged.
∙ There are a variety of ways a dog
could summon help in the workplace. It
will depend on the situation and/or particular tasks he has been schooled to
perform.
Provide Balance Assistance on Stairs
Goal is to prevent a serious injury from a fall. Very useful if the person experiences
dizziness due to medication side effects of psychotropic drugs. Task also can assist individuals who
experience dizziness or weakness due to not eating because of major
depression. Rest one hand on the withers
of a large sturdy dog to steady oneself on each step, harness optional.
∙ Large dog is trained to assist his
partner to climb or descend stairs with greater safety, by halting on each
step, then bracing himself on command to steady the person when the person
takes their next step. Dog must learn to
only take one step, not 2 or 3 at a time.
Assist Person to Rise & Steady that Person
When the partner must cope with weakness or medication
side effects like dizziness, a service dog schooled in balance support work can
prevent a fall or assist the partner to get up after a fall occurs. (Training Note: Introduce one’s weight
gradually to a beginner; only reward correct responses. One hand should be on
the dog’s withers, the other may lightly rest on his rump. Push down ONLY on withers so human’s weight
borne by the dog’s powerful shoulders in the few seconds it takes to boost
oneself to a standing position.
Ethically, the service dog must be an appropriate size for this
work - e.g. 55 lbs. or more)
∙ Dog assists someone to get up from the
floor or a chair by holding a Stand Stay position and stiffening his muscles on
command, bracing himself to offer counter resistance for balance support when
the partner places one hand on the dog’s withers and gets up.
∙ Dog is further trained to Brace on
command, stiffening body, acts as the Rock of Gibraltar, for at least ten
seconds, to steady someone as soon as they rise to their feet instead of
darting away or sitting, so as to prevent an accidental loss of balance.
Balance Support to Ambulatory Partner
Balance support skills in a dog of suitable size can
be a valuable asset when medication side effects or symptoms suddenly put the
individual at risk of falling. These
tasks can be performed off leash, without a harness, indoors. Frequent practice needed to keep these skills
viable.
∙ A large dog can be schooled to prevent a
fall by stiffening his body to provide counter balance help if a person
suddenly stumbles or feels dizzy.
Ethically, you must give a warning with a command like “Brace” before putting
weight on the dog’s withers, so he can stiffen his muscles first.
∙ Large dogs can be trained to assist a
person to ambulate to the nearest seat, step by step, bracing after each step
to allow the person to steady oneself when taking next step.
Respond to Smoke Alarm if Partner Unresponsive
Someone who has disassociation episodes with PTSD
might be an excellent candidate for the same kind of training given to a dog
who must alert a heavily sedated partner (as described in next section )
whenever a smoke alarm goes off. If he or she has disassociated and there’s a
fire, the dog can learn to respond to the sound by nudging the partner
persistently till handler aware enough to reward the dog and dial 911. However, if the person typically is not responsive
to nudges while in such a state, the trainer could teach the dog to go to a K-9
Rescue Phone [see www.ablephone.com] and paw the button to dial 911 in response
to a smoke alarm’s sound. Local 911 computers
can be programmed, if handler requests it, to instruct operator that if no
voice is heard, to assume the service dog in residence is placing the call due
to a life threatening emergency. If the
human partner happens to be fully aware when the smoke alarm goes off, he or
she can easily intervene to disconnect the call after praising the dog for
responding appropriately to that particular sound. Will need once a month
practice sessions to maintain this skill in a service dog. (Training Note: may program this phone
to call your own number so 911 isn’t bothered during practice sessions)
• Dog is trained to persistently nudge partner to alert to smoke alarm whenever needed.
∙ Alternately, the dog is trained to call 911 on K9 Rescue phone if smoke alarm goes off.
Backpacking Medical Related Supplies / Information
Some may protest that this should not be counted as a
task and I agree. It deserves a mention,
though, because it is so useful to assistance dog partners who may be in need
of the items being carried by the service dog.
While most dogs will calmly permit strangers such as emergency personnel
to search the backpacks in a medical crisis so they can obtain the human
partner’s Medic Alert information, [if any] or the dog’s Emergency care-giver
Information card or other instructions the dog may be carrying in case the need
arises, some dogs will require one or more desensitization sessions to
socialize them till they will tolerate a stranger searching the packs.
∙ Dog carries Medication in the backpack
in case of a panic attack, other symptoms.
Also may carry a Beverage, plus a Cell Phone or Beeper, and Instructions
For Emergency Personnel, such as Who To Call if a patient is having a PTSD
disassociation episode, a flashback, or if serious medication side effects, an
injury or other problems should deprive the handler of the ability to provide
important information about the team. DISCLAIMER: Please
understand Backpacking is NOT a task that will legally “count” as a trained
task acceptable in a court of law as proof the dog meets the legal definition
of a service animal under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). It is simply an optional extra, a “bonus
aid,” which any dog lover, disabled or non disabled, may enjoy. Such items could be carried in a purse or
fanny pack, so it is a matter of personal choice
II. TREATMENT RELATED ASSISTANCE
Tasks in this section suggest additional ways in which
a service dog might assist a patient to cope with aspects of living with a
psychiatric disability. This may include
tasks to help a partner mitigate chronic or intermittent medication side
effects or to take his or her medication on schedule or to assist with symptoms
experienced in spite of the treatment being received.
