Service Dog Express

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Service Dog Express

Service Dogs for those with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and/or other disabilities. As our business grew, we expanded to include civilians.

Service Dog Express was founded to provide the training of Service Dogs for wounded warriors/veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and civilians with psychiatric disabilities such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, manic depression, etc. We also train Service Dogs clients with epilepsy, diabetes, hearing, mobility impairments, and medical alert needs. We beli

eve that the animal-human bond is an absolutely indisputable part of emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical healing. We seek to make this healing available to everyone, regardless of financial or other challenges that might discourage them from seeking this invaluable resource. Service Dog Express also prides itself on the fact that we work solely with professionally-assessed rescue dogs living in shelters or foster homes, thus reducing the euthanization rates that exist. However, if a client truly insists on getting a dog from a breeder or has a bond with their own dog, we are always happy to oblige their requests. Service Dog Express began in San Antonio, which is considered “Military City, USA”, where there are many wounded warriors/veterans that Service Dog Express knew could greatly benefit from the assistance of a properly trained Service Dog. In accordance with recent Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines, we offer self-training assistance to clients who are not located near a trainer and choose to train their own dog. Many Service Dog organizations that exist throughout the country offer excellent quality dogs, but they are far from San Antonio and end up costing the clients waiting periods of up to 2 years and thousands of dollars for the Service Dogs and travel. These organizations have well-trained Service Dogs, but they have been trained independent of the handler, thus lessening the bond that Service Dog Express believes is integral in the development of a cohesive, well-functioning client/dog pair. All clients of Service Dog Express are trained by one of our many trainers in personalized sessions with the dog to ensure that the learning experience strengthens the bond between the client and their dog. To paraphrase: Service Dog Express is different in that we prefer to work with the client who either: 1) already has a dog with whom they have an established bond or 2) we have assisted in choosing a dog from a local shelter, rescue group, or breeder, or 3) chooses from our 'Available Assessed Dogs' located at www.servicedogexpress.com. This greatly decreases the cost to the client and training can begin quickly. We generally have no waiting list periods. We are happy to consult on whether the client's dog has potential to be a Service Dog. The dog must be already in the client's possession before training begins. Service Dog Express has 15+ trainers who are highly experienced in assessing dogs for temperament and trainability to ensure a successful outcome. At Service Dog Express, we first meet with the client and the dog at their home (if applicable). We assess the client’s specific needs. Then, training begins soon thereafter. Training is given at a very reasonable hourly rate. We do in-home training at first so that the dog and client are first introduced to the trainer in their comfort zone. Then, training is taken out into the public arena so that the client and Service Dog learn to adjust to many different public settings. The goal is to reduce client stress and help them reintegrate into society to become fully functioning, productive people with purpose and confidence. All Service Dogs and clients are trained to pass the Public Access Test as dictated by Assistance Dogs International (ADI). Once these basic commands are perfected, we train the Service Dogs to address specific needs of the client. For example, many wounded warriors or civilians with PTSD suffer from night terrors. We work with the Service Dogs so that they immediately sense when the client is having a night terror and the Service Dog can alert the client to be quickly awakened and reoriented to current space and time. Dogs are taught to sense when clients are experiencing panic in or out of the home, and they alert the client to this change in mood. The dogs do this by physically providing a “shield” (COVER) either in front of or behind the client to make them feel protected through training. The dogs also nudge their clients or alert them in other tactile ways so that the client uses the dog as a comforting presence, stroking the dog or talking to the dog gently. Our mobility service dogs are trained to work with wheelchair-bound clients, those with instability while walking, etc. Our diabetes detection dogs are trained to alert clients to changes in sugar levels and alert, and our epilepsy detection dogs are trained to either alert to oncoming seizures, protect clients during a seizure, and alert others when a seizure occurs. Updated vaccination records are a must for the dog, as is monthly heartworm and flea/tick prevention. The future Service Dog must have a veterinarian that they have or will work with regularly should the need come up. It is of utmost importance that the client understands the necessity of working with the dog between training sessions. Clients are expected to train daily with their dogs by following the homework given by the trainer at each session. Service Dog Express also does many educational programs for public and private schools, local Girl/Boy Scout groups, and any other organizations that are interested in learning more about Service Dogs. We provide answers to any questions clients might have regarding access rights, Service Dogs in the workplace, in apartments, and in places of business. Clients are also guided through the process of getting the proper vests and harnesses for their dog, and how to respond to questions or requests from people in the public who are interested in their Service Dog. Our CEO completed four years of graduate study to receive her MS at Bergin University for Canine Studies, the only ADI-accredited Service Dog training university in the United States offering graduate degrees. She also attended additional training at East Coast Assistance Dogs in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y., also ADI-accredited. Service Dog Express has received many awards for Service in the community and congratulatory letters from State Senators and Congressmen for their work. (C) 2022 Service Dog Express

