German Shepherd Dog Forums - View Single Post - Psychiatric Service Dog Questions-warning long

Capone22 · 03-10-2013, 01:27 PM

I am just starting some research on PSDs. This is a bit embarrassing to just put it all out there, but I don't know who else to ask these questions, so here goes =) I have been diagnosed and have been on many different medications for about 10 years now, for generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, agoraphobia and depression. I could have PTSD in my records as well, not sure. I don't want to be on medication anymore, I have been in the process of weaning off for the past few months. I think a PSD would highly benefit me. I am considering training Rogue (my 8 month old GSD I have now) if she passes an evaluation. I think for PSD the most important qualification would be solid nerves. An anxious dog would NOT be good

So my questions are:
1. Can I have her as a PSD and also let her be involved in French Ring?

2. She has issues with certain surfaces. Shiny slippery or high ones. Although its something we work on and she over comes it easily. She hasn't generalized it yet though, its just over come with that specific place/floor/ or high object. For example, when she was a pup and it had rained the tile in our entry way must have been wet and she slipped running to go outside. She started avoiding it. So I put food on it every so often, and even fed her dinner there one night. and that was it, she was over it. Has no problems with it now. But it does come up occasionally at other places. First time I took her to Lowes, same thing she didn't like the slippery floor. She started walking all low and claws out. I just continued to walk her around. She got over it in a couple minutes and walked normally. That is the only downfall I can see with her so far. Otherwise she's very stable, loves to work, likes people but is more aloof the older she gets. Loves kids, easy to train etc.

3. When trained for anxiety and panic attacks, do the dogs actually recognize the panic attack or does the handler give them a command?

4.Where do I go/who do I contact for an evaluation of her? and for future training?

To give you an idea of what I would like out of a PSD here is a list I have come up with so far,

*accompany me places, especially crowded places. I can get very overwhelmed and anxious in crowds.

*I have fainted/passed out before from a panic attack. which is one of my biggest fears because I have children. I would like her to be trained to try and wake me up if that happens, ie: licking/barking/pawing at me. If at home I would like her to be able to call 911 if it happens, because my kids could be in danger if she could not get me to wake up quickly.

*When I start getting anxious, distract me to try and snap me out of it or stop it from progressing.

The biggest for me in the passing out/fainting from panic attacks. It is rare, but has happened. So that is the most important.

If you have made it this far, thank you! looking forward to the replies and advice!!

03-10-2013, 01:27 PM	#1 (permalink)
Capone22 Master Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Southern California Posts: 935	Psychiatric Service Dog Questions-warning long I am just starting some research on PSDs. This is a bit embarrassing to just put it all out there, but I don't know who else to ask these questions, so here goes =) I have been diagnosed and have been on many different medications for about 10 years now, for generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, agoraphobia and depression. I could have PTSD in my records as well, not sure. I don't want to be on medication anymore, I have been in the process of weaning off for the past few months. I think a PSD would highly benefit me. I am considering training Rogue (my 8 month old GSD I have now) if she passes an evaluation. I think for PSD the most important qualification would be solid nerves. An anxious dog would NOT be good So my questions are: 1. Can I have her as a PSD and also let her be involved in French Ring? 2. She has issues with certain surfaces. Shiny slippery or high ones. Although its something we work on and she over comes it easily. She hasn't generalized it yet though, its just over come with that specific place/floor/ or high object. For example, when she was a pup and it had rained the tile in our entry way must have been wet and she slipped running to go outside. She started avoiding it. So I put food on it every so often, and even fed her dinner there one night. and that was it, she was over it. Has no problems with it now. But it does come up occasionally at other places. First time I took her to Lowes, same thing she didn't like the slippery floor. She started walking all low and claws out. I just continued to walk her around. She got over it in a couple minutes and walked normally. That is the only downfall I can see with her so far. Otherwise she's very stable, loves to work, likes people but is more aloof the older she gets. Loves kids, easy to train etc. 3. When trained for anxiety and panic attacks, do the dogs actually recognize the panic attack or does the handler give them a command? 4.Where do I go/who do I contact for an evaluation of her? and for future training? To give you an idea of what I would like out of a PSD here is a list I have come up with so far, accompany me places, especially crowded places. I can get very overwhelmed and anxious in crowds. I have fainted/passed out before from a panic attack. which is one of my biggest fears because I have children. I would like her to be trained to try and wake me up if that happens, ie: licking/barking/pawing at me. If at home I would like her to be able to call 911 if it happens, because my kids could be in danger if she could not get me to wake up quickly. *When I start getting anxious, distract me to try and snap me out of it or stop it from progressing. The biggest for me in the passing out/fainting from panic attacks. It is rare, but has happened. So that is the most important. If you have made it this far, thank you! looking forward to the replies and advice!!