Medication Reminder at Certain Time of Day
Success has been reported in making use of a dog’s
internal alarm clock, to remind the partner to take medication on time. Teach the dog to expect to be fed or to have
a cookie break or to go for a walk at the same time every day. Some service dogs will pick up their food
bowl or leash and bring it to the partner at the same time each day, as if they
can read the clock. Other dogs may nudge
or bark at the partner, begging for their dinner, treat or walk at the expected
time. Submissive dogs should be
encouraged to “bother” the partner with nudging or pawing at that time of
day. If always rewarded, this behavior
becomes habitual, a task that serves to remind the partner that it is time to
stop an ongoing activity and to take the prescribed medication.
∙ Dog trained to interrupt the partner at
a certain time of day or night. Dog
encouraged by training to “nag” a person till he receives the anticipated food
or cookie or walk. This increases the
probability the partner will get up to take the pill when it is due. Can be a task in the home and perhaps in the
workplace or at school if circumstances permit.
Speech Impairment Task Away from Home
If a loss of speech may occur due to side effects of a
major tranquilizer or anti depressant medication or PTSD or a panic attack,
consider carrying a card that explains what is happening to you, to show to a
security guard, teacher, employer or bus driver as needed. This card can reassure them you do NOT need
help or, conversely, ask them to call somebody on your behalf. It can be a postcard size or business card
size, laminated. Also it is useful to
have a similar card to explain your dog is a service dog and your civil rights
whenever you are unable to do so.
•
Dog is trained to deliver a laminated card to
someone his partner points to.
Coping With the Medication Side Effect - Dry Mouth
woes
Some medications cause side effects that are more than
a minor nuisance. For example, with the
condition of dry-mouth the patient’s speech will become progressively impaired
if the person does not have a beverage constantly available as an
antidote. It is highly useful to have a
dog trained to fetch a beverage from a kitchen cupboard or refrigerator, so the
person does not have to interrupt an important activity to get a refill to re-hydrate
one’s self.
∙ Dog is trained to retrieve a beverage
from a Cupboard or Refrigerator by hand signal.
Alert Sedated Partner to the Cry of Someone in
Distress
Some psychotropic medication cause deep sedation,
during which it is almost impossible to regain consciousness. Other medications for pain, seizures or
anxiety also can cause sedative side effects.
If a parent or care-giver who takes such medication has a service dog
trained to perform this outstanding “get help” task, the child or a spouse or
an elderly parent who calls out in the middle of the night for the dog’s
partner won’t be calling out in vain
∙ Similar to a hearing dog responding to
an alarm clock; dog jumps on bed, persistently licks face or nudges partner
till the partner wakes up, gives the dog a reward.
∙ The dog leads the groggy adult to
whomever is calling for the dog’s human partner.
Wake Sedated Partner, Alerting to Doorbell
Waiting for a plumber, other repairmen, a delivery
truck which may or may not show up can be problematic. One cannot skip a dose or forego medication
if panic attack symptoms begin.
Schooling a dog to wake up his partner in response to doorbell chimes
can solve the dilemma.
∙ Similar to hearing dog alert. Dog trained to awaken sleeping partner who
takes medication with sedative side effects and lead that person to the source
of the sound.
Alert Sedated Partner to Smoke Alarm & Assist to
Exit
The dog can be trained to persist in arousing a person
if sedative side effect prevents person from responding appropriately to the
smoke alarm in an emergency. The dog can
show the way to nearest exit, tug the door strap on a lever handle to open the
door, not because a dog understands “danger” but due to many practice sessions
that condition the service dog to perform this habitual sequence of tasks
whenever the dog hears a smoke alarm going off.
∙ Dog is trained to alert the human
partner and to persist with the method taught such as face licking or nuzzling
till the person sits up, rewards dog, indicating awake state.
∙ Dog is trained to lead his partner to
the front door (or some other pre-selected exit)
∙ Dog opens exit door with a pull strap in
case the partner is too sedated to think clearly.
Harness Work with Ambulatory Partner
In spite of treatment, some people experience such a
degree of fear or panic they report they frequently stumble as they cannot pay
attention to their footing at such times.
Others report chronic or intermittent dizziness that results in falls
unless they can hang onto a family member’s arm, a dependency that can restrict
access to the outside world to only a few hours a week. Veterans with PTSD may experience balance
problems from another issue, such as a traumatic brain injury, vertigo etc., as
do civilians with psychiatric disorders according to programs working with such
individuals. Use of a balance support
harness with a rigid handle custom sized to bridge the distance between the withers
of a large sturdy dog and the partner’s height can be a solution that reduces
the risk of injurious falls. In addition
to the counter balance skill, such dogs could be trained like a guide dog to
halt at curbs, steps, etc. to signal a risky elevation change to assist
inattentive handlers to avoid a fall.
The handle itself also enhances the partner’s sense of “connectedness”
with the service dog, which for some is a highly rated side benefit according
to anecdotal input. Not everyone with a
psychiatric disability needs or wants this optional task, but I mention it as
it has been beneficial in some cases.
Ethical programs / trainers /handlers only select
large dogs, 55 - 150 lbs., matched to the partner’s height, weight, for this
work. Physical soundness is essential,
to prevent any harm to the dog from doing it.
