The Function of Psychiatric Service Dogs in Mental Health
A New Leash on Life
Every day can seem like an uphill battle when your teen is dealing with mental health issues. Bringing a psychiatric service dog into our lives was one of the most life-changing choices we have made. Let me introduce you to Poppy, our very active Springer Spaniel who has become an essential part of my teen Ryan’s journey toward healing and independence. We have experienced lots of challenges along the way raising and training Poppy, but he has truly been a blessing.
A Companion Like No Other
Service dogs aren’t just pets, they’re lifelines to those that need help. They’re the ones who are there day and night offering tasks, unconditional love, and quite often just providing the motivation to get through the next moment.
For Ryan, depression and anxiety can make even the simplest tasks, like getting out of bed, feel impossible. But then there’s Poppy with his wiggly butt and boundless enthusiasm, he’s like a ray of sunshine that refuses to be ignored. Morning routines can still be hard, but it’s a lot easier to face the day when there’s a furry friend excited to start it with you.
Poppy isn’t just there for the fun moment, he has a job to do. When the weight of the world feels unbearable, he’s a constant, offering comfort, trained tasks and unconditional love. I see that his presence offers a sense of grounding and Poppy’s companionship has been a game-changer.
What is a Service Dog?
Before Ryan got Poppy, I had no idea just how life-changing a service dog could be. I used to think service dogs were mostly for people who were blind or had medical or physical disabilities. I had no idea that dogs could also be trained for psychiatric needs. These incredible dogs aren’t pets; they’re working animals with a real job to do. That’s why they’re allowed in public places like stores, restaurants, and even airplanes. You can learn more about service dogs at Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
For Ryan, Poppy is more than just a dog—he’s a lifeline. He helps Ryan manage anxiety, interrupts negative behaviors like scratching, skin picking, and brings a sense of calm when the world feels too heavy.
Below is a comparison chart highlighting the differences between service dogs, therapy dogs, and emotional support dogs:
| Aspect | Service Dog | Therapy Dog | Emotional Support Dog |
| Definition | Trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities. | Provides comfort and support to people in group settings (e.g., hospitals, schools). | Provides emotional support and comfort to their owner. |
| Training | Extensive task-specific training related to the disability. | Basic obedience and specialized therapy training. | No specialized training required. |
| Legal Protections | Protected under the ADA and allowed in most public spaces. | No ADA protection; access only with permission. | Protected under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), not ADA. |
| Purpose | Assists with physical or psychiatric disabilities. | Offers general emotional support to multiple individuals. | Provides comfort to the owner in private settings. |
| Public Access | Full access to public spaces. | Restricted; permission required. | Not allowed in public places unless permitted. |
Service dogs play a vital role in enhancing independence and safety for people with disabilities, making their contributions truly life changing.
When it comes to service dogs, the “Fab Four” breeds—Poodles, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and rough or smooth Collies—are often the top choices due to their high success rates. Legally, however, any dog can qualify as a service dog.
Choosing the Right Dog: Lessons Learned!
When we decided to get a psychiatric service dog, I knew temperament was important, but I didn’t REALLY understand what that truly meant. We were newbies at this, to say the least. I read a very incorrect article that Spring Spaniels don’t shed, which was important to me, and boy was that wrong! Springer Spaniels are high-energy hunting dogs, and while Poppy has many wonderful qualities, his initial exuberance made training a challenge, to put it mildly. In hindsight, a calmer breed such as a Golden Retriever, Poodle, or Labrador Retriever might have been a better fit for Ryan’s needs. However, we were committed to Poppy to try and make this work! After considerable training and time for Poppy to mature, he’s finally getting the hang of his job and loves it.
It’s important to recognize that a service dog isn’t the right fit for everyone. For some, having a service dog can actually intensify mental health challenges. Caring for a dog adds responsibility and stress, and the extra attention that comes with bringing a dog into public spaces can heighten anxiety. Dealing with rude or disrespectful behavior from others can also be a challenge that we have experienced, and you’ll need to be prepared to advocate for your dog. That said, for many, a service dog can be life-changing, offering unparalleled support and significantly improving quality of life.
For those considering a service dog, I can’t stress enough the importance of research. Not every dog is suited for the job of being a service animal, and it’s crucial to find one with the right temperament and abilities. We got Poppy as a puppy because trained service dogs often come with hefty price tags (upwards of $20,000) or long waiting lists that can stretch into years. While training a puppy was a monumental task, it also gave Ryan a sense of purpose and pride in teaching Poppy the skills he needed. While training a puppy was a monumental task, it also gave Ryan a sense of purpose and pride in teaching Poppy the skills he needed.
The Long Journey of Training
I am so unbelievably proud of Ryan’s dedication to working with and training Poppy. The reason we got Poppy in the first place was because of Ryan’s passion for a service dog. I remember Ryan putting together a PowerPoint presentation for me that explained the role of a psychiatric service dog.
Teaching a dog new skills and tasks is a job in itself, and Ryan has shown incredible patience and dedication. From basic obedience as a puppy to specific tasks like interrupting anxious behaviors or providing deep pressure therapy when needed, Poppy’s skill set has grown immensely. Watching their bond deepen through training has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.
We definitely couldn’t have done this on our own. Daniel Egar, the owner of Sound Solutions Dog Training, in Richmond, VA has been an absolute game-changer for us. His knowledge, patience, and guidance have played a huge role in shaping Poppy into the service dog he is today. If you’re considering getting a service dog, I highly recommend seeking out a professional trainer with experience training service animals. The investment in their expertise is worth every penny.
