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The Dog Squad - Service and assistance dogs for combat stress and physical/mental illness

The Dog Squad - Service and Assistance Dogs for Combat Stress and Physical/Mental Illness 

Young Diggers welcomes you to a new programme. Perhaps you are visiting us because of an unmet Combat stress issue that may be related to your military service.  If this is the case, and you truly love dogs, then you’ve come to the right place.

For many people ‘mental illness’ is still an unsettling term.  Your combat stress may be something that you’ve hidden from others.  We’ve been there.  Yet, in order to envision a life where you can be functional again you must vanquish shame and silence.  There is no shame or weakness in this.

We are deeply moved by the number of diggers experiencing mental illness (combat stress) and we want to do something about it.

About the programme

We are an organisation that does not stigmatise, pass judgement, or devalue those living with and suffering from combat stress and mental illness.  Our unique neurochemistry is the product of nature and the experiences we have had. We deal with these limitations as best we can – responsibly, proactively and with compassion for others who are suffering similarly.

We network with one another, exchange training tips, share resources, and support one another through tough times.  We don’t discuss religion or politics, but we sometimes discuss night terrors, fears, anxieties, panic attacks, repetitive behaviours, rages, hallucinations, manic episodes… you get the picture.

A glue that we are about to trial to keep our community together is ‘Dog Medicine’.  You will have to learn how to care for your dog properly, train your dog to a high standard, and operate within the laws that govern one’s use of an Assistance Dog.  With training and Assistance Dog yourself, you will inevitably enter a new stage in your healing journey.  We fully expect that you are already covering your bases with regard to talk therapy, medication, and reading up on your illness.  By adding a dog to your treatment plan something profound and wonderful will begin to percolate.  Your ability to cope improves, because:

  • You are no longer alone in this painful journey;
  • You have a soul mate in your dog who is ever-loyal and compassionate; additionally,
  • You have a community that not only accepts you but also understands what you are going through; and
  • Together, we are forging a new path for a brighter future.

Unknown circumstances can be scary and humans are notorious for avoiding situations where they don’t know what to do or how to act.  Having a service dog helps to bridge that uncomfortable barrier.  Where someone would feel that couldn’t possibly ask how a person deals with their disability, they’re easily able to show an interest in how the dog helps their partner.  This increased social interaction greatly lessens the isolation and feelings of being alone that the disabled individual must cope with every day.  As one partner once said; ‘my dog makes my wheelchair disappear’.

Dog Selection

Training a dog to become a service or assistance dog is a two-year commitment at least, and advancement is assisted by having the appropriate age and breed of the dog. 

This is not a programme for a new puppy as its real personality does not show until at least 8 months old.  So discovering that the puppy is unsuitable after that time can be something of a rude shock. The goalposts can be widened by selecting from a breed and breeder of successfully trained service dogs in the past.  

A service dog must be from a socially acceptable breed – as determined by real public perception.  In other words, not what you or your friends think, but what those who will be encountering the dog in the street think. Applicants with an unsuitable dog will not be accepted into The Dog Squad programme operators to advice on the suitability and acceptability of any suggested dog. Please contact Service DogTraining before making any commitment on a dog selection.

Dogs of 8 months old to a maximum of 2 years are the best age for training; young enough to learn new things, old enough for us to gauge the dog’s personality.

Should a dog not be accepted into this training programme or applicants do not have access to a dog, contact should be made to The Dog Squad as they will assist with sourcing a suitable breed of the right age, and give advice prior to making a decision on a dog. 

The Dog Squad is a new initiative, and all participants have a shared responsibility to make this programme a success for the participants and all future Diggers, The Dog Squad operators retain the right to reject any dog that is not deemed suitable.

Finally be clear about the reason for the dog. It is to assist you control, overcome and cope with your combat stress.  This is a huge task for a four-pawed colleague. Do not expect more from the dog by thinking it will be good for breeding, showing, hunting, fighting, macho image maker, and other ideas you may have for the dog.  It is a dog not a wonder drug; it will try and do everything you ask, but do not destroy your bond by expecting too much.

Programme Structure

The programme will get under way early in 2012 and the first few months will be a companion dog training programme involving weekly lessons and tasks built in a tiered fashion through to completion of the 16 session companion dog training.  In order for the service dog side of the programme to succeed, there must be a ‘super-glue’ like bond between the handler and their Four Paws Trainee.   A dog doesn’t care about disabilities or challenges, it is non-biased, non-discriminatory, but it will only excel if it has respect for its handler.  This first level of the programme seals that respect between the handler and their dog.

