Before you start training, identify the task(s) you need your dog to perform to assist you. 

For example, your dog could do one or more of the following:

• Prevent or disrupt panic attacks

• Become a barrier between you and the public in crowds or fearful social situations

• Intervene during emotional or sensation overload

• Rouse you if you're depressed and retrieve medication
  or alert you at medication time

• Wake you if you're having night terrors

• Search your home or turn on lights to alleviate symptoms of hypervigilance

• Guide you during a dissociative episode

• Ground you during a flashback

• Provide deep pressure therapy

• and/or many other tasks. 
   

What actions can a dog be trained to take to mitigate debilitating anxiety or depression?
 

Here are some examples. A dog could be trained to:

• nudge or lick you when it senses quicker, shallow breathing or mood change

• jump up on your lap during a panic attack to disrupt it

• retrieve objects or medication for you if you have debilitating depression

• apply deep pressure therapy by lying on your  chest or abdomen to assist during a PTSD episode

• wear a harness and steady you if you have vertigo or other mobility/balance issues 

• and/or many other actions
   

See also "Service Dog Tasks for
Psychiatric Disabilities" by Jane Froling

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