Post by @smoke.the.borderheeler

Replying to @tracyscrazy1980 Smoke already knows two tasks, and we’re only getting started. ❤️🐾 The first is behavior interruption. When I start scratching or picking at my skin, especially during the summer when I’m wearing shorts, I can sometimes pick until I make myself bleed. Smoke is being trained to recognize that behavior and interrupt me before it escalates. Her second task is tactile stimulation & grounding. When I go into one of my tunnel-like depressive episodes while I’m out in public, sometimes I completely mentally check out and struggle to bring myself back. Smoke helps ground me, bring my attention back to the present, and get me back to a place where I can continue doing what I was doing even something as simple as finishing shopping. And these are ONLY two of the tasks I’m training her for. There are still so many more skills for her to learn, and watching her grow into this role has been incredible. 🥹❤️ She’s still learning. She’s still a puppy. But she’s already making such a difference. 🐕‍🦺❤️😘 #ServiceDogInTraining #ServiceDogTraining #PsychiatricServiceDog #ServiceDogTasks #ServiceDogJourney