​​​​Rev. Dr. Neil Hutchins DMSc CRMP

Being a professional dog trainer, and living with a Psychological issue. Made me want to train  a Service Dog for my needs. See I'm a paranoid schizophrenic. A disorder that can really alter ones ability to function on a daily basis. I need an assistant to snap me out of whatever symptom might be flaring at the moment. So, I taught her to chirp. My canary in a coal mine. Let's put this on cue. Now I'm not about vocal alerts, but a behavior happened one day that shaped it all.

She stepped on my foot. The first thing I do when I come too. Praise my dog. Not only am I reaching for comfort. I'm rewarding the behavior and alert. From there on a connection was born.

Keep in mind she was only 6 months old. I start training from day one. I think about my lifestyle, and agenda out every minute of everyday for two weeks. Then I ask. What is the dog doing at those moments agenda•ed. Then I teach each moment to the dog. From there we travel around, and as the dogs behaviors I like come I reward them. If it's something I don't like. I throw it away.

Having a Service Dog it's always with you. Even in the bathroom. You need to have insync body language and clear vocal signals. Practicing daily. Through every situation. Always progressing. With every correct movement you praise and pet. With every break you treat. Until you have success. But don't stop there. Make it routine. Make it second nature. Then using modern medicine you function as one unit. Giving life, perspective, and respect to your one grounding moment by your Service Dog.