Guest guest Posted August 5, 2012 Report Share Posted August 5, 2012 Hi all, I was just watching a video clip of a young man with PTSD from serving in Iraq. After coming home on medical leave, his family decided a service dog might be beneficial. So he now has a service dog that can detect when his anxiety is increasing, depression, a panic attack coming on, etc. He says he was on 8 meds before getting his service dog and is now down to one. ..I know of a young lady who has a service dog to help with her severe tics from Tourette's, and dogs help so many others with disabilities and it's been proven they have a calming effect, so what about service dogs for those with severe OCD? The more I think about it, and the more I hear and see of service dogs helping those with various psychological issue, the more I can see this being something that could be very beneficial for my son. We have two dogs that he totally adores, and were sort of like his " therapy dogs " when he was at home, but it's not possible to train them as service dogs at this point. Wondering what you all think about the concept of a service dog to help w/OCD, and in my son's case, TS? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 5, 2012 Report Share Posted August 5, 2012 I think it is a great idea. Why can't your dogs be trained? It all depends if you can find someone who has the ability to train the dogs. Do you think they are too old? You are such a fierce fighter for your son; I'm sure if anyone can find a way, it is you for sure. Hugs, Phyllis > . . . so what about service dogs for those with severe OCD? > > The more I think about it, and the more I hear and see of service dogs helping those with various psychological issue, the more I can see this being something that could be very beneficial for my son. We have two dogs that he totally adores, and were sort of like his " therapy dogs " when he was at home, but it's not possible to train them as service dogs at this point. > > Wondering what you all think about the concept of a service dog to help w/OCD, and in my son's case, TS? > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 5, 2012 Report Share Posted August 5, 2012 I think it is a great idea. Why can't your dogs be trained? It all depends if you can find someone who has the ability to train the dogs. Do you think they are too old? You are such a fierce fighter for your son; I'm sure if anyone can find a way, it is you for sure. Hugs, Phyllis > . . . so what about service dogs for those with severe OCD? > > The more I think about it, and the more I hear and see of service dogs helping those with various psychological issue, the more I can see this being something that could be very beneficial for my son. We have two dogs that he totally adores, and were sort of like his " therapy dogs " when he was at home, but it's not possible to train them as service dogs at this point. > > Wondering what you all think about the concept of a service dog to help w/OCD, and in my son's case, TS? > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 5, 2012 Report Share Posted August 5, 2012 Thanks so much, Phyllis for your kind words I think we are all " fighters " for our kids (and loved ones) who are stricken with these disorders. As far as our dogs being trained, it's just not possible to accomplish what needs to be done with a service dog. They typically go through about 6 months of daily training with people who are highly specialized in doing this and younger dogs are much better candidates. My dogs are 3 and 7 and the younger one only weighs about 15 lbs. not to mention that she's a stubborn little girl. I'm not sure it could even work for my son since he's most likely headed to therapeutic boarding school after the wilderness program, but my thought was that maybe, if a trained service dog could provide him the support he needs to function at a higher level he may not need therapeutic boarding school, or even if he did, the dog could help him to maximize his progress at a boarding school or wherever he ends up. Personally I think that all residential treatment centers, therapeutic boarding schools, php programs, etc. should have therapy/service dogs integrated into the programs. Even for those who suffer with contamination/germ OCD phobias, a trained therapy dog could be a great ERP tool! I guess the one downside and concern I would have with my son having a service dog is that he would become to dependent on the dog and possibly use it as a manipulation to get what he wants, if that makes sense. On the other hand, I see it a service dog as being a great confidence and self-esteem builder. I know they are outrageously expensive so we probably couldn't afford one, but I'm definitely keeping it in the back of my mind. > I think it is a great idea. Why can't your dogs be trained? > It all depends if you can find someone who has the ability > to train the dogs. Do you think they are too old? > > You are such a fierce fighter for your son; I'm sure if > anyone can find a way, it is you for sure. > > Hugs, > Phyllis > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 5, 2012 Report Share Posted August 5, 2012 Thanks so much, Phyllis for your kind words I think we are all " fighters " for our kids (and loved ones) who are stricken with these disorders. As far as our dogs being trained, it's just not possible to accomplish what needs to be done with a service dog. They typically go through about 6 months of daily training with people who are highly specialized in doing this and younger dogs are much better candidates. My dogs are 3 and 7 and the younger one only weighs about 15 lbs. not to mention that she's a stubborn little girl. I'm not sure it could even work for my son since he's most likely headed to therapeutic boarding school after the wilderness program, but my thought was that maybe, if a trained service dog could