Dogs who must cope with the weight of partner, bracing on a frequent
basis on outings, are customarily required to pass an orthopedic exam with
x-rays for hip and elbow dysplasia to rule out these crippling joint diseases
prior to counter balance training. A proper fitting harness with padding on
pressure points, [see www.circle-e.net for an example], is also
essential. Such harnesses run from an estimated
$70 for pre-made gear up to $500 for custom sizing & amenities like a
lightweight airline metal handle, fold down option, ergonomic styled grip and a
pressure relief saddle.
NOTE: The use
of smaller dogs [10 lbs - 50 lbs] for balance support by having the dog drag
the owner along, keeping the leash taut, results in the owner putting a heavy
strain on the poor dog’s neck through the collar. Whether or not it aids the owner to keep his
or her balance is irrelevant, for it is ethically viewed as abusive treatment
of an assistance dog, which is inexcusable.
•
Large,
physically sound dogs can be trained to assist a partner who would benefit from
such aid to reduce the risk of falls while walking. It is customary to use a harness with a rigid
handle designed to ergonomically distribute the weight of the partner, whenever
the partner pushes down on the handle, after giving a “Brace” command to signal
the dog to go into action and provide counter balance help.
III. COPING WITH
EMOTIONAL OVERLOAD
This section details specific work or tasks a service
dog can be trained to perform to assist the handler with emotionally disabling
symptoms other than a fear of a violent crime reoccurring. It suggests strategies to use at home or in
the workplace or in public to cope with and recover from an emotional
overload. It also looks at ways to
prevent feelings of panic from escalating.
Quite frankly, most dogs do not rush sympathetically to the side of a
human to comfort the person when he or she becomes tearful or trembles with
fear or experiences a panic attack. The
calm detachment of many dogs enables them to learn and carry out tasks to earn
a reward. Dogs who initially show
avoidance behavior can often be desensitized to emotional reactions if highly
food motivated and then learn a task. Such tasks if practiced on a regular
basis will empower the disabled individual to do something constructive about
very unwelcome or inappropriate emotional reactions rather than feeling
helpless and overwhelmed when they occur.
Provide Tactile Stimulation to Disrupt the Overload
Tasks that can provide a tactile distraction from a
disorder’s symptoms have proven to be quite useful in emotional overload
situations. One or more of the tasks listed below may put a stop to unwelcome
reactions in the workplace, classroom or out in public. In addition, for those experiencing
nightmares, night terrors, hypnagogic hallucinations or flashbacks, tactile
stimulation can provide a vitally important reality affirmation
when the partner summons the dog. While
some dogs may naturally perform a behavior, it takes schooling to transform it
into a task the dog will do immediately on command, reliable even in the
presence of distractions, at any location where needed.
•
Dog is
trained to vigorously lick someone’s face on command to bring his partner to full
awareness, just as seizure response dogs can be trained to do when their
partner is extremely groggy after a grand mal, which shortens the recovery
time. This unpleasant tactile
stimulation also can divert the partner’s attention from something that
triggers tears or other inappropriate emotional reactions in school or a
workplace.
∙ Dogs can be trained to get up from under
a desk or behind chair on command or a cue like patting one’s knee to use nose
to nudge the partner which disrupts sudden overload. To assist the person to regain composure, the
dog must learn to be obnoxiously persistent with the nudging till the partner recovers
enough to respond with the desired reward.
•
A caregiver can
adapt this nudging task into a “Go See (David)” command so the service
dog will go over and perform this nudging to interrupt inappropriate repetitive
behavior that a child on the autism spectrum may engage in. If a dog is large and persistent, unfazed by
emotional outbursts, this nudging could also disrupt a child’s tantrum or
assist someone crying or having a flashback to recover faster.
∙ Dog is asked to get up on the bed and to
tolerate a hug or to snuggle next to the person to permit the person to pet the
dog till the person feels better. DISCLAIMER: Please
understand this last activity is NOT going to legally “count” as a trained task
acceptable in a court of law as proof the dog meets the legal definition of a
service animal. It is something that may
not require any training for an affectionate pet. These are interactions of the sort any dog
lover, disabled or non disabled, may find beneficial when emotionally
upset. Such comfort is considered to be
a “bonus” by service dog handlers. Since
some individuals prefer this interaction to a “snap them out of it” task, it
seems worth mentioning this is an option.
Break the Spell and/or Combat Sedative Side Effects
If tasks which provide tactile stimulation don’t
suffice, this “break the spell” strategy frequently helps in certain
situations. After experiencing night
terrors, repeated nightmares, hypnagogic hallucinations, sickening memories or
suicidal thoughts that can’t be shaken, an abrupt change of scene to break the
spell can be the best medicine. By going
into another room with your service dog, asking him to perform tasks, it will
make it possible to get one’s mind off what has just occurred, or in the case
of intrusive thoughts due to PTSD or suicidal ideation, to disrupt what is
still occurring. It can also help a
person to shake off the grogginess of sedative side effects.
• Dog is trained to turn on bedroom or hall light or other lights, if needed.
∙ Dog is trained to bring the TV Remote on
command, which enables the partner to switch on the set, utilizing the startle
effect of this sudden audio and visual stimuli plus this additional teamwork to
vanquish extremely distressing thoughts, feelings and images. It can prevent a relapse of sleep
disturbances.