10/09/2022

This is fascinating. Have any of you found specific training devices that your Service Dogs are able to activate for help? If so, please recommend what you have found that works reliably. 911 buttons on phones, other assistive technology - and hopefully, not too expensive. There are many ways that Medical Alert Service Dogs can help us, but especially for Deaf clients, Epilepsy clients, Diabetic clients, Parkinson's clients, etc., having a 911 "touch" phone, alert button, etc. could make a huge difference. PLEASE recommend! Thank you!

Thanks to newly developed technology, your dog can now dial 911 to get help with a medical emergency.

06/08/2022

An excellent article on resource guarding. If you have dealt with this, please feel free to mention what training methods have worked for you. With a lot of SDE clients' Service Dogs "retiring", bringing in a new dog to raise as your new Service Dog can be a beautiful but sometimes, confusing process. We are going to be posting more behavioral articles about this situation because of the volume of clients who are facing this issue.

Resource guarding doesn't mean he's going to be a bad dog! Resource-guarding in dogs is a natural behavior - and, happily, one we can modify.

10/07/2022

A very interesting article on words that actually help our dogs understand us more - thus understanding themselves.

Do dogs like when you talk to them? Using this "Mr. Rogers" hack to talk to your dog will help make them happier and calmer. Learn more.

04/06/2022

Service Dog Express will soon be celebrating their 10 year anniversary - and we are SO incredibly proud of all the handlers, their Service Dogs, and our wonderful trainers! However, as previously mentioned in a post, it also means Service Dogs that were trained at the beginning will be older, and many of them - God bless them - will be passing. We have quite a few to post, and we want to do it with the dignity and honor each of these amazing companions so richly deserve.

In the next few days, if we have missed the opportunity to pay honor to ANY of your Service Dogs who have passed, PLEASE know how important you are and please share your story. SDE has training session summaries saved all the way from the beginning - so for every handler, we still can pull up and read about each and every one of you and your stories. When SDE contractually says you are a client for life, we mean it. You each are beautiful pieces of fabric woven into the humbly magnificent quilt that is Service Dog Express. You are loved.

We first start with Veteran Shane and his Service Dog, "Zeus".
Shane recently called to notify SDE that SD "Zeus" passed away in October at the age of 10. Shane, his "dad", said they worked together until the very end. Shane is ready to begin again with a new Service Dog; bittersweet, but we know that they can reach a level of success just like that between Shane and "Zeus".

Trainers Laurie (CEO) and Pat Bryant remember working with this team like it was yesterday. An absolutely incredible team. They were beautifully honored by then Congressman Pete Gallego in a newspaper article about veterans in Texas, and to bring to attention how much Service Dogs assist them. Shane looked dashing in his
military dress uniform standing next to SD "Zeus" in his dashing vest! The University of Texas saw this article and photo shoot of Shane and SD "Zeus" with Congressman Gallego, and THEY asked to do a story and photo shoot, as well! They were quite a famous team!

