How to Train a Psychiatric Service Dog

[@LisaGallegos]

*Free Webinar* How to Self-Train Your Service Dog collabdogtraining.com/free-service-dog-training-online-webinar

[@BabetteHarvey-q2s]

Grateful for people like you making this information free. Also able to understand in practical terms for people who are not dog intelligent. 😊

[@LisaGallegos]

Of course!!

[@Doriau]

More tutorials on all the specific psychiatric tasks you mentioned would be super helpful!

[@LisaGallegos]

Yessss working on these now :)

[@LisaGallegos]

Just posted one on deep pressure therapy!

[@Tara-iz4qn]

Yeah i agree there's so much information on basic training how do I teach my dog to pick something up for me

[@LisaGallegos]

@@Tara-iz4qn how’s it going with training?! Sorry just seeing this but can make a video if you’re still looking for help

[@kingty6221]

​@@LisaGallegoswould love one!

[@gestiperiferici]

Could you do a focus on how to teach a service dog to help the handler leave a social situation? Also my social anxiety can lead to anger management issues, could my dog remind me in some way to keep calm if I rise my voice? It would mean a lot to me if you could give some advice! 🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻

[@analarson2920]

Find out your early signs and have the dog alert you or tug you away at that point. Then you have to agree to leave or do a different behavior to get you to stop so your dog doesn't get frustrated. Example a dog alerted when a person started waving their hands when talking it was their early sign. It was early enough for them to stop the behavior. Praying it works out for you.

[@HMS2]

If you ever want to leave you can say you need to take your dog for a bathroom break.

[@pancake.squirrel]

I saw somebody train their dog with an under the table hand cue to act up, flipping out and nipping and barking, so they could take the dog away to “deal with it”.

[@Theleaddog]

@@analarson2920how about alert yourself. Psychiatric service dogs for anxiety? Yeah. Nope. I am both a provider and a consumer. Do it yourself.

[@Theleaddog]

@@HMS2they don’t want to use their skills they want the dog to do the work for them. They say they don’t know when they are being triggered and they want the dog to alert them to their triggers. They just need to grow up and take responsibility for their adult self.

[@moonflower4352]

Thank you so much. I’ve been looking into service dogs for awhile now to help me get a grip on everything (I often get disoriented and will need to leave asap). I have a couple tasks in mind for a service dog, but I never knew they could help me remind my medication since I forget it a lot. 😅

[@lisasternenkind6467]

My Rottweiler would always remind me to take my medication, to eat, to go to bed, and even when to turn on the heater, as I don't feel the right temperature and my felt temperature doesn't match the real temperature. My service dog also always got the ice packs from the freezer for me when I had a certain dissociative episode coming up. He simply learned it by copying my spouse. When he did it the first time, my spouse praised him a lot, because I couldn't as I was unconscious.

[@pjmarren]

REMARKABLY helpful. After some fifteen years, this is the first channel to which I've ever subscribed.

[@Sidhe10]

I struggled finding an already trained dog for diabetes alert and psychiatric care. A confidant asked why I can't just train one to do both, as it would give me something positive to work toward in the day time. I'll get my pup in a few weeks and start on scent training early on.

[@honey_seafoam3536]

I hope you can work something out!

[@LeighJeffries]

Helpful. Biggest need is stopping panic attack and helping with depression and breakdowns.

[@sydneybaker4880]

Helpful to gain a greater understanding of expectations for training a service dog. Thank you

[@LisaGallegos]

Check out my public access test and deep pressure therapy videos!

[@JuanJohn013]

You really don’t need the General Public Access but it’s good to have it.

[@TheRussianDollPoppy]

I’m working with a private trainer currently to help me train my standard poodle pup for psychiatric service/medical alert. It’s gone so well thus far, though we’re in the very early process since he’s just 5 months old, but it’s incredible the intelligence the breed possesses. Guess that’s why they’re part of the fab 4! He’s learned his basic manners and now we’re working on focusing on me in high stress situations and I think it’s important to add that it’s stressful for the handler even working with a trainer half of the time, because Im doing all of what we’ve learned so far on my own most of the time. That’s been really triggering for my anxiety which can trigger a mood cycle or total mania for me. Which I think is important for people to understand before going it alone or using a private trainer. Something I didn’t think about at all before I started.

