Certified Autism Service Dogs
National Service Dogs (NSD) has proven that properly trained and certified autism service dogs can:
- Increase safety levels and alleviate the bolting behaviourscommon in children with autism by acting as an anchor when tethered to the child
- Improve a child's socialization and behavior skills
- Create freedoms for the child and family members to go out of the house safely and confidently
- Expand a child's capabilities to experience more of life and to grow
- Calm children thereby giving them an increased attention span and a greater aptitude for learning
Autism Service Dogs are certified for public access and NSD follows Assistance Dogs International's standards and procedures. NSD retains ownership of all service dogs throughout their working life. Upon receipt of the service dog, families are responsible for their day to day care, including any veterinary costs.
Typically, the best results come from families who have:
- A child with Autism between the ages of 2 and 10 at the time of application
- Positively exposed and socialized the child with large dogs in the past
- No other family dog in the house (please note NSD will assess family dogs on an individual basis to determine whether they will be a good fit with a service dog)
- Time to devote to the learning curve of adding a Service Dog to their lives
- A willingness to have one or both parents travel without the child to our facility for 7 days of Team Training
- A Fenced yard or plan to contain the dog when in the yard
- One dedicated parent that stays home during the weekdays if the child is not yet in school. This project will be more successful if the dog bonds with the child and one parent, not a selection of different caregivers
National Service Dogs is currently accepting application requests for autism service dogs from families living across Canada.
If you are interested in receiving an autism service dog, please fill out our On-Line Application Request Form.
Click here to apply.
Skilled Companion Dogs for Soldiers with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
What is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
PTSD is a psychological response to the experience of intense traumatic events, particularly those that threaten life. It can affect people of any age, culture or gender. Traumatic stress can be seen as part of a normal human response to intense experiences. In the majority of people, the symptoms reduce or disappear over the first few months, particularly with the help of caring family members and friends. In a significant minority, the symptoms do not seem to resolve quickly and in some cases may continue to cause problems for the rest of the person's life.
PTSD is characterized by three main groups of problems. They can be classified under the headings of intrusive, avoidance and arousal symptoms.
Intrusive Symptoms of PTSD:
•Distressing memories or images of the incident;
•Nightmares and flashbacks;
•Physical symptoms, such as sweating, increased heart rate, or muscle tension
Skilled Companion Dogs are trained to “visit” and “nudge” the individual and provide a tactile distraction from symptoms and have proven to be quite useful in emotional overload situations. In addition, for those experiencing nightmares, night terrors, hypnologic hallucinations or flashbacks, tactile stimulation can provide a vitally important reality affirmation. Physical symptoms such as sweating, increased heart rate or muscle tension can also be reduced by massaging the dog.
Avoidance/Numbing Symptoms of PTSD:
•Trying to avoid any reminders of the trauma;
•Gaps in memory;
•Losing interest in normal activities of daily living;
•Feeling cut-off or detached from loved ones;
•Feeling flat or numb; and
•Difficulty imagining a future.
Skilled Companion Dogs are non-judgmental and provide calm, consistent companionship to the Veteran. The dogs are active and require daily care and training to maintain their skills. Taking care of the dog’s daily needs brings routine back into the Veteran’s life, gives them a reason to get out of the house and engage in activities of daily living.
Arousal Symptoms of PTSD:
•Anger and irritability;
•Concentration problems;
•Constantly on the look-out for signs of danger; and
•Jumpy, easily startled.
Skilled Companion Dogs provide important feedback to individuals suffering from these types of symptoms by helping them gauge the safety of their surroundings. The dogs are trained to make the individual feel more secure in their environment. For example, the dogs are trained to "block”. This means the dog will stand perpendicularly in front of the veteran to keep other people at a distance, giving them the additional personal space they need to feel secure. The dogs are also taught "cover". This means the dog will sit or lay facing backward by the veteran’s side and be able to alert them to people approaching from behind. The dogs are also taught a search command. This involves the dog “searching” the house to ensure its safe; thereby, helping to decrease the veteran’s anxiety when they feel nervous or are recovering from a nightmare or flashback.
Applications are available by referral only in Ontario. Please contact dani@nsd.on.ca for more information or at 519-623-4188 ex12
Companion Dogs
National Service Dogs recognizes the special bonds that develop between pet dogs and their families. The therapeutic value of pets is well documented and many people have experienced:
- Decreased stress and anxiety
- Increased psychological wellbeing
- Increased opportunities for exercise
- Increased opportunities for social interaction
NSD’s Companion Dogs may not have the necessary skills to become Certified Autism Service Dogs, but they can make wonderful friends for children and adults with various disabilities.
Companion Dogs do not have public access and are adopted from NSD. Companion Dog recipients become the sole owners of the dog upon receipt and are responsible for all expenses associated with the dog from that day forward.
Please contact chris@nsd.on.ca or extension 15 for more information on the program and how to apply.
Released Dogs
Approximately 15% of dogs do not qualify for NSD’s Autism Service Dog or Companion Dog Programs due to temperment or health related issues.
Released Dogs do not have public access and are adopted into loving pet dog homes. Released Dog recipients become the sole owners of the dog upon receipt and are responsible for all expenses associated with the dog from that day forward.
Please contact chris@nsd.on.ca or extension 15 for more information on the program and how to apply.