∙ Dog is trained to fetch a Beverage
and/or Medication, becoming the focal point of his partner’s attention as he
carries out the command(s). The
concentration required for a successful delivery and the heartwarming
cooperation of one’s service dog can disrupt the deeply disturbing thoughts
that have taken hold of the partner’s mind.
It strengthens the partner’s ability to remain in the “here & now.”
•
Dog or
partner initiates a game of fetch or tug with a toy, which assists the person
to resist sedative side effects and may break the grip of obsessive thoughts or
memories. DISCLAIMER: this kind of play will not count as a “trained task” in
a court of law and it does NOT legally transform a pet into a service animal,
as untrained dogs can do it. It could
serve as an alternative coping strategy if a dog lacks the schooling to perform
the suggested tasks.
Wake up Human Partner for Work or School
Panic Disorder, PTSD, Major Depression can disrupt
normal thought processes. The person may
not want to get up for work or school, as it means he or she will be returning
to a place that he or she blames as being responsible for the panic attack or
flashback. Depression can cause apathy
or a desire to withdraw rather than face the world. Success has been noted in fighting back
against avoidance behavior, apathy or withdrawal by having the service dog
respond like a hearing dog to the alarm clock in the morning. It may also be possible to train the dog to
go by his internal alarm clock to eagerly awaken the person at a certain hour
of the day, through use of a feeding schedule or if not motivated by food, by
the promise of a walk. After sitting up
to reward the dog for performing this task, the sight of the dog’s happy face,
the extra tactile stimulation as he eagerly anticipates a walk or play session
or a bowl of dog food can motivate a dog lover to fight back against avoidance
behavior or apathy and get out of bed, which is why having a dog perform this
task is arguably superior to just using an easily silenced alarm clock.
∙ Dog responds to alarm clock like a
hearing dog. Wakes up his partner by
getting up on the bed, then nuzzling the partner with a cold nose or by licking
the partner’s face.
∙ Dog can be trained to wake a person up
according to “internal alarm clock,” at same time every day.
Prevent or Combat Emotional Overload in Workplace
These tasks may have an incidental therapeutic
benefit, giving a feeling of solace to some handlers, but their primary purpose
is to empower the human partner to recover and sustain emotional control in settings
where uncontrolled emotional reactions are unacceptable
•
Use licking or nose nudging task as described
in earlier Tactile Stimulation section.
∙ During
a business meeting, a dog can assist his partner by unobtrusively maintaining a
Sit Stay without sliding into the Down position, out of reach. A toy breed could be told to perform a Down
Stay in the partner’s lap. The human
partner utilizes a relaxation technique such as giving the dog a massage or
simply strokes the dog’s fur to calm self, so he or she can to continue to take
part in the meeting. DISCLAIMER:
Please understand that obedience to a Stay command to allow petting or the
voluntary presence of a dog for petting is NOT a service dog task that will
legally count as a trained task in a court of law. Nevertheless, I mention it here as a “Bonus
Aid,” as it provides an emotional benefit that anecdotal reports suggest can be
valuable to someone experiencing a panic attack, an anxiety attack or other
kinds of emotional upsets.
Providing an Excuse to Leave Upsetting Situation
The following task may be an effective coping
mechanism in the workplace and elsewhere, preventing a loss of self control in
front of others. The dog is trained to
assist the person to escape from a certain conversation, a room, or a building
to earn a reward. In response to a
surreptitious hand signal or another cue, the dog performs an attention seeking behavior such
as nuzzling and licking the partner’s hand or jumping up to disrupt a query or
confrontation that triggers an emotional overload. This provides the human partner with a
plausible reason for taking a break from an intolerable situation with a boss,
client or co-worker, thus saving face or the job. Some breeds can learn to vocalize on command,
whining or “talking” or giving a short yip in response to a surreptitious hand
signal, (for example, flexing the first digit of the forefinger on your right
hand). This increases the impression
that it is urgent for the disabled person to take dog outside before the dog
has an accident in the office due to the dog’s alleged stomach or bowel upset.
∙ Dog trained to “bother” his partner
with pawing or a nose nudge, or by jumping up or crawling up into lap on cue,
providing a plausible excuse to leave.
∙ Dog may be trained to vocalize as if urgently needing to go outside, on cue.
Assist to Leave the Area by Finding Exit
Just as a guide dog can be taught to “Find the Exit”
in a store or hotel lobby or a classroom, a number of persons with PTSD or
panic disorder report it is helpful to have their service dogs schooled to lead
them to the nearest Exit on command or cue, whenever they fear imminent loss of
self control due to anger or experience symptoms that are precursors to a full
blown panic attack or disassociative episode.
The dog should learn ahead of time where a specific exit can be found,
be encouraged to find it, rewarded for finding it with several practice
sessions minimum in a new place before he can be expected to find it on command
without a lot of help from the handler and/or a trainer. It can take months of schooling for this to
become a reliable strategy for leaving an area when symptoms flare up,
especially if the dog is expected to respond to symptoms as a cue rather than a
verbal command. Input from trainers
clarified the dog does not drag the person; the partner must be willing and
able to immediately respond to the dog’s effort to lead them away from a
stressful situation as soon as the person feels a slight tug on the leash.