[@LisaGallegos]

Thanks for sharing! Yes I agree- it’s a LOT of work, and having a trainer there by your side is helpful, but a lot of work as well. The last thing you want is a dog making your anxiety worse. It’s also a lot to learn - you’re basically learning how to be your dog’s trainer. Thanks for sharing - this is something I should’ve talked more about 💕 another reason it’s good to talk to your medical professional to see if a SD is a good fit!

[@LauraEllisTAB]

Helpful.

[@Emma_6996]

You said potty and my dog herd you and got excited 😆

[@MusicFandom]

#helpful .. Thank you. I am diagnosed with PTSD, GAD, ADHD and severe MDD, I am also disabled with back and neck issues. it is extremely hard for me to go anywhere in public (mentally and physically. I have a new puppy and am strongly considering doing this with her. I believe I will try to get on the list to adopt a service dog but there is no harm in training my dog even if she doesn't pass the test.

[@lisasternenkind6467]

I recommend you get a special dog trainer to help you train your dog.

[@krisvanallen]

Thanks for mentioning the DOT. I recently learned that the rules are stricter now for travel, including forms needed prior to air travel.

[@LisaGallegos]

Yes! Air travel follows FAA rules so def more strict

[@govco6696]

What's up Lisa. Great Video. Thanks for the info. Colorado here as well, would love to hear more about the laws in Colorado and service dogs. Thanks!

[@carljensen5730]

Thank you for the video. We trained out own service dog and the most important thing was having the right dog. Our dog is a border collie. They have been tested to be 10 times smarter than the second smartest dog breed, the standard poodle. Border collies almost train themselves. I say that, but keep in mind that she gets TONS of attention, so maybe it's more a matter of us enjoying spending time with her and her enjoying spending time with us. We didn't use a single dog treat in her training, but we also made sure there weren't things we had to "untrain". For example, she never gets treats, anywhere. She eats from her foot bowl twice per day, period. Also, we didn't use store bought play toys when she was little. She played with bones from the butcher, avocado's from our avocado trees, and sticks from the property. She learned that these things are her toys, and we never had to teach her the difference between a pet shop plush toy and one of our shoes. YOU have to learn that the pet industry will not make it easier for you. Because BCs want to please, you have to be very careful with negative reprimands. I would suggest NEVER spank a border collie, it is counter productive. At first, a stern tone is enough, and for our dog, a simple normal tone "no" is effective enough. If you think about how most dogs are the equivalent of a 4 or 5 year old, a border collie can be the equivalent of a 7 or 8 year old (obviously sans human skills like talking, opposable thumbs, etc), perhaps even more so as I would trust our dog with many situations where I wouldn't trust just any 8 year old. We live on a ranch, where she can get all the exercise she needs. I would not recommend them for most city environments unless you have a large yard. Our dog probably averages 20 miles or more of running per day. She is trained on a variety of things, including physical and psychological ADA, but also ranch needs, like she can detect a rattle snake by smell from 30 feet away and on average prevents half a dozen rattle snake encounters per year.

[@LisaGallegos]

If you’re a BC parent & like podcasts, i recommend checking out cog dog radio! Excellent dog behavior podcast but she had border collies

[@MrPeterJacob]

Very helpful. I just got a puppy to train myself. My ESA was trained by me and was cgc b(2) certified. She passed from cancer at 11 years old just before Christmas. A PSD better suits my needs.

[@ChristianSullivan]

I really like this video! Very helpful and informative for many people! This also will educate those that are confused between an Emotional Support Animal and a Psychiatric Service Dog too, since that can be a controversial and gray area for quite a bit of people. I’m Visually Impaired and have a Guide Dog from the organization, Guiding Eyes For The Blind. I really appreciate this from a professional Dog Trainer perspective because it’s not misinformation that We have on the internet and it’s telling people what to look for when considering this responsibility too.

[@kris8606]

thank you so much for this! I’m turning 18 in a month and a half and will be starting the process of getting a psd for my autism, since i’m a late diagnosis. I’m bad at my words and this video is very helpful with helping me know what words to use when going through the process. Thank you!

[@keribrightman3569]

This is extremely helpful. I have extreme anxiety, depression and ahdh and I am struggling. I'm considering getting a dog to train as a service dog. I want to make sure it's the right dog though

[@kimberlyaustin7030]

Very helpful! More videos on this. Please.

