There is a new program in the works that will provide dogs specifically bred to be service dogs for Veterans with a multitude of ailments, most importantly PTSD.  While the VA is supporting this program, private breeders are financing it in total.  This program is being started by a young lady and her husband, both Veterans, both 100% disabled, who are doing some of the breeding and helping with training and securing breeding commitments from breeders around the country.  The dogs are trained for “emotional support” and as Psychiatric (PTSD) Service dogs.

The animals used in this program are the Borzoi (aka Russian Wolf Hound) and the Belgian Sheep Dog.  Both breeds are known for their ability to operate independently.  The breeders are only using specific “bloodlines” of animals to insure that they are as problem free as possible.  The animal donations come from ethical breeders and are carefully screened for health, trainability & temperament (the parents, grandparents and so forth free of genetic disease or problems).  This is to insure that the dog’s bloodlines do not have a history of cancer, hip dysplasia and the myriad of other problems that are common with larger dogs.

The breeds selected have been proven to be great psychiatric Service Dog's.  They are large, quiet, long-lived (11-17 years), extremely healthy, and most importantly they are not blindly obedient or human reliant...they think for themselves.

As an example one of the first Borzoi service dogs placed went to a civilian who had severe PTSD, involuntary hospitalizations and the works.  She had been trying to obtain a service dog for nearly a year, but had gone with the traditional service breeds (German Shepherd, golden...) and basically it was a problem.  She would start having panic attacks, the dogs would too and become very aggressive to boot as they frantically searched over and over for a threat. On the other hand, the Borzoi placed with her would check the house on command but then come back to her and start soothing her on his own (nudges, hugs, licks, play).  She no longer gets hospitalized, she has resumed college and the dog is up for an AKC A.C.E. award for service dogs.

And now, the part you have been waiting for.  The dogs are free to any qualified Veteran.  A Veteran is considered qualified as long as his VA or VET Center PTSD counselor thinks it would benefit him/her and they are capable of the dog’s care or have help caring for the animal.  The donations of these dogs goes through the DAV (Tucson, Chapter 4), through the Bandido Charlie Association  or any recognized Veteran’s Organization that is a 501 (c) corporation, so that the breeder at least gets a receipt for their dog - and the Veteran is getting the dog from a source they know is not going to ask anything of him.  The breeders do welcome contact from the vets if they would like to talk - especially about their dogs.  The dogs are transported, in many cases, by Operation Roger or Pilots N Paws without cost to the Veteran.  In many instances, arrangements have been made with selected veterinarians through the SPCA who offer discounted (30%) health care services if needed

One of the best benefits is that as Certified Service dogs, the animal can remain with you at all times the same as a “Seeing Eye” dog can remain with its master.  That way, the dog is with you at all times, especially when you may need him most.  As a matter of fact, it is critically important that the dog be with his master as much as humanly possible so that the Veteran and the dog become co-dependent in each other’s comfort and welfare.  I have seen the Borzoi in action and it is an amazing animal.  The Vets I have spoken with say their Service Dog is better than any med they have ever taken!

OPERATION WOLFHOUND - FAQ's

PTSD SERVICE DOGS

The basics;

1. The dogs are free of charge.

2. The dogs are available to any veteran with a councilors recommendation and the ability to care for the dog, or assistance in caring for the dog.

3. Although the dogs have been trained in specific service tasks, the veteran must agree to continue the dog's training for a minimum of 6 months.

4. These dogs are NOT pets; they are dogs with a job (though having a good emotional attachment to the animal is necessary and they work for love and treats)

5. After the completion of a minimum of 6 months of training with the veteran, the dog will be registered with the IAADP.  The annual renewal of that registration is $30 USD. Registration with the IAADP provides the veteran with an ID card for the animal, various free or discounted medications/treatments (heart worm preventative, flea meds), discounted vet care all over the US and Canada and other very useful benefits. Coupons are available from IAMS for discounts on their food products. These coupons are only for service animals.

6. The owner must keep the dog clean, brushed and properly maintained.

7. The dogs should stay with their owner 24/7.  They cannot do their job if they are left at home or stuck in a crate.

8. The dogs are covered by the same laws as seeing eye dogs; they are allowed to go everywhere with their owner and even fly in the cabin of the plane with their owner (though you do have to tell the airline ahead of time).

Q: Why can't you just get dogs from the pound?