•
Dog is schooled
to find a specific exit to a classroom, an office, a store, a hotel lobby etc.
on command or cue to assist someone to leave a high stress situation.
Provide Deep Pressure for Calming Effect
Those who suffer from panic attacks have reported that
the pressure of the weight of a medium size dog or a large dog against their
abdomen and chest has a significant calming effect. It can shorten the duration of the attack;
often prevent the symptoms from escalating.
This same task performed by service dogs for its calming benefit for
children and adults who are autistic and prone to panic attacks has become
known as “deep pressure therapy” in the assistance dog field. One way it is performed is to have a medium
size dog lie atop someone who is lying on their back on a floor, bed or sofa,
forepaws over the shoulders of the partner.
A large dog could be too heavy in that position; also some dogs dislike
it. A second way is have the partner sit
up in a recliner chair, with the large dog approaching from the side so when he
does a “Lap Up” on command, standing on his hind legs, he will be draping most
of his body weight across the partner’s abdomen, lying partly on his side,
leaning his shoulder into the partner’s torso, his forelegs on the other side
of the partner’s lap. Once trained to
quietly hold that position for up to five minutes, this same task can be
adapted to just about any chair, couch or bench seat his partner sits on. A dog should be given a rest break for at
least a minute, back on all four paws, before repeating this task on his hind
legs. Similarly, the weight and warmth
of a medium to large size dog lying across the partner’s lap, applying pressure
to that person’s stomach and chest, may be utilized in a vehicle’s front seat,
on the ground or in another location that supports the dog’s entire body in the
Down position, for as long as needed during a panic attack.
•
Dog is
trained to provide deep pressure therapy during a panic attack. Precise behavior at such a time may be
dictated by dog’s size, preference and partner’s location. Dog must be trained to promptly get Off the
person on command.
Crowd Control, Panic Prevention In Public
A number of individuals disabled by PTSD and other
psychiatric conditions report one of their difficulties in maintaining
employment is the claustrophobic reaction they suffer when a colleague, boss,
or customer comes too close to them. The
revulsion they experience is not limited to the workplace of course. Avoiding situations where closeness may take
place will lead to someone becoming increasingly homebound. Through teamwork with a service dog, some of
these individuals have regained the ability to do their own shopping and to
ride on public transportation. Such
teamwork may also enable them to cope better with the risk of close contact in
the workplace or at a Little League game, the polls on Election Day and other
places which may draw a crowd, helping the partner to lead a much more normal
life.
∙ Dog
is first trained on how to brace himself on a Stand Stay so that he cannot be
jostled out of position. Technique was developed
by service dog trainers to protect patients with Reflex Sympathy Dystrophy from
accidental bumps that can trigger an excruciatingly painful RSD flare-up. Same task can prevent or reduce panic by
creating enough distance for a situation to become tolerable. A large sturdy dog is schooled to move into
Position (front, behind, left or right side) and to brace for possible impact
with an innocuous command, such as “Stay Close.” Dog holds his ground, preventing people from
making body contact with his partner while in line or on a bus, elevator or in
the same room etc. Enhance the
effectiveness of this strategy by asking a person to step back, using dog’s
alleged fear of having his paws stepped on as a plausible reason for making
such a request.
∙
Dog is trained to repeatedly circle the partner to keep people at a
comfortable distance. Short term strategy for backing people off.
•
Dog of any size
can be schooled to move fast into requested Position, usually in front of or
behind the partner and perform a quick Down Stay. Must learn to drop with his back to the
person approaching or persons in line.
Should lie flat on his side or at least on one hip, to maximize the
distance between the partner and nearest person. If worried a small dog might be stepped,
have him do a Stand-Stay instead, with the tail end nearest to the person to be
kept at bay so as to maximize the distance this achieves.
Arouse From Fear Paralysis or Disassociation Spell
In Parkinson’s, where the person freezes and is unable
move, the dog is schooled to assist the individual by making physical contact,
such as lightly tapping the person’s shoe with his paw. This apparently is
sufficient to break the spell, allowing the individual to resume movement. Reportedly, similar behavior - physical
stimulation through pawing or nose nudging, - can rouse someone from a
disassociation state, at least sufficiently to make the person aware of his/her
plight, thus providing a chance to focus and fight the symptoms. This may also be effective in fear paralysis, another symptom of PTSD. Transforming it from an accidental
spontaneous behavior into a reliable skill will require months of diligent
schooling and practice. (Training
Note: Simulate the trance state, then use click & treat or “Yes!” &
treat to teach the dog the desired response, perhaps hiring a professional dog
trainer to shape and reinforce the behavior.
If there are frequent practice sessions in a variety of settings, this
training may enable the dog to perform this valuable task whenever the freezing
behavior, fear paralysis or disassociation occurs in real life. Alternatively, teach it as a hearing dog
alert to a wristwatch alarm.) Those who lose awareness of the dog and their
surroundings when disassociating should consider using a Waist Leash or type
with a wrist band that can be velcroed to one’s wrist so the dog won’t wander
off if you drop the leash when you disassociate outside your home.
∙ Dog is trained to nudge handler during freezing behavior to rouse handler from a disassociative state or fear paralysis.
