PTSD Service Dog Trainer Academy

August 4-13, 2022

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Learn to train Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) service dogs for veterans. This work requires specialized knowledge and skills, both for the trainer and the dog. Successful trainers will learn to identify appropriate dogs and identify their potential to learn to evaluate human behavior, to recognize anxiety alerts, to think independently and to recognize crisis behavior. Successful trainers will learn to maximize the canine instinct to help build reliable partnerships between working dogs meant to assist and veterans suffering from PTSD.

Understanding PTSD is essential to understanding what the veteran needs and feels, and how a service dog can benefit them. In addition to hands-on dog training, you’ll have classroom work that covers PTSD, the struggles and behaviors associated with psychological injuries, and how service dogs fit into the recovery picture.

Apply online now.

This Able Veteran’s PTSD Service Dog Trainer Academy includes both classroom and hands-on education. Trainers learn:

Understanding PTSD is essential to understanding what the veteran needs and feels, and how a service dog can benefit them. In addition to hands-on dog training, you’ll have classroom work that covers PTSD, the struggles and behaviors associated with psychological injuries, and how service dogs fit into the recovery picture.

Dog Selection and Screening

Some dogs are meant for it, some dogs are meant for something else. Our students learn to identify ideal breeding, temperament, behavior and physical traits that lead to the best PTSD service dog candidates.

Veteran Selection and Screening

As wonderful as our dogs are, they aren’t the answer for every veteran. Our students learn to recognize and select veterans most likely to benefit and recover long term. We have developed an in-depth application and screening process. Students will learn to evaluate the veteran’s needs, support system and desire to heal. This process will enable you to determine if a service dog can be a key to a veteran’s recovery.

Pairing the Team

Matching the right dog to the right veteran is both an art and a skill. While dogs can make just about anyone feel better, a properly selected, expertly trained and skillfully matched service dog can be an incredibly transformative agent in the life of the injured. We know the right match can help veterans cultivate the independence and confidence to reclaim their lives.

  • To announce the early onset of anxiety or panic attacks in both private and public environments
  • Gain a solid understanding of what PTSD dogs actually do, and an awareness of what they should not do.
  • Develop the skills to teach dogs:
    • to announce the early onset of anxiety/panic attacks in both private and public environments
    • to ‘embrace’ (hugging action) for times of emotional crises
    • to ignore other animal/human solicitation for attention
    • to interrupt nightmares
  • Learn how to teach the veteran:
    • to utilize the dog through crises
    • to integrate the dog into the family
  • Learn about myths and misunderstandings regarding PTSD dogs.
  • Learn to understand military culture.
  • Learn how therapists can integrate dog therapy.
  • Learn to understand and recognize the symptoms of PTSD and how to properly train a dog to assist in recovery.
  • Learn how to use your skill to earn income for your business through training for This Able Veteran.

Student Requirements

  • Must have a minimum of 2 years training experience or equivalent through internships.
  • Must submit documentation of training qualifications (include certificates, diplomas, etc. Referrals if work done as internships under another professional trainer will be considered).
  • Must submit application detailing training skills, experience and communication skills.
  • Must have good interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills and show attention to detail.

Class

Minimum of 6, Maximum of 10 students

Tuition

Academy dates: August 4-13, 2022

Early bird: $2,750 (U.S. currency)
Early bird deposit: June 1, 2022, $750 due upon notice of acceptance
Early bird balance due in full: June 14, 2022

After early bird: $3000 (U.S. currency)
Deposit due: June 20, 2022, $875 due upon notice of acceptance
Balance due:  July 5, 2022

Late registration: $3150 (U.S. currency)
July 5-21, 2022, based upon availability

All deposits are non-refundable.*

Scholarships

Many veterans want to help serve their fellow brothers and sisters in meaningful ways. To help make this possible, we are proudly offering two, $500 scholarships (available to veterans only). Upon notification of being admitted to the academy, the veteran must be able to present their DD214. Scholarships will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Lodging

We recommend Drury Inn in Marion. The hotel is dog friendly. The rate is $75/night + taxes (+$40 pet fee/night if applicable) Phone: (618) 997-9600 We will have a block of 10 rooms reserved under This Able Veteran. You will need to claim your room and put it under your credit card one week prior to the start of the Academy or the rooms will be released.

Travel

Our campus is centrally located in beautiful southern Illinois – just a few miles from Interstate 57. An airport is also conveniently located for easy travel. Fly into St. Louis’ Lambert Airport, then catch the shuttle flight to Marion, Illinois.

Cape Air: St. Louis Airport to Marion via Cape Air www.flycapeair.com
Enterprise Rental Car: www.enterprise.com

* If we do not meet the class minimum, your deposit will either be refunded or applied to the next Academy.

Apply online now.