A: Although we would like to be able to take dogs in from the pound, not just any dog can be a psychiatric service animal.  The dog must possess the ability for independent thought, must be self directed, must be protective without a hint of aggression, be a fairly quiet animal, and of a significant size.  The animal also must be less than 4 years old, have a clean bill of health, not be prone to genetically based illnesses and be likely to live a long time.

A person, who is vulnerable emotionally, cannot deal well with a chronic illness or early death of their service animal.  The genetic history of dogs in the pound is generally unknown and unlike most borzois, their bloodlines have not been screened and selected to be free of disease.  Additionally borzois have longer life spans than is
typical for such large breeds.

Q: What is so special about the temperaments of these dogs?

A: Borzoi are quiet, loyal and when well socialized (as all of these dogs are) are very gentle without being cowards.  The most important trait of the dogs though, is their breed's emotional independence and self-direction.  These dogs do not blindly obey, which makes them a challenge to train, but it is that very trait that makes them such excellent psychiatric service dogs.  A German Shepherd or similar working breed will panic if their owner panics and will frequently respond to an owners fear with aggression.  They end up escalating the situation instead of soothing it.

Basically, a borzoi is just about as likely to spontaneously play fetch, beg or roll over on command as a cat, but they do make up their own mind about any given situation and will respond as they have been trained to do.

Q: What does a psychiatric service dog do - how do they specifically help veterans?

A: These dogs are very effective in treating PTSD.  They help reduce hyper-alertness because the veteran can rely on the dog's superior senses to alert them to any threats or disturbances.  They can and will wake the veteran from nightmares, soothe and ground the veteran experiencing a flashback or panic attack through deep pressure stimulation, nudges, leaning hugs.  They can check a house for threats on command, help discern between hallucinations and reality.  They can brace a veteran unsteady from medication or with aid with walking by serving in place of a cane.  The dogs will prevent random jostling by serving as a barrier between the veteran and other people.  The dog can and will 'watch your back' to prevent people from coming up behind the veteran.

The dogs can also do specialized tasks from bringing medication, to alerting a vet with hearing loss to phone calls or door knocks.  The dogs can be trained to open doors, lift latches, get help, call 911, alert to seizures or even open a window.  The dogs can even be trained to act badly on a secret signal so that the veteran can use the dog as an excuse to get out of a normally inescapable social situation.  They can be trained for tasks to help with the challenges & frustrations of traumatic brain injury as well.

Q: Do you all accept monetary donations?

A: In a word - no!   Although we may grow to a size in the future where such donations will become necessary, at the moment we are trying to avoid that complication for as long as possible.  Right now members of the Borzoi Club of America donate the dogs and volunteers do the training and transportation.  If these donations are no longer enough to keep up with the demand, we will begin accepting monetary donations.

If you would like to donate a ride for a dog, or your expertise in training a dog, or help by donating goods or services, please contact us.  We need people all over the country as we have veterans all over the country.  We currently accept donations through the DAV or through Bandido Charlie's Associations support organization.  “Bandidos lead the way!”

Q: How do I get a dog if I am a veteran?

A: Talk with your councilor.  If they support you getting a Psychiatric Service Dog, then either they or you should contact us with a list of your specific needs.  That's it.

Q: I have a friend who is a veteran and needs a dog; can I get them one of yours?

A: No. Obtaining and training a service dog is something they must commit to and is a highly personal choice that will impact their life for years to come.

Q: I am not a veteran, but would benefit from a Psychiatric Service Dog, can I apply for one?

A: Although we sympathize, this is an organization by and for veterans.  We would be happy to share information, trainer and breeder recommendations but must limit our dogs to fellow veterans.

Q: How long will it take to get a dog?

As a rule of thumb, it takes two to four months. We rely on donations from breeders and trainers; rides donated by pilots and drivers and very rarely, breed a litter for service potential ourselves.  Because of all those factors, it takes time to organize everything.

Q: What kinds of training do the dogs have when they are placed?

A: The dogs are given basic training, such as for a CGC certificate from the AKC, socialization with animals and people of all sorts, orientation to basic wheelchair manners and basic off lead training.  The dogs are then trained for a minimum of 50 additional hours to do basic service tasks like brace, block, hand signals, pull up, wake and soothing stimulation.  After that, the dog will be placed with the owner and they both will do an additional 6 months of training for that person’s specific needs and signals.

If you have interest in this program, you may contact me (Ken Costich) at bandidocharlie6@gmail.com  or through the program originator, Alicia Miller at admin@lundr.com .