K9 Partners for Patriots – Getting to Zero Preventing Veteran Suicides

K9 Partners for Patriots - Getting to Zero on Veteran Suicides

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Written by K9 Partners for Patriots

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News | Education | Press

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May 31, 2017

Discover why flea markets may not be the best environment for service dogs.

Learn about risks, distractions, and considerations for handlers.

1. Crowded Environment: Flea markets are often bustling with crowds, which can be overwhelming for a service dog. The dog may become stressed or anxious in such a busy atmosphere.

2. Distractions: Flea markets are filled with various sights, sounds, and smells that can distract a service dog from its duties. This could potentially compromise its ability to assist its handler effectively.

3. Unpredictable Behavior of Other Animals: Other visitors to the flea market may bring their pets along, which can lead to encounters with unfamiliar animals. This may pose a risk to the safety and focus of the service dog.

4. Risk of Injury: With so many people moving around and browsing items, there’s an increased risk of accidental tripping or stepping on the service dog, which could lead to injury.

5. Exposure to Unsanitary Conditions: Flea markets may not always maintain the cleanest environment, and the service dog may come into contact with unsanitary surfaces or substances.

6. Lack of Accommodation for the Dog: Flea markets may not be equipped to handle service dogs properly, such as providing suitable resting areas, water, or relief spots for the dog.

7. Potential Stress for the Dog: A flea market’s constant stimulation and unfamiliar surroundings could cause stress or discomfort for the service dog, which may affect its overall well-being and ability to perform its tasks.

Given these factors, it’s important for service dog handlers to carefully consider whether taking their dog to a flea market is truly necessary and in the best interest of the dog’s welfare and effectiveness in assisting its handler.

ABC Action News was at the K9 P4P Training Campus on May 31st to witness a Basic Level graduation. Nicole Grigg and her team did an excellent job of capturing and reporting some very important facts regarding veterans with PTSD and service dogs. Such as:

The VA still does not provide service dogs to veterans with PTSD
Most of our program veterans service dogs are rescues
And it takes time to find the right dog for a veteran

They even caught some candid shots of the identifying traits displayed by a veteran with PTSD like shaking and lack of eye contact.

This is just the kind of exposure that’s needed to begin to generate a shift in public awareness and educate about the ever present fact that ‘not all wounds are visible’.