Best Service Dog Breeds for Vets
For many brave veterans, the return home after service is simply the beginning of another tough battle. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, more commonly referred to as PTSD, is a clinically diagnosed psychiatric disorder that occurs following the experience of life-threatening events. The brain exists in an almost continuous state of fight or flight, unable to cope with trauma. Those living with PTSD experience flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable intrusive thoughts.
Fortunately, trained service dogs can help their owner handle some of these symptoms. Service dogs reduce stress and anxiety, mitigate depression, and ease social integration. Their unique services help restore confidence and independence in veterans living with PTSD. The decision to work with a PTSD service dog can be a transformational event, extending into all areas of a veteran’s life.
Top Traits to Look for in Service Dogs
The transition back to civilian life is often difficult for veterans, and the companionship of a service dog is life-changing for veterans facing an uncertain future.
Service dogs provide very specific assistance to meet their owners’ needs. They can initiate tactile interventions during periods of sensory overload. Those living with PTSD may also experience dissociative episodes. Should this happen, service dogs can lead owners safely to an exit and guide them home.
Service dogs provide more than much-needed physical assistance. PTSD dogs can also recognize when a person is having difficulty handling a situation. Having a dog by their side can boost morale and bring them back into their relationships and society. The love, loyalty and certainty of a canine companion make a deep and lasting impact.
There are specific qualities a canine must have to be a successful service dog. A good service animal should be social and loving with other people and animals. They should also have a natural ability to anticipate their owners’ needs. Each dog breed has unique personality traits to consider.
Below is a list of qualities that make a successful service dog:
Confidence and Intelligence
The most important characteristics a service dog should have are confidence and intelligence. Service dogs are trained to perform a variety of jobs directly related to their owners’ needs. This requires a considerable amount of intelligence to pull off! While most dogs are smart, not all dogs can retain the elaborate training techniques of a service dog.Strong desire to help
You and your service dog will depend on each other, so it is important to pick a dog you can rely on. Depending on the breed, some dogs have a strong desire to help out and perform tasks. Others are happier lounging out on the couch all day. When seeking a service dog, it's important to pick a companion with a strong desire to learn and work. A natural tendency to check in with the owner is important for dogs who need to perform anxiety alerts or other similar behaviors.Calm & Friendly Nature
Service dogs should be calm, collected, and not overly protective. A good service dog must show sociability and have a calm disposition. Your service animal may need to navigate through crowded or chaotic environments, so they must maintain composure and not become easily distracted. Well-trained service dogs will avoid the distractions of other pets or crowded areas, always keeping his focus on you.
Best Service Dog Breeds
The loving nature and companionship of a service dog can help those with PTSD function and participate in daily life. Service dogs create a sense of safety for their owners, and ground owners in reality if experiencing traumatic flashbacks.
Almost any dog can be a service dog, but some breeds excel at the job. Breeds that are natural protectors may make excellent guard dogs but can be overly reactive to perceived intrusions. This can result in constant barking, creating more anxiety for the owner. There are specific assets one should look for one considering a dog for this important role.
Here’s our list of the best service dog breeds for veterans living with PTSD:
Golden Retriever
Pairing intelligence with an eagerness to please, Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds for service dogs. High levels of emotional intelligence and affectionate nature make them a qualified service dog breed. Ideal for emotional support work, Goldens can also handle a great deal of physical work. From fetching medication and minimizing flashbacks to general companionship, Golden retrievers tend to be the go-to breed for PTSD service dogs for veterans.
Labrador Retriever
You’re probably familiar with Labs as assistance dogs, as they are favored for guide dog programs. That’s because they are smart, quiet, and able to follow many commands. Labs are hyper-aware of everything going on around them, and they can alert their owner to dangerous or stress-provoking situations. Their calm temperament and energetic personality make them fit to perform necessary tasks without becoming overly excitable. This breed is also playful and loves being outdoors, which can help its owners shift their focus away from anxiety triggers.
Boxers
Obedient and affectionate, Boxers make wonderful service dogs. When properly trained, Boxers can channel their protective nature and become attuned to their owner’s moods and behavior. They are easier to train than other dogs as they have a low tendency to wander and bark. Boxers can also be trained to bark on cue to discourage strangers from getting near. They are extremely loyal, alert, and friendly, all of which are highly favorable traits for service animals.
Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher is a great breed to consider for PTSD assistance. Dobermans are known for following their handler from room to room and insist on being close at hand all the time. They are often referred to as “velcro dogs'' because they bond so closely with their person. They rank highly among the most trainable breeds and possess an innate joy working with and for their handler.
While the breeds discussed above are some of the finest for service work, it is important to keep in mind that different canine breeds will suit different people. When searching for a service dog, try to find a companion that is compatible with the kind of services you need.
Dog Training Elite in Mesa offers a variety of personalized service dog training programs. We believe service dogs save lives, and it is our mission to make these life-saving companions available for our Veterans, First Responders, Women Survivors, and Children with Medical Needs. Whether it be for PTSD, Mobility Support, or Special Needs, Dog Training Elite’s work is to heal and empower individuals with a specialized service animal, a partner in life, and a new best friend.