Poppy’s Role in College Life
Today, Poppy is Ryan’s constant companion at college. Growing up is tough, but when you add mental health struggles into the mix, it can feel downright overwhelming. That’s where Poppy comes in. He’s more than just a service dog—he’s a steady presence in Ryan’s life. He’s there for the tough moments, offering comfort during stressful times, and he’s also the perfect reason to get outside, take a break, and breathe in some fresh air.
That said, there are unique challenges. Ryan lives alone, and while Poppy’s companionship is a blessing, it can also make it easier to slip into isolation. This is something we’re mindful of, encouraging Ryan to seek out social opportunities and connect with others. A psychiatric service dog is a wonderful tool, but it’s not a cure-all. Balancing Poppy’s presence with other forms of support is key.
Work in Progress
If I were to grade Poppy as a psychiatric service dog, I’d give him a solid B. There’s still room for improvement and he’s only 2.5 years old, but the progress he and Ryan have made together is remarkable. I’m in awe of Ryan’s perseverance and the bond they’ve built. Every step forward is a testament to Ryan’s strength and determination.
Poppy’s journey reminds us that service dogs, like people, are works in progress. While he’s not perfect, he’s perfectly suited to help Ryan navigate the ups and downs of life. The love and support he provides are immeasurable, and for that, I’m endlessly grateful.
Considerations for Getting a Service Dog
If you’re thinking about getting a service dog for your teen, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Research Breeds: Consider your teen’s specific needs and choose a breed that aligns with those requirements. Some breeds are naturally more suited to service work. Maybe take a Springer off your list! Consider one of the “Fab 4.”
- Training Options: Decide whether to pursue a fully trained service dog or train one yourself. The latter can be more affordable but requires significant time and commitment.
- Professional Help: Work with an experienced service dog trainer. Their expertise can make all the difference in your dog’s success.
- Lifestyle Fit: Consider your family’s lifestyle and whether you have the time and resources to care for a service dog.
- Long-Term Commitment: Remember, a service dog is a long-term commitment. They require ongoing training, care, and attention.
Final Thoughts
Introducing Poppy into our lives has been one of the best and most challenging decisions we’ve ever made. While the journey hasn’t been without its hurdles, the joy and support Poppy brings to Ryan’s life are beyond measure. Watching Ryan thrive and tackle life’s challenges with Poppy by their side fills me with immense pride and gratitude.
For any parent considering a service dog, know that it’s not a quick fix, but it can be a powerful tool in supporting your child’s mental health. Poppy may not be perfect, but to us, he’s a shining example of hope and resilience. And isn’t that what we’re all fighting for? A brighter tomorrow, one step at a time.
To learn more about my journey raising a teen with mental health challenges, follow along at www.fightingfortomorrow.com.
FAQs
What is a psychiatric service dog?
A psychiatric service dog is a specially trained companion that helps individuals with mental health challenges. These amazing dogs perform tasks like calming anxiety, interrupting harmful behaviors, or providing comfort during tough moments. For us, Poppy has been a true lifeline for Ryan, offering grounding support and a sense of stability every day.
What’s the difference between a service dog, an emotional support animal, and a therapy dog?
This can be confusing—I know I had to learn the hard way! Service dogs are trained to do specific tasks that help with a person’s disability, and they’re protected under the ADA, meaning they can go almost anywhere with their owner. Emotional support animals provide comfort but don’t have specialized training or the same legal protections. Therapy dogs are trained to provide support in group settings like schools or hospitals. Each serves a different purpose, so it’s important to figure out what’s the best fit for your needs.
Which dog breeds are best for service work?
The “Fab Four” breeds—Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Poodles, and Collies—are popular for a reason. They’re smart, eager to learn, and naturally calm. That said, any dog with the right temperament can be a great service dog. Even though we love Poppy, a high-energy Springer Spaniel probably is not the best choice!
What are the challenges of having a psychiatric service dog?
It’s not all wagging tails and sunshine, let me tell you! Training takes time, patience, and commitment. You’ll also need to deal with extra responsibilities like caring for your dog and educating others about service animal rights. And yes, strangers will stop you in public—sometimes kindly, sometimes not so much. It’s not easy, but for us, it’s been 100% worth it.
How can I get a psychiatric service dog for my teen?
There are two main options: buy a fully trained service dog (pricey, but much less work) or train one yourself with professional help. We chose to train Poppy ourselves to save on costs, and while it’s been a challenge and still pricey, it’s also given Ryan a sense of pride and purpose. Be sure to research trainers and organizations carefully—finding the right fit can make all the difference.
Can service dogs go everywhere?
Service dogs are protected under the ADA, so they’re allowed in most public spaces like restaurants, schools, and stores. Emotional support animals and therapy dogs don’t have the same rights, so it’s important to know the rules before heading out.
Where can I learn more about service dogs?
Finding a psychiatric service dog is a challenge all upon itself. If you’re ready to take the leap, here are some resources to help you get started:
- ADA: According to the ADA, businesses and state or local governments are required to take specific measures to ensure they do not discriminate against individuals with disabilities who rely on service animals.
- ADA National Network: Resource on the differences between a service animal and an emotional support animal.
- Local Trainers: Reach out to local trainers who specialize in training service dogs
- K-9 Companions: Canine Companions provides free, highly trained service dogs to enhance the lives of people with disabilities and great resource for learning more about service dogs.
- The Spruce Pets. Resources on the eight different types of service animals.
- Local Trainers: Reach out to trainers near you for personalized guidance.
If you’re considering a psychiatric service dog for your teen, I hope this FAQ gave you some clarity! It’s a big decision, but with the right preparation, it can make a world of difference. For more about our journey and resources, visit Fighting for Tomorrow.