provide him the support he needs to function at a higher level he may not need therapeutic boarding school, or even if he did, the dog could help him to maximize his progress at a boarding school or wherever he ends up. Personally I think that all residential treatment centers, therapeutic boarding schools, php programs, etc. should have therapy/service dogs integrated into the programs. Even for those who suffer with contamination/germ OCD phobias, a trained therapy dog could be a great ERP tool! I guess the one downside and concern I would have with my son having a service dog is that he would become to dependent on the dog and possibly use it as a manipulation to get what he wants, if that makes sense. On the other hand, I see it a service dog as being a great confidence and self-esteem builder. I know they are outrageously expensive so we probably couldn't afford one, but I'm definitely keeping it in the back of my mind. > I think it is a great idea. Why can't your dogs be trained? > It all depends if you can find someone who has the ability > to train the dogs. Do you think they are too old? > > You are such a fierce fighter for your son; I'm sure if > anyone can find a way, it is you for sure. > > Hugs, > Phyllis > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 5, 2012 Report Share Posted August 5, 2012 I don't know much about this but I do know there are some people who train dogs that are not the right breed to be official " service dogs " . The cost of those dogs is much lower, as in $2,000 to $3,000 vs vs. $10,000 plus. Maybe check around. ________________________________ To: Sent: Sunday, August 5, 2012 12:41 PM Subject: Re: OCD service dogs?  Thanks so much, Phyllis for your kind words I think we are all " fighters " for our kids (and loved ones) who are stricken with these disorders. As far as our dogs being trained, it's just not possible to accomplish what needs to be done with a service dog. They typically go through about 6 months of daily training with people who are highly specialized in doing this and younger dogs are much better candidates. My dogs are 3 and 7 and the younger one only weighs about 15 lbs. not to mention that she's a stubborn little girl. I'm not sure it could even work for my son since he's most likely headed to therapeutic boarding school after the wilderness program, but my thought was that maybe, if a trained service dog could provide him the support he needs to function at a higher level he may not need therapeutic boarding school, or even if he did, the dog could help him to maximize his progress at a boarding school or wherever he ends up. Personally I think that all residential treatment centers, therapeutic boarding schools, php programs, etc. should have therapy/service dogs integrated into the programs. Even for those who suffer with contamination/germ OCD phobias, a trained therapy dog could be a great ERP tool! I guess the one downside and concern I would have with my son having a service dog is that he would become to dependent on the dog and possibly use it as a manipulation to get what he wants, if that makes sense. On the other hand, I see it a service dog as being a great confidence and self-esteem builder. I know they are outrageously expensive so we probably couldn't afford one, but I'm definitely keeping it in the back of my mind. > I think it is a great idea. Why can't your dogs be trained? > It all depends if you can find someone who has the ability > to train the dogs. Do you think they are too old? > > You are such a fierce fighter for your son; I'm sure if > anyone can find a way, it is you for sure. > > Hugs, > Phyllis > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 5, 2012 Report Share Posted August 5, 2012 I don't know much about this but I do know there are some people who train dogs that are not the right breed to be official " service dogs " . The cost of those dogs is much lower, as in $2,000 to $3,000 vs vs. $10,000 plus. Maybe check around. ________________________________ To: Sent: Sunday, August 5, 2012 12:41 PM Subject: Re: OCD service dogs?  Thanks so much, Phyllis for your kind words I think we are all " fighters " for our kids (and loved ones) who are stricken with these disorders. As far as our dogs being trained, it's just not possible to accomplish what needs to be done with a service dog. They typically go through about 6 months of daily training with people who are highly specialized in doing this and younger dogs are much better candidates. My dogs are 3 and 7 and the younger one only weighs about 15 lbs. not to mention that she's a stubborn little girl. I'm not sure it could even work for my son since he's most likely headed to therapeutic boarding school after the wilderness program, but my thought was that maybe, if a trained service dog could provide him the support he needs to function at a higher level he may not need therapeutic boarding school, or even if he did, the dog could help him to maximize his progress at a boarding school or wherever he ends up. Personally I think that all residential treatment centers, therapeutic boarding schools, php programs, etc. should have therapy/service dogs integrated into the programs. Even for those who suffer with contamination/germ OCD phobias, a trained therapy dog could be a great ERP tool! I guess the one downside and concern I would have with my son having a service dog is that he would become to dependent on the dog and possibly use it as a manipulation to get what he wants, if that makes sense. On the other hand, I see it a service dog as being a great confidence and self-esteem builder. I know they are outrageously expensive so we probably couldn't afford one, but I'm definitely keeping it in the back of my mind. > I think it is a great idea. Why can't your dogs be trained? > It all depends if you can find someone who has the ability > to train