•
Dog is trained
to respond with nudging and/or pawing whenever he hears the beeping from a
wristwatch with an alarm clock function, which his partner can set to go off as
frequently as desired, so the dog can arouse the seated or ambulating partner
from a disassociative episode at home or in public. If fully alert, the partner can just reset
the alarm before the alarm due to go off, unless he chooses to give the dog a
practice session. Could be useful for
someone with appointments or classes to get to or other responsibilities, if he
or she is responsive to a service dog nudging or pawing when disassociating.
IV. SECURITY ENHANCEMENT TASKS
Not every person who becomes the victim of assault
develops a psychiatric disorder with symptoms severe enough to qualify them as
disabled under the Americans with Disabilities Act. But those who do become disabled by Post
Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) experience the world as an extremely dangerous
place. This psychological injury can be
just as disabling as an injury which causes a loss of vision or hearing. It amputates the sense of safety or security
that most people take for granted. The
tasks in this section offer the human partner some innovative coping
strategies. Teamwork with a service dog
can empower the victim to win back a measure of independence and to resist
incorrect and unrealistic responses. For
the traumatized handler, a service dog who masters these tasks will be an
invaluable ally.
Coping with Fear of Hidden Intruders in the Home
Assault
victims who develop post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may find it extremely
difficult to live alone or to spend time in the house when other household
members are not at home for fear of being attacked again. Others are afraid to leave the house for fear
of returning to discover there is a hidden intruder. A state of mind known as hyper vigilance,
in which all senses are straining to detect where the next attack is coming
from, is common to victims of assault who develop PTSD. It can impair the ability to function in a
home or public setting. In addition, some of the tasks suggested here may help
patients with sleep disturbances such as night terrors to cope better with the
fear they experience.
Provide a Reality Check - Who’s There?
PTSD hyper vigilance, hypnagogic hallucinations,
flashbacks, nightmares, night terror or extreme sleep deprivation from
Depression lead to distorted reality perceptions. One isn’t always sure whether the voices in
the other room or a certain noise is real or is part of the psychiatric disability. It can be tremendously reassuring if the
service dog is trained to alert to anything unusual in the real
environment. It is essential to hold
practice sessions where by pre-arrangement, a friend approaches the house
during the session or sneaks in quietly so he or she is standing in the next
room when the dog is asked “Who’s there?”
Knowing how the dog behaves when there is a real cause for alarm can aid
in interpreting his reaction at a later date, helping the partner decide
whether to flee or relax
∙ Ask the service dog, “Who’s There?” in
excited tone of voice. The tone of voice
and body language will encourage the dog to listen and to alert if need
be. If nothing is there, the dog’s
initial interest will wane. He will
relax and wander off to do something else.
∙ To reduce fear an intruder may have
entered the premises while the partner was out of the house, this “Who’s
There?” teamwork can also be utilized when returning home, upon entering the
house. It can be immensely reassuring if
the dog’s body language indicates there are no unexpected visitors.
Strategies With a Portable Phone
The dog can be trained to bring a portable phone
designated “for emergencies only” to any room in the house. While there are other reasons why this task
could be a valuable one, in this particular case, the task could empower the
handler to investigate a suspicious noise to hopefully lay her fears to rest,
rather than flee the premises. The
handler could keep a finger on the button pre programmed to dial 911 as a
precaution. The handler also has the
option of calling a friend and keeping the person on the line while checking
out the premises. If returning home from
an outing, the handler could have the dog enter the home and bring the portable
phone to the front or back porch. It
could even be delivered to the car if the dog utilizes a special doggy door
with a lock keyed to an electronic key device on the dog’s collar, if partner
does not feel it would be safe to open the door for the dog or approach the
porch or deck. This task could mitigate
the handler’s overpowering fear of going into the house after work or running
errands and prevent the partner from becoming housebound.
∙ Dog trained to retrieve a portable
phone and deliver it to any room in the house so partner can investigate a
suspicious noise, with friend on the line or 911 available.
∙ Dog can be trained to enter the home through a doggy door or another entrance, to fetch the phone and deliver it to the partner who is waiting outside or in car to use it.
Call for Help in Advance
Having a friend listen via speaker phone to everything
that goes on in the house from the moment the handler enters the premises gives
extra insurance that police will soon be on their way if it turns out the
handler’s fear of a hidden intruder was justified. The dog can be sent to depress the three inch
wide white button that dials a pre programmed number on the K-9 Rescue Phone
before the handler steps foot in the house.
Also a service dog could be sent in the middle of the night to operate
the device before the handler leaves the bedroom. If a sympathetic support system is available,
this option can help the handler resist calling the police every time he or she
hears a strange noise or experiences a feeling of dread upon returning
home. The K-9 Rescue phone remains
functional in a power failure as it is equipped with a 21 day battery.
∙ Dog trained to go to the location of
the K-9 Rescue phone and push the large button to dial 911 or another pre-set
number BEFORE partner enters the home.
If anything dreadful occurs when the partner goes inside, it will be
heard by the 911 operator or a friend over the speaker-phone, so help can be
sent fast.
∙ Same task, but performed from a different location, requiring the dog to be trained to habitually follow a specific route from the bedroom or other designated rooms to the place where the K-9 Rescue Phone is waiting for the dog to operate it.