Veteran Shane first contacted Service Dog Express in 2013. Shane's SD "Zeus" was an Red-Nosed American Pitbull Terrier with a gorgeous head 'like a pumpkin'! . He was gentle, attentive, and brilliant. Shane suffered from combat-related PTSD and a Traumatic Brain Injury with short-term memory loss, severe sleep disturbances, and balance and coordination issues. Over time, with great dedication and loads of love, "Zeus" would alert to Shane's anxiety by resting his head on Shane's knee, prompting Shane to pet him and focus on him. "Zeus" would also paw at Shane if he was standing as an alert; he would perform "covers" (Shane called it 'covering his six' - or, more often 'Zeus - Watch my ass!)

Shane was so incredibly intense in his desire to train "Zeus" the right way. He would always go above and beyond 'homework'. It was found that, however, "Zeus" seemed to be interpreting this intensity as stress and anxiety - and "Zeus" would become extra protective of Shane; sometimes posturing if other dogs came close. With this knowledge and exposure to other dogs while Shane became calmer, so did "Zeus". Beside having absolutely perfect Public Access skills, "Zeus" did SO much to alleviate Shane's PTSD and TBI problems. And as was 100% clear to see, the way that Shane loved "Zeus" was beyond words. And "Zeus" loved Shane back equally.

Rest in peace, dearest Service Dog "Zeus". We know that you will be watching over your best friend here on earth until his last breath.

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Opening Hours

Monday	09:00 - 18:00
Tuesday	09:00 - 18:00
Wednesday	09:00 - 18:00
Thursday	09:00 - 18:00
Friday	09:00 - 18:00

Website

http://www.servicedogexpress.com/

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Videos

PLEASE NOTE: In the video shown below, the following applies: "Landon is already practicing with SDIT Winston so that Winston can "find Landon" if he should bolt ("tracking). Mom Buffy practices holding Winston, and as Landon disappears in public places, Winston will pull Buffy until he finds his boy!! They are so well-trained, that Buffy has been told that it's okay for her to drop the leash and let Winston just go find Landon - instead of pulling her." Having a Service Dog who is being newly trained for an autistic child requires that to perform the "go find (tracking)" command when the child "bolts" or "runs", one needs to ensure that the dog will immediately go to the child and not be distracted BEFORE the dog is allowed off-leash to find the child in a public place. The video is a demonstration of the mother holding the SDIT, then having her autistic son go off (in a controlled way - either with another parent or trainer, or if the child is able to understand the exercise) - and find Landon. We have been having a lot of requests recently for Service Dogs for the neurodiverse - especially children with Autism or on the Autism spectrum. One beautiful team that is making tremendous progress is a young man, 15 year-old Landon. He, with the tremendous help of his exceptional mother, Buffy Martin, is training gorgeous Winston to help assist him through his journey with high-functioning Autism, ADHD, and Seizures. And what is just extra amazing is that Buffy herself was born with Cystic Fibrosis. Even when it's difficult for her to breathe, she is out there, helping her son train Winston. It's a beauty to behold. A boy, his dog, and a mother that would go to the ends of the earth to help both of them succeed. They are succeeding! Landon is doing and EXCELLENT job with SDIT Winston!!! Landon is SO smart and can be incredibly focused when training occurs. He and Winston formed an immediate bond when the family first adopted Winston at a young age. They

Can never hear this enough, can we?

