Training Steps & Types

Out training programs progress in steps to accomplish the truest form of assistance and partnership from Service Dog to their Combat Veteran.

PTSD

We teach blocking, this is a task where the dog knows four different placements of where to stand, sit or lie down by or around their veteran in public. We teach hypervigilance, the dog walks in front of their veteran, peering around corners and to sit if someone is blocking their path. There is a myriad of other commands dogs can learn to assist veterans, we provide training that is custom to the veterans need.

Traumatic Brain Injury

We teach them coping skills through their Service Dog. What helps heal the brain and help build memory retention is through repetition. Learning training steps and commands promotes mental stimulation and instant recall and focus.

Mobility

If the Combat Veteran is in need of our rehab program, a dog is placed with him or her that performs the actual service needed. We then teach him or her how to train the dog to aid them with their disability recovery. Training consists of training the dogs to assist the Combat Veteran getting up from the ground, stand up off of a chair, to walk, use stairs, balance assistance and seizures.

Suicide Prevention

We receive referrals from the VA for Combat Veterans who have attempted to harm themselves and have been in the hospital, will be evaluated by a VA Doctor. If the Doctor believes the Veteran will benefit from our program, they will send us a referral to take that Veteran into our program. We will place a dog that fits our Veteran and meet with them three times a week. We do this until the Veteran feels good with the dog. They also know they have 24/7 support. We stay with them through every step; peer support, recovery, and training.

Canine Good Citizenship

We view CGC as the vital and critical cornerstone for any Service Dog, and it is mandatory for any dog we train / provide. We require each owner to sign the Responsible Dog Owners Pledge. We believe that responsible dog ownership is a key part in CGC concept and by signing the pledge the owner agrees to take care of their dog's health needs, safety, exercise, training, and quality of life. Owners also agree to show responsibility by doing things such as cleaning up after their dogs in public places and never letting dogs infringe on the rights of others. After signing this pledge the owner is then willing to train and test for the Canine Good Citizenship certification. The test includes:

Accepting a Friendly Stranger
Sitting Politely for Petting
Appearance & Grooming
Out For a Walk (Walking on a Loose Lead)
Walking Through a Crowd
Sit & Down on Command, and Staying in Place
Coming When Called
Reaction to Another Dog
Reaction to Distraction
Supervised Separation

R.W.B. DOG T.A.G.S.

Saving Two Lives At A Time