Dogs are protectors.
In the military, of course, soldiers are buddies: They look out for one another. A dog’s natural protective instinct aligns well with this mentality, and so it simulates the behavior and attitude that fellow soldiers share. Vigilant service dogs are able to sense when their owner is experiencing a flashback or anxiety, both of which make the transition to civilian life a huge stressor. The service dog becomes a buddy, a protector. Thus, it can be helpful for a sufferer of PTSD to have this similar relationship outside of the military, too; it feels comforting, and bridges a certain gap between military and civilian life.
Dogs are obedient.
On the same vein, it’s important for there to be consistency between elements of military life, and transitioning back to the civilian world. Many veterans come home from deployments and experience a culture shock between the order and discipline of the military life, and the relative chaos of “home,” where orders given are often ignored. With service/emotional support dogs, veterans give orders and the dog obeys, once again simulating a sense of military life which is lost in translation.
Dogs help to relearn lost feelings.
Trust and love are two big things that PTSD sufferers may struggle to “relearn.” Service dogs are a perfect, gentle solution to this problem, helping these men and women to gain back these feelings. A dog’s unfailing loyalty, joy, and love are precisely what a veteran with PTSD will need to gradually ease them back, without asking questions or rushing the process. Dogs simply love unconditionally, with an exclusive simplicity that can be unendingly beneficial to anyone battling to cope with human relationships.
What Can You Do?
The Animal Behavior Institute will help you take it to the next level! They offer web-based, interactive courses that would allow you as a military spouse to becoming professionally certified without ever having to travel.
Their mission:
“Providing every student with a personal education that goes beyond the confines of traditional academic curricula. We synthesize the fields of animal behavior, training, nutrition, veterinary care and environmental enrichment to provide our students with a truly comprehensive education. This approach strengthens the human-animal bond and promotes the highest levels of animal care and welfare.”
Reach your career goals with the Animal Behavior Institute! Find out more here.