Lighting up Dark Rooms
A service dog can be trained to precede the handler
into rooms, hallways or the basement, turning on lamps or overhead lights to
reduce the partner’s fear of a lurking intruder, when a strange noise or some
other stimulus necessitates inspection of the home before the partner can
resume daily life activities or go back to sleep. A floor pedal device, a touch lamp device for
lamps with a metal base or inexpensive wireless lights to illuminate dark areas
if a dog nudges them are some of the clever options available if worried about
wall scratches from the dog pawing conventional light switches. A touch pad made for the severely disabled
could control up to six lights at once throughout the house and be operated by
a service dog.
When the team arrives home after dark, the service
dog’s ability to operate a touch lamp or other devices can be put to good use
to mitigate the partner’s fear of returning home to a hidden intruder. The dog can be trained to enter a dark
residence by himself to switch on one or more lamps. Not only is the light itself beneficial, the
dog’s behavior during the performance of the task will provide reality based
feedback to aid the handler in the decision of whether or not to risk entering
the house. If somebody did happen to be
inside, chances are very high the dog will skip the task or rush off to
investigate the new scent as soon as he performs the task. This teamwork approach is an option for a
victim of assault that is arguably superior to relying on a timer to turn on
the lights when the sun goes down.
∙ Dog must learn to operate light
switches and/or other devices like a floor pedal device or touch lamps. Then the dog is schooled to precede handler
into each room turning on lights one by one to reduce partner’s fear of a
lurking intruder.
∙ Dog is trained to enter a dark home or
apartment by himself to switch on lamp(s) to reduce the partner’s fear of
entering the premises.
Assist with Escape Strategies - Open Front Door
One option to increase safety before responding to
suspicious sounds is to routinely send the dog to open the front door on
command, if there is a storm door to prevent him from running off. The dog’s behavior during this task will
serve as “a reality check,” helping the partner to discern if anyone is waiting
down the hall or in another room. The
partner can then escape using another route if there is a real reason to do so.
(Training Note: start at front door, move back to room(s) only 5 ft. per
week to build up confidence before adding more distance, to ingrain a route
from the door to each room. This is how to achieve reliability on any “place
command.”) If fear drove partner to exit
without sending the dog to front door, the dog can be trained to assist the
partner to get back inside.
∙ The dog is trained to open the front
door by tugging on a strap attached to a lever handle installed on the interior
side of the Front Door. Secondly, the
dog must learn to go from the bedroom and /or other rooms all the way to the
front door to perform the task on command, at any time of day or night.
∙ The dog could be trained to open a
locked door from the inside on command by tugging on a strap attached to a lever
handle. This could enable his partner
who exited by a window or another route, to get back inside without needing to
wake up a sleeping family member or call a locksmith.
Fear Management In Public
These tasks for working with a service dog in public
settings gives a victim of assault new coping strategies that could go a long
way to mitigating the disabling fear experienced as a consequence of the
trauma. At the same time, if utilized
correctly, none of these tasks will spoil a service dog’s gentle trusting
nature.
Reducing Hyper-vigilance Through Teamwork
Victims of assault who develop disabling PTSD report
success in coping with their highly fearful state of mind, called hyper
vigilance, through teamwork with a service dog.
The dog selected should have a laid back, amiable, very confident
temperament. The dog must be well
socialized so he can handle the challenges of public access work in a calm
manner. He must be trained to remain
obedient and unobtrusive even if the handler reacts with extreme terror to
various stimuli, seeing potential threats where none exist. By remaining calm in such situations, the
service dog’s relaxed confident demeanor serves as a reality check for one
whose perception of danger can no longer be trusted. This enables hyper vigilant individuals to
more accurately assess the situation and to make reality informed decisions
about what to do. Like guide dog and
hearing dog handlers who rely on their dogs’ body language to enhance their
ability to safely navigate their environment, individuals with PTSD report
impressive gains in their ability to function outside the home, relying on
their dog’s training and body language to compensate for the mental impairment
they must contend with. Dog may also be
taught to do a “Who’s There?” reality check on command before entering a
parking lot or other feared locations.
(NOTE: When the approach of a jogger or some other
innocent bystander triggers the handler’s hyper vigilant fear she is in mortal
danger, the last thing in the world that is needed is a fiercely protective
guard dog who due to instinct or training leaps to the handler’s defense with a
frightening display of aggressive behavior.
Such a reaction won’t mitigate the disability by decreasing the victim’s
hyper vigilant state of mind. Rather it
forces the handler to become much more vigilant, knowing this dog is capable of
hurting any human whom he perceives to be a threat to the team. Trying to deal with the dog’s hyper vigilance
as well as your own will be counter productive and exhausting. Furthermore, aggressive acting dogs do not
qualify for access as legitimate service animals. Much more could be said on the subject, but
suffice it to say, this would be a misguided and dangerous approach to helping
assault victims cope with psychiatric disorders like PTSD.)
Keep Suspicious Strangers Away
A dog is
a much better crime deterrent than burglar alarms, extra locks and security
lighting according to police statistics.
Those who wish to enhance the psychological deterrent effect should
consider the dog’s size, color and breed appearance in making a selection. Studies have revealed people are much more
afraid of black dogs than light colored ones.
