Therapy & PTSD Service Dogs

Service Dogs for those who need them

We cannot begin to imagine the tough time you may be having in life. However, we do understand what depression, stress and anxiety can do to those who currently suffer from those very tough situations. Obviously you are here because you have heard about the amazing abilities dogs possess to assist those that may be in that very dark place in their lives. Many will visit this web page and leave without ever having contacted us about these special types of working dog, due to the fact they believe they are unable to obtain such dog, due to cost. But you need to know … Yes, therapy & PTSD service dogs can be very expensive, but there are many ways of obtaining the dog you need, to assist you during the tough times in your life.

Not only are there certain organizations out there that will assist you with financing a therapy service dogs or PTSD service dog, but there are also different free fund raising systems out there, that Dayton Dog Trainer can assist you with setting up. In many cases, your insurance will cover the cost of obtaining a therapy service dog or PTSD therapy dog. Speak with your doctor about a service dog, to see if it may be the right avenue for you. Dayton Dog Trainer will assist you in anyway we can, to obtain the dog your needing.

Not Just for Veterans

Service Dogs for Civilians

The United States has a huge amount of American Hero’s returning home from the theater of war in the middle east. Unfortunately … some of these great patriots are suffering from the types of wounds, that are unseen by the human eye. Many suffer from something called PTSD or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, which in many situations, is worse than many physical wounds. Suicide is becoming the solution to these American Heroes, at an alarming rate. An average of 22 American Soldiers, Sailors and Marines will take their own life, on a daily basis.

But, there are also those at home, that suffer from some of these same God awful stresses, anxieties and depressions. We have not forgotten about you … so if you find yourself attempting to obtain a therapy dog or trained service dog for PTSD, don’t hesitate to contact Dayton Dog Trainer. We will do the same for you, as our veterans, in assisting you with obtaining a therapy service dog or PTSD service dog.

It’s natural to be afraid when you’re in danger. It’s natural to be upset when something bad happens to you or someone you know. But if you feel afraid and upset weeks or months later, it’s time to talk with your doctor. You might have post-traumatic stress disorder.

Our Process and Cost

How Much does a Service Dog Cost?

DDT would first need to meet with the person requiring a PTSD Service Dog. Once we have met and discussed your needs, we would provide you with the options we are able to offer you. Once you have decided to purchase a service dog from DDT, we would first need you to submit an application. Once you have submitted your application, the payment for your service dog would be required for DDT to move forward with providing you with a service dog. Once payment has been made, we would begin the process of obtaining the right dog for you. Once found, DDT would begin the training process for the dog. Once the dog has completed its training, we would then provide handler training for the owner. Our process is simple and easy, as we understand you have more important things in life that need your attention and time.

Cost: $25,000.00 – This includes the dog, the training for the dog, the handler training for the owner, all equipment including leashes, home crate, vehicle crate, bowls, service vest, service patches, harness, first vet visit, x-rays and any import fees. All dogs will come with x-rays as well as import papers if applicable.

We do not currently accept any insurance. All fees must be paid out of pocket.

Wait Time – At this time, there is no wait time for beginning the process of obtaining your service dog. On average, it will take 3 to 6 months for your dog to complete the training program and meet all requirements for service work. All dogs are custom trained to fit your needs.

What is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder - PTSD?

PTSD is a real illness. You can obtain PTSD or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after living through or seeing a shock and awe event, such as a war, a frightening storm, a horrible accident, or a tragic loss of a loved one. PTSD makes you feel anxious, stressed and afraid after the danger is gone. It affects your life in many ways as well as the people around you.

Should you suffer from PTSD, you can obtain treatment to assist you in feeling better.

 

Facts about PTSD

  • PTSD can affect anyone at any age at any time.
  • Millions of people around the world get PTSD every year.
  • Many of our war veterans have had or still suffer from PTSD.
  • Statistically, women tend to get PTSD more often than men.
  • PTSD is treatable and you can get rid of it.