Jennifer and SDiT Kida

From our trainer, Pat, who had a session with client 11 year-old Tanner and the guidance of his mother, Jennifer, and SDIT, Doberman Pinscher "Kida". Tanner suffers from Prader-Willi Syndrome. PWS can occur in any family, and cannot be prevented. There is no known cause. PWS is a complex genetic disorder affecting appetite, growth, metabolism, cognitive function and behavior. It is typically characterized by low muscle tone, short stature (when not treated with growth hormone), incomplete sexual development, cognitive disabilities, behavioral problems, and the hallmark characteristics – chronic feelings of insatiable hunger and a slowed metabolism that can lead to excessive eating and life-threatening obesity. Those who have PWS need intervention and strict external controls, sometimes including padlocking access to food, to maintain normal weight and to help save their lives. It is estimated that one in 12,000 to 15,000 people has PWS. Although considered a “rare” disorder, PWS is one of the most common conditions seen in genetic clinics and is the most common genetic cause of obesity that has been identified to date. Most cases of PWS are attributed to a spontaneous genetic error that occurs at or near the time of conception for unknown reasons. In a very small percentage of cases (2 percent or less), a genetic mutation that does not affect the parent is passed on to the child, and in these families, more than one child may be affected. A PWS-like disorder can also be acquired after birth if the hypothalamus portion of the brain becomes damaged through injury or surgery. Basically, the occurrence of PWS is due to lack of several genes on one of an individual’s two chromosome 15’s – the one normally contributed by the father. In the majority of cases, there is a deletion – the critical genes are somehow lost from the chromosome. In some of the remaining cases, the entire chromosome from the father is missing and there are instead two chromosome 15’s from

Karin and SD Molly

CONGRATULATIONS TO WOUNDED WARRIOR (AIR FORCE) KAREN AND HER NOW SERVICE DOG, BOSTON TERRIER, "MOLLY"!!! THEY PASSED THEIR PUBLIC ACCESS TEST!!! Karin suffers from PTSD and severe anxiety. San Antonio trainer Pat writes: "Karin and SD Molly are a very special pair. Karin had been told that Boston Terriers can't be taught to be Service Dogs! But the strength of their bond, and Karin's patience and determination to help Molly learn were undeniable. We were making great progress over time, but then Molly got into some poisonous mushrooms and almost died! We took a three month break while a wonderful vet and Karin's love brought Molly back; and when we started back up, Molly did great! I am so happy for them both!" SCORING OF THE PUBLIC ACCESS CERTIFICATION TEST Always=All the time. Mostly=Most of the time (more than half of time). Sometimes=Some of the time (half or less of the time). Never=Never demonstrated the skill. The team must score all ‘Always’ or’ Mostly’ responses on the A-M-S-N parts of the test. The team must score at least 80% “YES” answers on the “YES” “NO” portion of the test. All questions marked by an asterisk (*) must be answered by a “YES” response. CONTROLLED UNLOAD OUT OF VEHICLE Molly did not try to leave vehicle until given release command. Molly waited in the vehicle until released.* Yes. Molly waited outside the vehicle under control. Yes. Molly remained under control while another dog was walked past. Yes. APPROACHING THE BUILDING Relative heel position, not straining or forging. Molly stayed in relative heel position. Mostly. Molly was calm around traffic.* Yes. Molly stopped when Karin came to a halt. Mostly. CONTROLLED ENTRY THROUGH A DOORWAY Molly waited quietly at the door until commanded to enter.* Yes. Molly waited on the inside until able to return to heel position.* Yes. HEELING THROUGH THE BUILDING Molly was within the prescribed distance of Karin. Mostly. Molly ignored the public, remaining focused on Karin. Mostly. Mol