By way of example, a large black Labrador Retriever will have the same
gentle temperament but look twice as formidable as a yellow Labrador
Retriever. A Great Dane is going to be
more of a deterrent than a toy poodle.
This segment describes four tasks which could
assist a handler to keep suspicious strangers at bay. However, the tasks are only meant to create
an illusion. The dog must be rigorously
schooled NOT to be protective in these situations even if partner acts
fearful. A service dog should only perform
these tasks to please his handler and/or earn a treat.
Actual
protection training /attack training is ethically prohibited for legitimate
service dogs. A service dog should never
be allowed to bark AT strangers in public. The following tasks will provide
much safer and much more useful kinds of behavior in the long run than having
an over protective dog. These tasks
offer a non-violent alternative to carrying a weapon for someone coping with
the fear of another assault. Useful as a
bluff strategy for other kinds of assistance dogs too. Won’t ruin the underlying good natured tolerance
for strangers that is the appropriate temperament every assistance dog should
exhibit and be tested for prior to any training.
(Note: Please do not publicize the fact that some
assistance dog handlers may teach their dogs bluff tasks for this could have a
detrimental impact on the safety of a team.
However, it would be honest and acceptable to say to a reporter or
write: “Service dogs can be schooled to perform tasks that enhance the safety of
their disabled owners.”
Realize that it is never acceptable to alarm the public, arousing fear
of assistance dogs when addressing this topic in a public forum. This is a very thin line that must be walked
with great sensitivity.)
∙ Dog is trained to obey the bluff command
“Cover Me.” Dog learns to jump up and
turn around, standing next to his partner, facing backwards. (It is a Stand-stay obedience exercise with a
dog facing in a different direction than usual.
A mugger may receive the impression the dog is watching for trouble.)
∙ May also train a dog to turn his head
from side to side, while facing people behind you. Taught by using click &
treat or verbal “Yes” & treat, rewarding him whenever he turns head to the
left. Use the bluff command: “Watch My Back”. Psychologically, with a large dog, it’s a
crime deterrent, while partner operates an ATM machine or while quickly
unlocking a car or an office door. Dog
does not actually do anything more than hold a Stand-stay position, while giving
the impression that he is visually scanning the area for possible trouble. After the dog turns his head from side to
side, four to six times in a row, reward him, then ask him to repeat it.
∙ Dog rises from a Down-stay position to
assume a Stand-stay position next to or in front of his disabled partner. What changes this from a routine obedience
exercise to an effective illusion is teaching the dog to spring up quickly when
the handler uses a bluff command such as, “On Guard!” To heighten the illusion, the handler should
grip the dog’s collar as if the dog needs to be restrained from charging
forward.
∙ Dog is taught to “Bark for Help,” on
command, or when you snap your fingers, to earn a treat. This vocalizing attracts attention to the
team, scaring off a mugger or some other predator, for the last thing a
criminal wants is the public’s attention focused on his activities. Teaching the dog to bark enthusiastically,
instead of falling silent in eager anticipation of his treat after only two or
three barks requires several months of schooling in the home, vehicle and a
variety of other locations, before it will be a dependable task.
Increase Safety in Public, at ATM with Equipment &
Teamwork
Criminals are not certain how a service dog might
react if a stranger tries to steal something out of his backpacks, something
that can work to the team’s advantage.
Many mobility impaired handlers put their wallet, other valuables and ID
in a service dog’s backpacks for safe keeping, as there has not been a case of
a service dog being mugged since their inception over a quarter century
ago. While having the dog wear backpacks
is not considered a task, per se, it could allow victims of assault and others with
a psychiatric disability to substantially reduce their vulnerability as a
potential target for purse snatchers, pickpockets and muggers. If the individual has flashbacks,
disassociative episodes or becomes disorientated, the backpacks may prevent others
from taking advantage of the individual at such times. Ethical guidelines puts the amount of weight
a dog can carry at 15% of the dog’s total body weight. The 15% includes the
weight of the harness with empty backpacks, about 2 to 4 pounds, depending on
its design. By working together at an
ATM and check out stands, a handler with a large service dog can minimize any
appearance of vulnerability and conceal the amount of cash he or she is
carrying, reducing the stress associated with performing this high anxiety
chore for a victim of assault.
∙ Dog trained to work cooperatively
with the handler at an ATM machine, by obediently doing a “Paws up” and “Stay,”
to allow the card and checks to be removed from backpack or to permit the cash
dispensed by an ATM to be discretely returned to the backpack. It enables a handler to remain in an upright
position, blocking ATM’s screen from view,
rather than making self much more vulnerable to a mugging by bending
down to fumble with the backpack zipper or velcro tabs. DISCLAIMER: Please
understand this is NOT a task that will legally “count” as a trained task
acceptable in a court of law as proof the dog meets the legal definition of a
service animal. It is simply an optional
extra, a “bonus aid,” which any dog lover, disabled or non disabled, may
enjoy. Such items could be carried in a
purse or fanny pack, so it is a matter of personal choice
Author: Joan Froling; Copyright on original Task List February 1, 1998
Copyrighted this updated version on July 30, 2009
Contact author for reprint permission. www.sterlingservicedogs.org May not be published or reproduced in part or in its entirety without reprint permission.