 

Who can get PTSD?

Anyone, at any age can obtain PTSD, even children.

You don’t have to be physically injured to get PTSD. A person can get PTSD after a tragic event, such as losing a loved one or seeing a friend or family member get hurt.

 

What causes PTSD?

Witnessing someone get hurt or killed as well as seeing something that’s truly upsetting and dangerous can cause post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

This can include:

  • The death or serious illness of a friend or family member … even someone you don’t know.
  • War or combat, as many of our Soldiers, Marines and Sailors are returning home with PTSD.
  • Any type of tragic accident, such as a car accident or plane crash.
  • Natural events, such as a hurricane, tornado or fire.
  • Violent crimes, such as a robbery or shooting as well as terrorism.

Tragic events affect different people in different ways. Something that may cause one person to  be scared or afraid, may not bother another. If you feel depressed, anxious, scared or afraid on a daily basis … contact your doctor immediately.

 

When does PTSD start?

Every person is different. PTSD will start at different times for different people. Signs or behaviors of PTSD may start soon after a stressful or frightening event and continue for any length of time. It is known that PTSD can start months, even years after a tragic event or stressful situation.

 

Do I have PTSD?

Your doctor can help you understand your situation. If you suffer from any of these problems for at least a month, contact your medical care provider to speak with them about your situation:

  • Nightmares or bad dreams
  • Flashbacks … Feeling like the stressful event is happening over and over again
  • Scary or stressful thoughts that seem to be uncontrollable
  • If you tend to stay away from places and things that remind you of that stressful or tragic event
  • If you have a constant worry or feel guilty or sad about a certain or tragic situation
  • Changes in your sleeping pattern … sleeping way too much or not getting much sleep at all
  • Always on edge or nervous
  • Frequent angry outbursts or fighting with loved ones over little things or things that don’t matter much
  • Feelings of suicide or the thoughts of hurting yourself or others
  • Feeling as if no one understands … as if you are alone

 

Children that suffer from PTSD

When it comes to children who suffer from PTSD, they may show other types of behaviors, which can include:

  • Reverting back to behaviors from when they were younger
  • Not wanting to talk or unable to talk
  • Complaining of stomach problems or headaches a lot
  • Not wanting to associate with others their age or refusing to go places or play with friends.

 

How can I get rid of PTSD?

PTSD is treatable. A physician or mental health professional with experience in treating people with PTSD can help you. There are a few different methods of ridding yourself of PTSD, which include talking with you, different types of medication, and/or both.

Treatment can take weeks, months, even years. Everyone is different and will heal at their own pace and is not the same for everyone. What works for one person, might not work for another.

Resorting to alcohol or the use of other drugs will not help cure PTSD, in fact … it may make your situation worse. Even if you find a drug that takes away the pain, it is only a band-aid which only covers up the issue, rather than getting rid of it.

Thinking About Hurting Yourself or Others?

Suicide Prevention

If you are thinking of hurting yourself … Please contact someone and let them know. You need to know, you are not alone. Remember this … Suicide is a permanent solution, to a temporary situation, even when things seem hopeless and even when you feel like those feelings will never end.

  • Call a friend or family member
  • Talk to someone you don’t know that well … sometimes it is easier to talk to someone you don’t know very well.
  • Call and speak with your doctor.
  • Call 911 if you need help right now.
  • Call Dayton Dog Trainer … we are not professional counselors, but we will listen for as long as you need!
  • Talk to a trained counselor at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255); TTY: 1-800-799-4TTY (4889).
  • Do something other than hurting yourself … remember … there are many people who care for you and you will not only be hurting yourself … you will be hurting them as well.

 

 

Types of Service Dogs Offered by DDT

  • PTSD Service Dogs
  • TBI Service Dogs
  • Emotional Support
  • Psychiatric Service and Support Dogs – Custom Trained to Handlers Needs