Service dogs are undergoing specialized training to provide invaluable assistance to individuals grappling with invisible health challenges, particularly mental and emotional issues. Certified dog trainer Hannah Haught, who plays a pivotal role in this endeavor, emphasizes that these service dogs cater to a diverse range of needs, including both mental and physical disabilities.
Haught’s training regimen encompasses a wide spectrum of needs, from individuals coping with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to those dealing with physical disabilities. Service dogs are trained to offer assistance tailored to specific requirements. Haught explains that some individuals may exhibit certain behaviors when experiencing distress, such as tapping their foot, scratching their legs, or fidgeting with their hands. These dogs are trained to recognize and respond to these cues. Moreover, some service dogs are equipped to detect alerts based on changes in blood pressure or heart rate, depending on the particular scenario.
The ultimate goal for these service dogs is to be ever-prepared to respond whenever and wherever a trigger arises. In some cases, they are trained to operate within the home environment, effectively detecting varying levels of distress and alerting to potential night terrors.
According to Haught, service dogs play a significant role in assisting individuals grappling with mental health issues, including anxiety, as well as veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Their tasks not only offer practical assistance but also provide a sense of freedom to those they assist. Ultimately, their interventions can be life-saving, helping to prevent suicide in some cases.
As the need for these remarkable service dogs continues to grow, dog trainers are actively refining their training methods to better serve the mental health community. Haught herself has engaged in mentoring under other experienced trainers to expand her knowledge and offer a broader range of services to the community, thereby raising awareness and addressing various training needs.
The ultimate aim in training these service dogs is to have them operate at 100% efficiency. Once fully trained, they can alert individuals to impending panic attacks and provide deep pressure therapy during episodes, significantly reducing the frequency and severity of such episodes.
The significance of mental health and suicide prevention is underscored by World Suicide Prevention Day, observed annually on September 10th. This day serves as a vital platform to raise awareness about suicide and the importance of suicide prevention efforts. Furthermore, September is also National Service Dog Month, dedicated to recognizing and appreciating the remarkable work performed by these service dogs in improving the lives of those in need.
