15 Oct THE PAWFECT VALUE OF DOGS…recognised!
We are proud to be part of a scheme that will provide assistance dogs to veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). With Smart Pups Assistance Dogs being one of only two certified assistance dog programs selected to work with the veteran community.
Specially trained assistance dogs will now be used to help military veterans experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Military veterans experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) will be able to access specially trained assistance dogs under a new program announced today by Minister for Veterans and Defence Personnel Darren Chester.
See MEDIA RELEASE:
Unlike pet or companion dogs, assistance dogs are specially trained to perform tasks that help their handler to achieve their clinical recovery goals. They are trained to meet the veteran’s needs, and veterans will be trained as a handler.
Psychiatric assistance dogs can detect signs of distress in their handler and perform specific tasks to help ease those symptoms. For example, waking their handler experiencing a night terror, or nuzzling their handler to distract them from emotionally disabling symptoms.
Veterans currently seeking treatment for PTSD are encouraged to speak to their mental health professional in regards to gaining access to an assistance dog, or for more information visit here:
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