Service Dog Training

Service Dog Training is the pro-bono arm of K9Coach Pty Ltd, a well established behavioural dog training company based in Melbourne, Founder, Hans van Heesbeen saw the need for more accessible specialist dog training services for people with physical and mental disabilities.  Many main charities providing service and assistance dogs have long waiting lists, and some of the clients with whom Hans works fall outside the criteria these organisations set.

The framework Hans uses is TeamWork from TOP DOG USA, a charity which has used this methodology successfully over the past 23 years in the USA.  Service DogTraining’s joint venture with Young Diggers will see a programme tailored to the specific needs of serving and ex-serving military personnel.  Initially from Hans’ point of view, key requirements will be a sound, temperamentally and physically suitable dog, a real commitment and desire from the handler to make this work, both of which, in turn will offer a better way of life, more freedom and access to many things often taken for granted.

Hans, on behalf of Service DogTraining, is one of the latest training institutions to become accredited under the Queensland Guide, Hearing and Assistance Dogs Act 2009.  With pending legislation to a national accreditation system, it is hoped that this will become a national recognition in due course.  A recognized Canine Behaviourist, Hans’ methodology with dogs is Reward-based training and gentle reinforcement methods.  Hans believes that Service DogTraining’s contribution to this special programme will make life more desirable for those suffering with combat stress and mental related illnesses.

Hans will be available at certain times per week to coach the trainees, and whilst he is based in Melbourne, technology such as Skype will bring him right into the handlers’ lounge rooms.  After the completion of companion dog training there will be a short break before the start of the service dog training.  Handler and dog will continue training and use this time to underpin their dedication and commitment.  This programme has to be designed to allow Young Digger handlers in the programme to assist each other whilst working with their dog training, playing and bonding whilst benefitting from the help of a colleague with the same goal.

Enquiry Form

If you are a current serving or ex-serving member of the ADF or NZDF and would like to put in an application to participate in this programme, please click here to download the Enquiry Form. If you have any questions, click here to email John, but try checking out the FAQ’s first.

The program goes national in January 2012.

Please note the cost of this programme for ‘Service Members” of Young Diggers is really attractive, membership is free – so join today!

Limited numbers

As mentioned, this is a programme with limited participants for the inauguration.  Once underway, it is expected that we will start a second wave of Young Diggers into the programme so please don’t be too disappointed if you don’t get in first time around.  Some of the criteria is more logistical than personal!

Documentaion

Information Pack

Your Enquiry will be reviewed once received and successful applicants will receive an Information Pack. This contains a General Information and Costs document, Considerations when applying for a service or assistance dog document, and Application form.

Depending on your response on the Enquiry form you will also receive a ‘Tell us about your Dog’ form or an ‘Application to have a dog’ form.
Your Information pack will include a ‘Medical Information’ form and a ‘Request for Information from Medical Practitioner’ form.

Considerations when applying for a service or assistance dog

You must read this document before submitting your Application Form.  There are many things a dog can do, but there are also many things they cannot.  When considering a service/assistance dog, make a list of the things you want a dog to do for you, and then consider if the list is reasonable.  Some tasks may be easy to teach, others may take many months of practice.  Some tasks that you might wish for may not be a teachable element. For instance if you are feeling sad to make you feel happy.  The dog may have this affect on you but this is not something they can be responsible for and it would be an unacceptable expectation. Talk over your task list with your family and with your Specialist Trainer.  Jesse, the dog in this video clip is totally driven by the tasks set and whilst they are “tricks”, it gives an idea of the tasks that can be set for the right dog. 

Returning the Application Form

This programme is not unique as similar services have been running in the USA and United Kingdom.  The success depends greatly on the information we receive at the outset.  The paperwork we are asking you to complete may appear excessive but all information is vital to get a picture of your needs and the needs of your dog.  Please return your completed application form with the following documentation:

  • If you have a dog you think would be suitable, complete and return ‘Tell us about your Dog’ form
  • If you need to apply to have a dog, complete and return ‘Application to have a dog’ form.
  • Complete and return ‘Applicant Medical Information’ form
  • Complete and return ‘Information Request from Medical Practitioner’ form
  • Supply your “What I would like the service dog to do for me” list.  This will help us tailor Level 2 appropriately.

Letter of agreement to participate in The Dog Squad programme

Members of The Dog Squad programme have obligations which are defined in a letter of agreement.  They underpin the transparent and open arrangement established between Service DogTraining and Young Diggers Australia. Details of these obligations already appear in the Application Form. Once your application has been accepted you will be expected to sign this letter and return one copy before starting the programme. 

Media release

Young Diggers recently released a media release on the programme.  Click here to open and download a copy.