[@LisaGallegos]

Yes! I plan on doing more 🙌

[@LisaGallegos]

Is there a specific topic you want more of? Trying to plan my KZbin videos coming up!

[@tomasrande1]

Just starting out...very helpful. Grateful for people like you to make this info free, especially for low income support.

[@creatureris]

Yes please to training videos for all 5 of the common support behaviours!

[@theblessedblackwoman]

I really loved your video. Im in the UK and I have the cutest pomeranian service dog for my depression and anxiety (Im on highest daily dose for both). The worse thing apart from access questions i get is members of the public trying to touch my dog, take pictures, and distract him. It's a double-edged sword to have to explain to people, which sets me off into a major panic attack on the spot.

[@gnorman8852]

Such a helpful video in defining what is a Psychiatric Service Dog & whether one is useful for your situation plus all it entails. Thank you so much!

[@LisaGallegos]

Yay glad it helped!!

[@joemays9168]

Extremely helpful, thank you for choosing to publish these videos.

[@jesseenglish7155]

Helpful! Very helpful. I would love to see more videos on the specifics if you are able. Also links to hybrid training programs you recommend would be great 😊 Thank you for making these videos and helping to educate not only those needing service dogs, but also the public! Keep up the great work. It is highly appreciated 😁

[@jayortiz2218]

I rescued a golden retriever 2.5 yrs old has been trained by 1st owner Because he is amazing around my wheelchair on the first day . I rescued Lucas July 21-23 and he continues to amaze me

[@bradfranklin-j66co]

Helpful! For a hybrid approach do you recommend the org mentioned as one’s first stop? I live in S California. Invisible illness diagnosis chronic treatment resistant depression

[@shepherds.pie.youtube]

Helpful!! I am a dog training student, so this is very helpful for me, but I also have debilitating social anxiety so I am considering training a service dog for myself. I'm wondering if it would actually make things worse, though, if people pay MORE attention to me in public places...

[@ItzCornucopia]

I have a question! So I did search this up, and it said I do not need to have a doctors note to owner train my PSD and can legally train him in public places, but I just want to double check and ask you if that's true or not before I do start taking him into places like walmart to do training? He knows most of his task (I myself have been learning of more I could teach him that would help me, so he's not done learning them all) and he's been making amazing progress in pet friendly places, and outside of non-pet friendly places, but I just wanna make sure it's ok legally to train him in non-pet friendly places without a doctors note before I start working with him in them. ^^

[@LisaGallegos]

It varies by state so just make sure what you're reading is from a legit source, and it should be fine. In general though, I would start off in places that technically allow dogs to see how they do first. Also, make sure you have an exit strategy...for example, I wouldn't do any TRUE errands unless your dog is ready. I've made the mistake of actually doing groceries with a SDiT I thought was doing well, the dog got overwhelmed, and I had to decide whether to leave a cart full of my groceries or check out quickly with a dog who was embarrassing me in public!

[@ItzCornucopia]

@@LisaGallegos Yeah, I'm aware that he need's to be trained in pet friendly places first! and then slowly progress into non-pet friendly places in short trips ^^

[@DoggiesAndDinos]

I’m doing fully self trained :)

[@krisvanallen]

I think when training is done, I will get a vest that says “psych service dog” to specify. Seems like there will be fewer questions with the word “psych” on it.

[@LisaGallegos]

That’s a great idea!

[@Nikki-oe7gr]

Very helpful. Would an autism dog be a psychiatric service dog? Other than preventing wandering/eloping like I see a lot of autism dogs listed as doing, can they be trained to prevent or calm emotional meltdowns? Do you have any videos would apply to training an autism dog for a non-verbal or partially verbal autistic individual?

[@LisaGallegos]

I have a video on Deep Pressure Therapy which can help with emotional meltdowns. Teaching a Chin Rest can be helpful/a form of deep pressure therapy as well. Additionally, you can train an orbit (I don't have one but there are plenty on KZbin) and/or graceful exit (help lead their handler to the nearest exit during an emotional meltdown) Another one is interruptions. For example, if there's something behaviorally that starts to happen before a meltdown, the dog can help interrupt to catch it/prevent the meltdown.

