Commands with Phil and Adam

ECAD Instructor/Trainers Phil and Adam and service dog Reece demonstrate the commands Block , Cover, Brace and walking with a Stability Harness.

                                                                             Block


Block is when you ask your Dog to stand in front of you creating a barrier between you and usually other people in front of you , the dog will stand very close you your legs so you can feel him there. This command is used a lot by clients with PTSD as it gives them the space to make them feel comfortable around other people and the a feeling of having your dog close to remind you everything is ok. (looking good phil!)

                                                                            Cover

Cover is the exact oposite of block and is used for the same purposes .  Clients with PTSD are often hyper-vigilant, meaning they are always checking their surroundings for possible threats to themselves, having your dog behind you makes you feel "covered" from what is behind you . The dog is pressed close to your legs again giving you the feeling of being more comfortable knowing he literally has your back.

                                                                           Brace 


Brace is just like it sounds , the dog will stand still while you use him to brace yourself in order to stand up, walk down stairs any activity requiring a helping hand. Full body weight is not placed on the animal but used as a brace, as Phil is demonstrating in the picture pushing off of the box while using his partner to brace.

                                                     Walking with a Stability Harness


A stability harness is used to give a person with balance issues that extra help to be able to walk freely. The dog is not used as a cane or a crutch and should never be pushed down on. The dog gives you the extra little bit of balance needed to get around through the stability harness.

                                                      Support with a Stability Harness




A stability harness also helps a client keep their balance while standing, again the dog is not being pushed down on he is just there for that extra support making it more easy to  function independently.




Hope you all have a better understanding of some of the functions a service dog provides! See you next time!