[Sjamesx]

Hey, I'm new to this site but I've been looking into a psychiatric service dog for anxiety and Rapid Cycling. Has anyone else has a PSD? What are your experiences and what have they been trained to help with? What breed did you end up choosing? I'm considering this option over medication because I don't want to lose any sense of myself, just learn to control it. My only concern is a lasting dependency on an animal and an inability to manage things alone if I ever have to be without my PSD.

[kecanoe]

I have Dissociative Identity Disorder and a service dog. He alerts me when I dissociate and then I can often stop the dissociation. Since he has a task that he is trained to do he qualifies as a regular service dog not a psd. He is an Australian Shepherd, very smart and loyal. He is not very friendly, but that is ok with me.
I am dependent on him for sure. I feel very safe having him around and I miss him on the very rare occasion that I do not have him with me. He rarely leaves my side. I do not know what I will do if he becomes unable to do his job. It would be horrible for both of us to separate.
Although his official job is to alert for dissociation, he also helps me with anxiety and grounding.
Are you thinking you will train your own dog? That is a valid option. My dog has been trained by me. If not, then I don't think you will get much of a say in the breed. The program that you go thru will match you with a dog that has the training and abilities you need. Some organizations breed their own dogs, some buy from breeders and some get the dogs from rescue organizations.
Have you ever owned a dog? Keeping a service dog up on its training does require discipline. It is very easy to let him slack off.

[Skeezyks]

Hello Sjamesx: I cannot comment with regard to your questions. We have a dog whom we dearly love. But he is not a service dog... although he is of great service to us! However I see this is your first post here on PC. So... welcome to PsychCentral… from the Skeezyks! I hope you find the time you spend here to be of benefit.

PsychCentral is a great place to get information as well as support for mental health issues. There are many knowledgeable & caring members here. The more you post, & reply to other members’ posts, the more a part of the community you will become. Plus there are social groups you can join & chat rooms where you’ll be able to connect with other PC members in real time (once your first 5 posts have been reviewed & approved.) Lots of great stuff! So please keep posting!

[88Butterfly88]

I just thought I'd let you know that once a month here on PC there is a service and assistance dog chat. I forget when it is, check the calendar. I'm looking into training my current dog or getting another dog to help with anxiety so I'll hopefully be going to the next chat.