[@krisvanallen]

I am going to get my dog to pass the Canine Good Citizen test prior to psych service training. Then I know we will have this skill down pat. And a cute little patch for the vest.

[@reginaporter5173]

So helpful. Have my letter from my doctor need to start training

[@lyfandeth]

VERY HELPFUL. It took me forever to think of looking so something so difficult to find, on YT.

[@LisaGallegos]

Yay glad it helped!

[@davidthomson4971]

Incredibly helpful

[@serkkah]

HELPFUL. I subscribed and will use your channel to train my dog. Thank you!

[@thejokerlovesdogs2723]

Would love a video about the PAT test!

[@izzaduck8896]

Very helpful! Thank you.

[@carljensen5730]

8:45 If you train a dog yourself, for the dog to be able to handle other dogs is going to be a lot easier with the right breed. We have a border collie and for centuries, they were trained to quietly work with other animals. It is in their DNA to want to interract with other animals, but in a quiet friendly way. If there is another animal around and IF I were to take her off leash, she might try to cautiously herd the other animal toward me. She is so smart, she has a set of rules when we are on the ranch and she is doing her work off leash and a set of rules when we are in the city and she is on leash. It is amazing how smart dogs can be.

[@viddachan8940]

Helpful. My maltipoo is In Training.

[@rhondayerves9345]

This seems very helpful and hopefully it will all work out for us.

[@Mark1Mach2]

Very very helpful tips. Look forward to actual training videos. Also, can you take a service dog with you in the planes now with the lower covid restrictions?

[@LisaGallegos]

Yes! Also JsX airlines allows pets so a great place to practice on airplanes without the pressure of making sure your dog is super good when you’re not sure how they’ll act on a plane!

[@OFC.H]

I would love for you to do more videos on task training im currently training my GSD-German Shepherd to be my ptsd service animal. I have used z service animal for 11 years but unfortunately my dog passed and I'm just trying to all i thought my last one so anything would be an extremely big help

[@fraileromel]

Thank you for making this video, it was very helpful.

[@doreenmarie8166]

Helpful will definitely check more videos

[@MikhailosCorner]

Thank you so much for this! I am looking into service dog training but with my anxiety it's hard to keep a job. Self training seems like a more viable option and your videos are a huge help!

[@lisasternenkind6467]

I can recommend to do most of the training yourself, but get a trainer with qualification for training service dogs to help you with those parts of the training you aren't capable of. The problem is, that dogs also mirror our feelings and if you get anxious in certain situations, then you are not the right person to train your dog how to deal with these situations. For example, I have PTSD and cannot use public transport due to extreme anxiety issues. So I had a special trainer train my dog for using busses and trains. After she had done this training with my dog and he was confident with it, she trained us as team. So while you are able to train your dog to pick up something, or to fetch ice packs from the freezer, or how to react when you're anxious, you will need help for the training in public spaces where your anxiety kicks in even more.

[@robertadeakins-figueroa7368]

My 14 yr old daughter has depression, anxiety (panic attacks), and ADHD. She is really having issues with going to school so I am researching if a service dog will be helpful for her. Thank you for the information. We don't know if we will be going with an emotional support dog or a service dog.

[@nancyfeliciano2039]

New Follower and YES this is so helpful! both my husband and I are disabled veterans and would like to work on the psychiatric service dog training for anxiety and panic attacks. Can you please help us?

[@cjh6678]

I have a hidden disability from 20 years of service. I'm finally taking steps to get a puppy and getting him trained to be a PSD dog. I'm ready to get him and get back to normal. I'll be self training with the help of an organization out here in Seattle.

[@canyonviewranch]

helpful

[@elibonilla8985]

Would love to learn more about interruption and graceful exit. We are working on orbit now. Also, does the AKC CGC test work as the public access test or is that issued by a specific organization?

[@analarson2920]

It's good to do but not necessary and anyone can perform the test

[@chyannefogle7328]

So helpful im doing research about how to get a psychiatric service dog for myself i am autistic and i get really bad social anxiety. And i want to get a well trained dog or find away to train him or her myself preferably one already trained that fits my needs i also need one who can be trained for epilepsy as well since I've had history of seizures.

[@_matis_]

What about low energy, motivation and depressions. Understanding anxiety for a dog I guess is easier since there are often obvious clues for the dog. Can a dog "smell depression"?