Luis and SD Jesse

CONGRATULATIONS TO WOUNDED WARRIOR (ARMY) LUIS AND HIS NOW SERVICE DOG, RED AUSTRALIAN CATTLE DOG, "JESSIE"!!! THEY PASSED THEIR PUBLIC ACCESS TEST!!! Luis suffers from PTSD and night terrors from combat experience, and crowd anxiety. San Antonio Trainer Pat writes: "Luis and SD Jessie did most of their training almost a year ago, and so they have had a lot of time to mature into a great team. Luis takes Jessie to work with him as a teaching professor at a local college, and Jessie is calm at the head of the class as well as in the office while Luis performs his responsibilities. Generally, Jessie's public skills are impeccable. She "heels on a loose leash", is completely focused on her handler, and is calm with surprises and noises in her vicinity. She "enters and exits" businesses and "loads and unloads" into and out of the car with calmness and respect. She has a spot-on "LEAVE IT", and can sit through dinner in a restaurant unnoticed with patience. She's just great! The challenge that took a little longer to address was some anxiety, sometimes in public or with strangers, but oftentimes when other dogs came into sight. Jessie would begin to whine and become unfocused when something worried her. So, recently, we spent about two months addressing this specifically. Luis learned how to ease Jesse's anxiety about other dogs by teaching Jessie how to calm down in the face of challenges. He also learned to communicate to Jessie that he will always 'take care of it' when Jessie sees another dog. As a result of learning and applying these techniques, Jessie has stopped her whining in public and with strangers!! Additionally, her response to seeing other dogs has improved dramatically because Luis has the tools to communicate to her that 'all is well'. A fun fact about Jessie and Luis is that at home, this dog is a 4-year-old PUPPY!! She can wind up and literally bounce off walls and people; but when the Service Dog vest and gear go on, she switches to

Don and SD Lucky

CONGRATULATIONS TO 80 YEAR-OLD VETERAN (AIR FORCE) DON AND HIS NOW SERVICE DOG, DOBERMAN PINSCHER, “LUCKY”!!! THEY PASSED THEIR PUBLIC ACCESS TEST! Don is in extremely wonderful condition except for a rare condition that he has that affects his mobility, balance, and can cause him to fall. It is known as a “Loss of proprioception”. Proprioception is the sense that tells us where we are in space. It is based on sensory input from the joints and muscles. It is the awareness of our posture, weight, movement and position of limbs, both in relation to our environment and in relation to other parts of our bodies. During his work in the Air Force, Don’s lower legs were constantly subjected to extreme changes in temperature – ranging from extremely hot to extremely cold. He now has basically no feeling or “sensory perception” of his lower legs, and must compensate for this lack of feeling by using his other senses; especially his sight. If Don moves his head too quickly, or his sight becomes distracted, he easily loses balance and has suffered many falls. San Antonio trainer Laurie writes: “Don and SD "Lucky" are a wonderful example of a professionally working Service Dog/Handler team. They have an extremely strong bond, and Lucky is wonderful working with his Bold Leader Designs mobility brace to help when Don needs extra stability. Lucky is confident, calm, composed, and extremely intelligent. Don is a wonderful handler, who is very adept at handling Lucky and using him to adequately help his mobility issues. They have a tremendous amount of love and respect for each other, and have been an absolute joy to watch and work with!” SCORING OF THE PUBLIC ACCESS CERTIFICATION TEST Always=All the time Mostly=Most of the time (more than half of time) Sometimes=Some of the time (half or less of the time) Never=Never demonstrated the skill The team must score all ‘Always’ or’ Mostly’ ’ responses on the A-M-S-N parts of the test. The team must score at least 80% “YES” answers on

SDiT Capone

From our San Antonio trainer Duval, who had his 2nd session with Wounded Warrior (Air Force) and Korean War veteran Margarito and his SDIT, German Shepherd "Capone". Margarito suffers from PTSD and anxiety. Trainer Duval writes: "Today, I met Margarito and SDIT "Capone" at Walmart. At the last session, it took almost 45 minutes to get Capone to calm down enough to go in the store - he was just so excited. Today, we were able to almost "heel" right in! Much less time spent on calming him down before we went inside. We were able to walk through the entire store. I was able to get Margarito to keep control over Capone in a nice "heel", using "leave it" and "watch me" the entire session. While in Walmart, we also worked on getting Capone to "sit" and "stay" in the busy environment, which he did well. Getting in and out of the car in a controlled manner is something that needs some work. Making Capone "sit" and "wait" before getting into the car is Margarito and Capone's homework. But such an improvement since last time! Margarito has definitely been working with Capone!"

