PTSD and Dogs
What is PTSD — and how can assistance dogs help? This section explains core symptoms, why military personnel are especially affected, and how expertly trained dogs support daily life and long‑term recovery.
What is PTSD?
Post‑Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) affects around 1 in 12 adults over a lifetime, developing after severe or repeated trauma. For some, the body’s natural Fight / Flight / Freeze response becomes overly sensitive and easily triggered.
PTSD in Military Personnel
Exposure to combat and trauma raises risk of PTSD. Former military personnel face higher rates, with wide impacts across psychological, social and family domains.
How can dogs help?
Assistance dogs reduce the impact of PTSD symptoms, supporting confidence, safety and independence. Through consistent partnership, veterans rebuild trust and reconnect with daily life.
Early sensing
Noticing posture or breathing shifts and intercepting rising anxiety.
Interruptions
Halting panic cycles, providing coping nudges or grounding.
Night support
Waking from nightmares, grounding after night terrors.
Calming presence
Lowering arousal and providing steady reassurance.
Community re‑entry
Encouraging safe engagement in public and social settings.
Daily confidence
Reinforcing structure, independence and consistent routines.
The Human–Animal Bond
The partnership deepens safety and calm. Grounding techniques and trust between veteran and dog reduce hyper‑arousal and rebuild confidence.
Advanced Skills Training
Dogs undertake extensive preparation (up to a year) before placement, then continue 12–18 months of veteran‑team training via the PALS™ Programme.
- Recognising stress signals like pacing or hyperventilation
- Personalised skills for daily needs
- Ongoing development after qualification
Compassion, evidence and partnership
Assistance dogs aren’t a replacement for clinical care, but they can be a powerful complement — strengthening engagement, restoring confidence, and supporting sustainable change alongside professionals, families, and peer communities.