[@tinahensley3168]

Helpful. I am technically homeless zero income . I am mentally Disabled, have issues keeping focused. What can you suggest?

[@laker42080]

Thank you for the thorough review. Is there a specific hybrid model that you recommend for those of us who are trying to train at home but want some guidance?

[@carljensen5730]

2:45 I have always been uncomfortable with the two required questions because the Federal Law says you don't have to divulge your private medical information, but by stating what the dog is trained to do, that might do so, especially if the ADA is psychological in nature. My dog is trained for a variety of things that I prefer to NOT get into, and I always struggle with this. In the past, I have just said she IS a trained service dog and she performs a number of tasks that I am not at liberty to disclose. For a while we didn't use a Service Dog harness, but now we do. That seems to make a big difference. Still, I would welcome any suggestions for generic answers that would satisfy the "what tasks" "required" question.

[@LisaGallegos]

“Medical alert” “psychiatric alert” are acceptable! I always say psychiatric alert because then they are scared to keep asking 😂

[@JWRANCH1]

Yes please help with anxiety and claustrophobia

[@MarkIrwin02]

I am going to be starting with a therapist sat and working with them to get letter stating that I need/ be very good for my mental health a service dog. Weather the dog becomes a full service dog or not be determined. But for sure want the dog to come and lay on me/ get me to sit down or lay down for them to get in my lap or lay on me when I’m not doing well or showing signs I might or will go to hurt myself. At this time if go to hurt myself I probably would not be able to consciously realize what I am doing. Then also to make sure I am getting out and being active. As my mental health problems are preventing me from being active. Which is affecting my physical health and my other health problems as well as potentially all of this causing me to have problems having a job and keeping 1. Another thing be great if I show signs of being upset or any type of sad feelings at any level. To try and cheer me up weather being like licking me/close to me like the laying on me/and me taking them out to a dog park or a park to go out on the trails. If out in park or trails to be joyful and playful to make me laugh and smile.

[@APGuptaray]

Hi Lisa, I am going to be in the process of getting a PSD dog (service dog), how do I go through the certification or make sure my future dog qualifies. And do you have any contacts in California, I am looking for AKC certified Doberman Pinscher preferably 65 percent or more trained. But I am willing to work with a dog from scratch, I just don't know, like do I purchase a dog first, what program should I and the dog be in. I have a ton of questions and was wondering if you could help with the process. I suffer from PTSD, Depression, and ridiculously high amounts of anxiety.

[@sharonkatz-b8f]

Very helpful

[@LisaGallegos]

I’m glad!😍

[@SorbusAvery]

Very helpful!

[@aimeeta93]

Super helpful! Do you have more videos on the specifics on basics like how to. My dog is in training and I want to learn more. Mostly for night terrors, and calming when he feels me getting anxiety attack

[@LisaGallegos]

Yes! I do have one on deep pressure therapy but working on others ❤

[@seanobrien7159]

Helpful. It was my understanding that a public access test is not a requirement, and in fact there is no nationally standardized public access test. Am I mistaken?

[@AHarshman08]

Helpful. Thank you

[@JaquieLait]

Hi, I’m looking at getting a dog to train for anxiety, ptsd, and to help at night, and I was wondering (he’s a 10month old whippet being rehomed) if a dog has a fear/anxiety over noises, can it be trained out of that? Apparently his father was the same so it is a genetic thing, but basically he’s currently in a really loud home with 3 young children and yelling and it scares him, he is also afraid of their vacuum. Would he still have the potential to be a service dog?

[@EmEll-ib6ho]

Super helpful!

[@FrankMoore-zv1nj]

Hi Lisa, Do you know of any groups or organizations i n Arkansas? I am a disabled veteran with ptsd. Thank you for your time

[@kaymicknole2437]

Helpful helpful helpful!!!

[@shannonlightle4931]

Very helfpul. Thank you. I have so many questions. ❤

[@q.brenye]

Helpful thank you for this !

[@Charadreamur2006]

I have a PSD Letter. And so, step one complete. Step 2 in progress. Not self training or adopting (unless necessary). Private trainer coming for assessment. I know my rights of ADA. Knowledge of 2 sections. Dogs get excited with people and animals, will jump, but harmless to everyone. Is potty trained. Planning to train to remind to take meds, detect hbp by stress, provide emotional support when needed (PSD Note does show it as certified service dog). does listen to voice without treats.

