PTSD Service Dogs
Many IDF Israelis suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – a debilitating illness characterized by recurring nightmares, frequent panic attacks, depression, and other trauma symptoms. Many people with PTSD fear sleep because persistent nightmares torment and awaken them.
In 2017, the Center launched a program to train Service Dogs to help IDF veterans and survivors of Oct 7th suffering from PTSD. To date, the Center has placed 60 PTSD Service Dogs. This program is also supported in part by Israel’s Ministry of Defense.
Impact of a PTSD Service Dog
Service Dogs perform specific tasks that alleviate PTSD symptoms by:
- Interrupting panic attacks
- Grounding during distress
- Creating physical space in public
- Waking partner from nightmares
- Reducing anxiety when reacting to loud noises
- Helping forge personal connections with others
- Providing companionship to reduce depression, isolation, and feelings of survivor’s guilt
Our PTSD Clients
All clients are Israeli citizens who have been formally diagnosed with PTSD. Each person requesting a Service Dog is evaluated by the Center’s psychologist to determine if a dog could mitigate their symptoms and that the person is capable of caring for a dog. Once partnered, the Center follows up with each client multiple times in the first year, followed by annual check-ins and additional support as needed.
Clients must care for their service dogs. They must get up and take the dog outside, feed and groom the dog, and take care of their canine partner’s health and socialization needs. These responsibilities give clients a renewed sense of purpose, encouraging them to get out of bed every morning and out of the house each day, creating a positive routine. All of this helps improve our clients’ self-image while reducing depression and isolation.
How We Train Our PTSD Service Dogs
Our PTSD Service Dogs are chosen because they are perceptive, obedient, and intuitive. We use special training facilities to simulate the home environment, which helps reinforce a dog’s response to signs of post-trauma: rapid pulse, excessive perspiration, nightmares, and over-alertness. For example, when a dog senses their partner’s rapid breathing – a sign of increasing anxiety – the dog will distract their partner by licking their face and ground them by “hugging” them (jumping with two or four paws).
PTSD Service Dogs are also trained in the “watch” command — to watch their partner’s back by sitting next to them and facing the other direction. Acting on this command, the dog creates the feeling of “eyes in the back of the partner’s head” to detect if someone or something is approaching from behind. Another unique command is “block”— to stand between their partner and another person or object to create space – a safety zone – around their partner. As a result of gaining this safe space, a person with PTSD becomes calmer in crowded public areas – reducing anxiety and averting a potential panic attack.
“The Israel Guide Dog center has not just given me a dog. They’ve given me the gift of life.”
GR, PTSD client
Some information about our PTSD Service Dogs
Caring for a Service Dog creates a daily routine and improves mental health
In Israel, certified Service Dogs are required to wear a black vest
Service Dogs receive 4-5 months of advanced training before partnering
The Center is the only Service Dog provider in Israel that is accredited by Assistance Dogs International
Israeli law allows Service Dogs to accompany their partners into restaurants, shops, hospitals, and other public places
PTSD Service Dogs in Israel
Israel Guide Dog Center has begun a program of training Service Dogs in special skills to help Israelis suffering from the devastating effects of trauma. Studies — and reports from Israel Guide Dog Center’s PTSD clients — demonstrate PTSD service dogs can significantly alleviate the frequency and severity of trauma symptoms.