Lt. Lansdale Post 67 Service Dog Training Program

• If a veteran feels the need to help control his PTSD, and if their doctor sees a need for a service dog for them, they can contact our program administrator to initiate program participation.
• Each participant must attend a basic training class as an observer. No dogs, of their own, are allowed.
• If the veteran likes what he sees, he will need to provide a copy of their DD 214, serve in a combat theatre, and join a VFW post for at least the duration of their training to be eligible for the program.
• The veteran must also provide a valid doctor’s evaluation for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and a recommendation for a service dog from the veteran’s provider. Our focus is to provide help to our veterans with mild to moderate PTSD and TBI. For those who need more assistance, we will refer them to other organizations that deal specifically with their needs (blind or mobility issues).
• The participant will begin their *basic training with either their own pet K9 or a newly purchased puppy K9, after a proper temperament evaluation of the dog. (K9 class) Even dogs that pass their initial evaluation are not guaranteed that they will pass as a service dog. A K9 may have an underlying issue that will emerge later in their training – car sickness, aggressiveness or skittishness.
• After passing basic training they will be issued a VFW training vest and go on to their advanced training stage.
• When the veteran and K9 are confident enough, they will go through our VFW Public Access Test, the same test the ADI (Assistance Dog International) uses.
• Once the handler and K9 have successfully passed the certification test, a “completion of training” certificate will be issued and the K9 will be registered in our database of Service Dogs.

Our classes are conducted by a qualified & dedicated trainer. We teach the technique of positive reinforcement with praise and affection. The K9 matching and veteran participation in training has proven to make the bond exceptionally strong and necessary for optimum service dog work.