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A Psychiatric/PTSD service animal will be able to go anywhere with their handler and assist them in times of high anxiety and stress. A service dog will provide emotional support, reintegration into society, reduce depression, reduce the frequency and severity of flashbacks, anchor handler to the present, and reduce suicidal ideation.
Individuals with PTSD often feel unsafe and unsure of reality, especially in public settings. Service dogs for PTSD can help ground their handler to reality, prevent people from crowding or rushing up to them and provide the emotional support needed to de-escalate anxieties. They can be trained to recognize the signs of a panic attack, wake individuals experiencing night terrors and regulate emotional responses through pressure.
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Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite Northern Central New Jersey location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
Psychiatric / PTSD Support Dog
12 One-on-One & Lifetime Group Sessions
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A Psychiatric/PTSD service dog will be able to go anywhere with their handler and assist them in times of high stress and provide a sense of security. A service dog will provide emotional support, reintegration into society, reduce depression, help cope with anxiety, reduce the frequency and severity of flashbacks, anchor handler to the present, and reduce suicidal ideation. Psychiatric service dogs will learn basic obedience and advanced tasks that are customizable, such as:
- Grounding
- Deep Pressure Therapy
- Panic Response
- Create a Physical Buffer
- Interrupt Repetitive Behaviors
Benefits of Psychiatric/PTSD Service Dog Training:
- Increase activity and integration into society: Dogs are active and need to be exercised regularly, the responsibility of caring for a service animal will force their handler to get out and exercise. A routine is established and ties to the future are forged again.
- Create a sense of safety: Public settings and crowds are an enormous trigger for most individuals suffering from PTSD. Psychiatric service dogs are trained to create a physical barrier between their handler and crowds of people.
- Ground in reality, redirect hyper-vigilance: Hyper-vigilance is a symptom of PTSD and creates constant tension and paranoia within sufferers. Service dogs are trained to recognize their handler’s warning signs for anxiety, hyper-vigilance, and panic attacks and redirect that energy into positive coping skills and grounding techniques such as petting the dog.
- Reduce nightmares and flashbacks: One of the most emotionally challenging situations for individuals with PTSD to deal with are flashbacks and nightmares. They can transport an individual back to a terrifying time in their life where they have felt unsafe, threatened, and traumatized. A PTSD service animal is trained to bring their handler back to reality quickly and calmly, ground the individual, and help them to feel safe in their environment again.
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Our Balanced Theory
We base our training around the "Classical Conditioning" model (a.k.a. "Pavlovian" or "respondent conditioning"). This includes developing conditioned or automatic reflexes to commands. In its simplest form (after proper conditioning), when the owner says "sit," the dog automatically sits without thinking about it. Our unique techniques ensure our program is a success no matter what behavior we encounter.
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Empowering Owners
We empower Owners to train so their dog knows who to obey at all times. -
Personalized
We deal with problem behaviors on a personal basis. -
Environment Specific
We train wherever issues tend to arise (i.e. jogging, park, home).
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Supportive
We support Owners in the off-hours (when training is "not in session"). -
Involved
We work with all members of the household. -
Simplified & Customized
We plan training around the owner's schedule and require only 20 min/day follow-up practice.
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Continued Training
Additional programs / group sessions offered after in-home training. -
Lifetime Investment
We follow up & are invested in the owner's success long-term. -
Satisfaction Ratings
Our high client satisfaction rating sets us apart from competitors.
clas·si·cal con·di·tion·ing
PSYCHOLOGY
noun
A learning process that occurs when two stimuli are repeatedly paired; a response that is at first elicited by the second stimulus and is eventually elicited by the first stimulus alone.
We help your dog become a valued companion and beloved member of the family. Read what our customers have to say and then give us a call!
The transformation in our dog's behavior after completing Dog Training Elite's program has been incredible. In just two short months, we've noticed a remarkable improvement without compromising his playful spirit. Kim and Marcus were exceptional trainers—always responsive, punctual, and warm with both us and our dog. If you're struggling with your dog's behavior, don't wait—sign up for this course today! A huge thank you to everyone at Dog Training Elite for truly making a difference in our lives!— Matthew Williams
Posted September 10th 2024
The transformation in our dog's behavior after completing Dog Training Elite's program has been incredible. In just two short months, we've noticed a remarkable improvement without compromising his playful spirit. Kim and Marcus were exceptional trainers—always responsive, punctual, and warm with both us and our dog. If you're struggling with your dog's behavior, don't wait—sign up for this course today! A huge thank you to everyone at Dog Training Elite for truly making a difference in our lives!— Matt
Posted September 10th 2024
I cannot speak highly enough of my experience with the Dog Training Elite Northern Central NJ team! Trainers Kim and Marcus have made training such a fun and engaging experience for service dog, Layla, a 1.5 yo Cattle Dog mix — their passion and dedication in setting Layla up for success shines in every session we have. My bond with Layla has strengthened significantly and I’m so thrilled with how far we’ve come! Their expert knowledge, and enthusiasm for helping dogs while having a great time in the process is truly commendable. Thank you for your hard work and commitment in guiding Layla towards her fullest potential!— Carly Raphan
Posted August 7th 2024
Marcus with Dog Training Elite absolutely exceeded our expectations! He went above and beyond for us during our training and was always just a text message away if we had questions. He was professional, knowledgeable and so caring when it came to our pup! My dog is now so well mannered and understands all commands. I would recommend DTE to anyone!— Elizabeth Dzuro
Posted August 7th 2024
From the first training session I knew it was the right fit. Kim, our trainer, has been just what our black Lab Zoey needed. She has had great insight and really vested in our Zoey. When I say Zoey has come along way she has achieved the ability to know the commands, has had leash training and after just two sessions been able to heel and walk along grass and not be distracted like most 7 month old Labs are. She has introduced her to another dog which was her first socializing with others since she left her Mom and siblings. If you’re in need of a puppy to be trained look no further you have come to the right training program. Definitely 5 stars!!— Renee Auerbacher
Posted June 5th 2024