We’ve recently explored training your own Assistance Dog with one of our Dog Trainers, but have you ever wondered about the journey a puppy has to make, from adorable fluffy friend to a fully accredited Assistance Dog? Join us as we follow Diesel, the newest recruit to BRAVEHOUND’s Assistance Dog program.
The Role of Assistance Dogs for Veterans
Assistance Dogs are invaluable partners to Veterans who have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder*. The dogs provide companionship, promote exercise outdoors and help to add purpose and a structure to their chosen partner each day. Furthermore, they help to give their owner the confidence they need to tackle daily life challenges that may have been previously unachievable.
When speaking to Carnilove UK, Henry, a Veteran with a BRAVEHOUND named Theo who is Diesel’s Uncle told us a little more about what Theo means to him: “With my anxiety, two years ago, I couldn’t go into Princess Street. Because Theo is there, he gives me a focus. It keeps me in the here and now and I’m not looking at the crowd, I’m more concerned about what he’s doing. … I was on my knees for 17 years and I couldn’t see a way back. Theo helped me and to be honest with you, if the angels exist, Theo is my angel.”
*(All of the veterans have a PTSD diagnosis which is an umbrella term for many other mental health issues, including anxiety and depression).
How does Diesel’s journey as an Assistance Dog begin?
When a puppy first joins the BRAVEHOUND team, they get introduced to their volunteer BRAVEHOUND Buddy. Their buddy dedicates the next 2-6 months of their time and energy to help successfully prepare Diesel for his career as an assistance dog.
Diesel has just been placed with his very own buddy and will spend the next few weeks doing the following:
- Week One Diesel is left to settle in his new environment. Although boundaries are set, he learns he is safe and has choices. The charity’s training team visit regularly to prepare the Buddy.
- Week Two – This week sees Diesel and his buddy receive training basics and gentle, structured socialisation.
- Week Three to Six – They will then attend two x 2-hour training sessions with BRAVEHOUND training team, plus home visits as required.
- Week Six and beyond – They will follow a continuation of training on a weekly basis or more frequently as required.
As well as training, Diesel will be transitioned onto Carnilove Salmon & Turkey dry puppy food. This grain-free and potato-free formula is suitable for puppies of all breeds aged between 1-12 months old. This puppy food has an excellent source of highly digestible proteins as well as omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids, which have a positive impact on mental development, the cardiovascular system and metabolism – all perfect building blocks for fueling a growing Assistance Dog in training for their important job.
How can you get involved?
The costs of training newest recruit, Diesel, and all 27+ other dogs within the team are all covered by BRAVEHOUND. This charity is committed to the long-term welfare of each BRAVEHOUND Dog and the veteran they have partnered with over the dog’s lifetime. Veterans sacrifice so much to maintain our freedom and by sponsoring a BRAVEHOUND, you can give something back.