[@melmel8828]

I want you to make another video!! I want to learn more about this and I am local myself in the same state and I am learning what is colorado law around service dog

[@esthermartinez9256]

Helpful, thank you!

[@Trentonpage]

Vert interesting video. I started doing this with a trainer 2 weeks ago.

[@blkbeauti05]

I was diagnosed with GAD, I am such a mess. Nonetheless, my Psychiatrist recommended a Psychiatric Service Dog. I own a standard poodle, he comes from a service dog family. He was bred for service and temperament.

[@amberNT]

Can you do more videos on the task and how to go about training them?

[@LisaGallegos]

Yes currently editing :)

[@inaegoedert]

Really helpful! Thank you, you're awesome

[@LisaGallegos]

Thanks 💕

[@winifredherman4214]

THERE’S NO DOCTOR NOTE NEEDED ANYWHERE!!

[@tifanei]

👆🏿

[@_Oynx_.]

Agreed!!!

[@PreppySwiftie13996]

It was the first thing she said that you needed

[@magpiesneedle2575]

I’m in the UK but what little research I’ve done so far suggests this is required

[@Hannahh.P]

Its literally like the second thing she said-

[@sharonlewis3410]

Very helpful

[@athoughtprogression]

Can you tell me if a dog i got to be a service dog who is now a year and 1/2 can be trained to not be fearful in situations and to focus on me? Hes very smart but very fearful & fear protect full.

[@EdenStJames-dh7ni]

Helpful!

[@PacificWanderer]

So helpful!

[@LisaGallegos]

I’m glad!

[@cassnla34]

I have a 7 year old yorkiepoo who’s been a family pet since 8 weeks old but mostly attached to me. She certainly helps with my anxiety and depression, but I’d never thought about having her as a service animal until recently speaking with a friend about it. Is it possible to have your pet as a service animal? I’m not even certain if this is a dumb question or not.

[@LisaGallegos]

Not a dumb question. Do you live in the US? If so, to qualify as a service dog they need to be trained to perform a task to assist with your disability. They also need to be okay with being out in public - not all dogs are able to handle being out in public. If you have more questions, I'd be happy to answer as much as I can (some would be questions for a medical professional). you can send me a DM on insta - my username is LiveAPawsomeLife :)

[@elizaguay-tanguay4518]

Thank you for these infos!

[@mikamiz]

I really wanna learn my dog for my self harm panic attack and for my medication how can I do it

[@chariswitherspoon1065]

Very helpful 👌

[@sandraleighton9206]

I need to learn about training a dog to focus on me. What is the best process?

[@ByronGriffel]

Hey I was wondering if you had and ideas for potty training and get them to Sense when I have a moment or mood change.

[@stuartgreenblatt8651]

Yes it was helpful. Thank you.

[@rotondaarnold7266]

Helpfully! Yes please make a video of all of the topics that you talked about. Subscribe to your wonderful channel now. Thanks again for all you do.

[@jeffreyosler8877]

Helpful!

[@funnygirlenterprises]

Very helpful 😊thank you

[@SRTscout911]

Could you please make a more comprehensive list? I have a doctors note I have debilitating, PTSD, depression and panic attacks on the road that I’ve been trying to go down has been a nightmare and it seems like I can’t get help from anyone

[@williamshaw8106]

Ask your psych doctor at the VA..

[@TheMy2grandbabies]

Thank you. This was helpful.

[@markuscameron6958]

Very helpful, thank you

[@valeriehiginbotham5338]

Helpful.

[@carljensen5730]

8:20 I think that if people do not want their service dog to be pet, they should have a "do not pet" sign on their harness. We have always encouraged others to pet our service dog, as it was part of her training, and we just continued to encourage it as she likes it a lot and it doesn't hinder her work in any way. I will say that many people will seem like they are just walking past, and without you even realizing it, they will "swoop down" and pet her. If your service dog can't handle that, then I think you have more training to do.

[@lakreger]

People are rude. When my dog is working he is not to be distracted, period. The dog is working not in a parade.

[@williamshaw8106]

I have a Cavalier, and she is always very friendly to everyone.. but she still is tuned in to me..🐶