the dogs. Do you think they are too old? > > You are such a fierce fighter for your son; I'm sure if > anyone can find a way, it is you for sure. > > Hugs, > Phyllis > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 5, 2012 Report Share Posted August 5, 2012 , I think it would be worthwhile to look into this for your son. I knew a student who had CP and in w/c but quite capable, hoping to go to college for counseling degree. She needed to apply to a service dog organization, once accepted, she was then going to be trained with the dog for a lengthy training period. They would determine if he would be a candidate and help with any issues you were concerned with. She must have gotten financial help b/c she was financially needy. Another mother of a student with autism is working with service organizations in town and also has an account set up at a local bank for donations. He tends to run off so huge safety issue. Our lab is not a trained service dog but sure calms down everyone in our house. Right now she is passed out on the couch next to me. Just looking at her with her flabby lips, big droopy eyes with that " zen " look is enough to bring down anyone's anxiety. in WI in WI Roy-17 > > Thanks so much, Phyllis for your kind words I think we are all " fighters " for our kids (and loved ones) who are stricken with these disorders. > > As far as our dogs being trained, it's just not possible to accomplish what needs to be done with a service dog. They typically go through about 6 months of daily training with people who are highly specialized in doing this and younger dogs are much better candidates. My dogs are 3 and 7 and the younger one only weighs about 15 lbs. not to mention that she's a stubborn little girl. > > I'm not sure it could even work for my son since he's most likely headed to therapeutic boarding school after the wilderness program, but my thought was that maybe, if a trained service dog could provide him the support he needs to function at a higher level he may not need therapeutic boarding school, or even if he did, the dog could help him to maximize his progress at a boarding school or wherever he ends up. > > Personally I think that all residential treatment centers, therapeutic boarding schools, php programs, etc. should have therapy/service dogs integrated into the programs. Even for those who suffer with contamination/germ OCD phobias, a trained therapy dog could be a great ERP tool! > > I guess the one downside and concern I would have with my son having a service dog is that he would become to dependent on the dog and possibly use it as a manipulation to get what he wants, if that makes sense. On the other hand, I see it a service dog as being a great confidence and self-esteem builder. > > I know they are outrageously expensive so we probably couldn't afford one, but I'm definitely keeping it in the back of my mind. > > > > > I think it is a great idea. Why can't your dogs be trained? > > It all depends if you can find someone who has the ability > > to train the dogs. Do you think they are too old? > > > > You are such a fierce fighter for your son; I'm sure if > > anyone can find a way, it is you for sure. > > > > Hugs, > > Phyllis > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 6, 2012 Report Share Posted August 6, 2012 HI , My neighbor's son who as High Functioning Autism got a service dog from a national organization called Canine for Companions. The dog was free, but you have to pay for transportation costs to pick up the dog and go through a training program. http://www.cci.org/site/c.cdKGIRNqEmG/b.3978475/k.BED8/Home.htm Hope this helps, Jill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 6, 2012 Report Share Posted August 6, 2012 A friend of mine has a son w/CP and anxiety issues and they have had one for years. I copy and pasted her reply about it. Canine Companions for Independence...the oldenst and the best!!!!!! http://www.cci.org/site/c.cdKGIRNqEmG/b.3978475/k.3F1C/Canine_Companions_for_Ind\ ependence.htm Tell the parents to say they want the dog as a social bridge, for emotional calming and anxiety management and for support during therapy & doc appoinmtments. Hope that helps....................................Larkellen Estate and Garage Sales Facebook Page www.estateandgaragesales.biz ________________________________ To: Sent: Monday, August 6, 2012 8:18 AM Subject: Re: OCD service dogs? HI , My neighbor's son who as High Functioning Autism got a service dog from a national organization called Canine for Companions. The dog was free, but you have to pay for transportation costs to pick up the dog and go through a training program. http://www.cci.org/site/c.cdKGIRNqEmG/b.3978475/k.BED8/Home.htm Hope this helps, Jill ------------------------------------ Our list ARCHIVES feature may be accessed at: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group// by scrolling down to the archives calendar . Our LINKS may be accessed at http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group//links . Our FILES may be accessed at http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group//files . Our list advisors are Gail B. , Ed.D.(http://www.ocdawareness.com ), Dr. , Psychiatrist, and Tamar Chansky, Ph.D. ( http://www.worrywisekids.org ) You may ask a question of any of these mental health professionals by inserting the words " Ask Dr.(insert name) " in the subject line of a post to the list. Our list moderators are Castle, Barb Nesrallah and Becky Reynolds. You may contact the moderators at -owner . OCDKidsLoop membership may be accessed at http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ocdkidsloop/ . Our group and related groups are listed at http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ocdsupportgroups/links . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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