FAQ's
The basics;

    1. The dogs are free of charge.

    2. The dogs are available to any veteran with a councilors recommendation and the ability to care for the dog, or
    assistance in caring for the dog.

    3. Although the dogs have been trained in specific service tasks, the veteran must agree to continue the dog's
    training for a minimum of 6 months.

    4. These dogs are NOT pets, they are dogs with a job (though having a good emotional attachment to the animal
    is necessary and they work for love and treats)

    5. After the completion of a minimum of 6 months of training with the veteran, the dog will be registered with the
    IAADP. The annual renewal of that registration is $30 USD. Registration with the IAADP provides the veteran with
    an ID card for the animal, various free or discounted medications/treatments (heart worm preventative, flea
    meds), discounted vet care all over the US and Canada and other very useful benefits. Coupons are available
    from Iams for discounts on their food products. These coupons are only for service animals.

    6. The owner must keep the dog clean, brushed and properly maintained.
         
    7. The dogs should stay with their owner 24/7. They can not do their job if they are left at home or stuck in a crate.

    8. The dogs are covered by the same laws as seeing eye dogs, they are allowed to go everywhere with their
    owner and even fly in the cabin of the plane with their owner (though you do have to tell the airline ahead of time).

Why can't you just get dogs from the pound?

    Although we would like to be able to take dogs in from the pound, not just any dog can be a psychiatric service
    animal. The dog must possess the ability for independent thought, must be self directed, must be protective
    without a hint of aggression, be a fairly quiet animal, and of a significant size. The animal also must be less than 4
    years old, have a clean bill of health, not be prone to genetically based illnesses and be likely to live a long time.

    A person who is vulnerable emotionally, can not deal well with a chronic illness or early death of their service
    animal. The genetic history of dogs in the pound are generally unknown and unlike most borzoi, their bloodlines
    have not been screened and selected to be free of disease. Additionally borzoi have longer lifespans than is
    typical for such large breeds.

What is so special about the temperaments of these dogs?

    Borzoi are quiet, loyal and when well socialized (as all of these dogs are) are very gentle without being cowards.
    The most important trait of the dogs though, is their breed's emotional independence and self direction. These
    dogs do not blindly obey, which makes them a challenge to train, but it is that very trait that makes them such
    excellent psychiatric service dogs. A German Shepherd or similar working breed will panic if their owner panics
    and will frequently respond to an owners fear with aggression. They end up escalating the situation instead of
    soothing it.

    Basically, a borzoi is just about as likely to spontaneously play fetch, beg or roll over on command as a cat, but
    they do make up their own mind about any given situation and will respond as they have been trained to do.

What does a psychiatric service dog do - how do they specifically help
veterans?

    These dogs are very effective in treating PTSD. They help reduce hyper alertness because the veteran can rely
    on the dog's superior senses to alert them to any threats or disturbances. They can and will wake the veteran
    from nightmares, soothe and ground the veteran experiencing a flashback or panic attack through deep pressure
    stimulation, nudges, leaning hugs. They can check a house for threats on command, help discern between
    hallucinations and reality. They can brace a veteran unsteady from medication or with aid with walking by serving
    in place of a cane. The dogs will prevent random jostling by serving as a barrier between the veteran and other
    people. The dog can and will 'watch your back' to prevent people from coming up behind the veteran. The dogs
    can also do specialized tasks from bringing medication, to alerting a vet with hearing loss to phone calls or door
    knocks. The dogs can be trained to open doors, lift latches, get help, call 911, alert to seizures or even open a
    window. The dogs can even be trained to act badly on a secret signal so that the veteran can use the dog as an
    excuse to get out of a normally inescapable social situation. They can be trained for tasks to help with the
    challenges & frustrations of traumatic brain injury as well.

Do you all accept monetary donations?

    Now that we have 503c status, yes. We use the money for vet bills (spaying and the like) and transportation for
    the dogs to their veterans.

    If you would like to donate a ride for a dog, or your expertise in training a dog, or help by donating goods or
    services, please contact us. We need people all over the country as we have veterans all over the country. We
    currently accept donations through the DAV or through BandidoCharlie's support organization. Bandidos lead the
    way!

How do I get a dog if I am a veteran?

    Talk with your councilor. If they support you getting a Psychiatric Service Dog, then either they or you should
    contact us with a list of your specific needs. That's it.

I have a friend who is a veteran and needs a dog, can I get them one of
yours?

    No. Obtaining and training a service dog is something they must commit to and is a highly personal choice that will
    impact their life for years to come.

I am not a veteran, but would benefit from a Psychiatric Service Dog, can I
apply for one?

    Although we sympathize, this is an organizations by and for veterans. We would be happy to share information
    and trainer and breeder recommendations but must limit our dogs to fellow veterans.

How long will it take to get a dog?

    As a rule of thumb, two to four months. We rely on donations from breeders, trainers, rides donated by pilots and
    drivers and very rarely, breed a litter for service potential ourselves. Because of all those factors, it takes time to
    organize everything.

What kinds of training do the dogs have when they are placed?

    The dogs are given basic training, such as for a CGC certificate from the AKC, socialization with animals and
    people of all sorts, orientation to basic wheelchair manners and basic off lead training. The dogs are then trained
    for a minimum of 50 additional hours to do basic service tasks like brace, block, hand signals, pull up, wake and
    soothing stimulation. After that, the dog will be placed with the owner and they both will do an additional 6 months
    of training for that persons specific needs and signals.