Training Rescue Dogs as Service Dogs for Veterans

Researchers are accumulating evidence that bonding with dogs has biological effects, such as elevated levels of the hormone oxytocin. “Oxytocin improves trust, the ability to interpret facial expressions, the overcoming of paranoia and other pro-social effects—the opposite of PTSD symptoms,”.

Can working with dogs actually help veterans dealing with the effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)? The National Center on Veteran Studies at the University of Utah believes it can and is conducting a three year research project to prove it.

Forty-one veterans in the Canines With a Cause dog training program participated in the study for the first twelve months, the results were amazing. Some PTSD symptoms showing significant improvement for dog trainers included:

• Repeated, disturbing memories, thoughts, or images of a stressful military experience.
• Avoiding thinking about or talking about a stressful military experience.
• Avoiding activities or situations because they remind you of a stressful military experience.
• Trouble falling or staying asleep.
• Feeling irritable or having angry outbursts.
• Being "super alert", watchful or on guard.
• Feeling Jumpy or easily startled
• Feeling emotionally numb or or being unable to have loving feelings for those close to you.

Those of us who have canine companions understand the value of their companionship and non-judgmental love. Dogs can help us heal from trauma.

According to the Salt Lake City VA, activities like dog training, outdoor recreation, meditation and bonding with other veterans is the key to moving on from experiences that can shut veterans down for the rest of their lives. Dogs can be a key factor in the transition back to family and civilian life.

Canines With a Cause appreciates your support in making this important work possible, we look forward to sharing the results from the 2018 reseach.

Sincerely,

Cathy King

Links:

• Photo/video essay on CWAC