SDiT Molly

From our trainer Pat in San Antonio, who had a training session with Wounded Warrior (Air Force) Karin and her SDIT, Boston Terrier "Molly". Karin suffers from PTSD and severe anxiety. Trainer Pat writes: "I met with Karin and her SDIT "Molly" at the Ross Department Store. Molly is a 4 1/2 year-old Boston Terrier that has had no formal training. Learning to walk politely on a leash and going into public settings has been stressful for her. She tended to pull out ahead on the leash and whine frequently. So, today we focused on helping Molly feel more comfortable by showing Karin how to help Molly feel safe. Once we practiced that several times, walking calmly on leash came together for Molly. The attached video demonstrates this. Yesterday, Karin took Molly to a doctor's appointment with her. Molly was so well-behaved that the doctor commented on it! This was Molly's first visit to a medical office, and both Karin and the doctor were very impressed with her. For the first time, Molly was relaxed and walked politely on a loose leash for Karin. Homework given: Practicing "DOWN/STAY". Our next session will be held in a restaurant setting where Molly will have to lay under the table quietly. Continue practicing calming exercises for Molly."

SDiT Koda - First Outside Heel Training

From our trainer Pat in San Antonio, who had a training session with beloved Wounded Warrior (Air Force) Cecilia and her new SDIT, Silver Labrador Retriever "Koda". If you remember, Cecilia recently tragically lost her fully trained Service Dog "Carter" when his paw hit the electric window opener on her car and jumped out of the window. After a grieving period, Cecilia decided to start the process again with beautiful Koda. Cecilia suffers from PTSD, some vision loss after a retinal detachment, degenerative joint disease of the spine, hands and wrists, and mobility issues. Trainer Pat writes: "I met with Cecilia and SDIT "Koda" at Cecilia's home. We focused primarily on how to transport Koda in the car. Since the tragedy of the loss of Carter, Cecilia has been terribly worried about starting again with Koda. So, we set up her SUV for Koda to safely travel behind the back seat in the cargo area, reviewed how to lock the window safety locks, and demonstrated to Cecilia how the all the doors lock both manually and automatically with the car's speed. I also showed her how to safely "load and unload" Koda. We took a short drive to a shady area and worked Koda briefly on-leash, and then returned home." Homework given for the next session: Practice leash handling and take short drives with Koda to Lowe's for short practice sessions."

Casey and SD Ruger

CONGRATULATIONS TO CLIENT CASEY AND HER NOW SERVICE DOG, DACHSHUND MIX "RUGER"!!!!! THEY PASSED THEIR PUBLIC ACCESS TEST!!!!! Casey's mother wrote that her daughter, 14 year-old Casey, suffers from anxiety, depression, and panic attacks. She wanted to train Ruger to help comfort Casey during the day so that she could handle staying at school all day, be social with her friends and go places. She wanted Ruger to comfort Casey during her anxiety or panic attacks so she can stay calm and not break down crying and shut down. They adopted 2 puppies back in May 2015 from a shelter in Irving, Texas, and were hoping to learn how to train one of those. Ruger worked out perfectly! Waxahachie Trainer Staley writes: "Casey did a lot of Ruger's training before she contacted Service Dog Express for help. Casey is very bright, and did a great job getting him started. After just a few sessions together, we were able to sharpen Ruger's skills and teach him some tasks to get him at full Service Dog level. This team worked hard and today it showed. Ruger is always eager to follow Casey and do whatever she needs him to do. His calm demeanor is absolutely perfect for the tasks she needs him for, as well. Today, we started the test inside the Corner Street Bakery where Ruger paid no attention to other people, and didn't even try to sniff the air for food. He went under the table and laid there while we sat and discussed where we would go from there. After we left the restaurant, we walked down the square. All the while, Ruger stayed in a great heel position and paid no attention to the humans, children, birds and other animals passing by. We ventured into a clothing store where we allowed people to meet and walk Ruger away from Casey. He was so polite and calm throughout all situations. Casey had to do minimal reminders for Ruger, as he was a perfect gentleman. I am so proud of how hard this team worked to get here today. Congratulations!!!! Location of where PAT to

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