Psychiatric Service Dog Work and Tasks
by Veronica Morris PhD and Joan Esnayra PhD
Published May, 2011

In this list, anything that is obvious to the average outside observer is considered a physical task. Work includes subtler interactions that an outside observer would not necessarily detect, even when that assistance is being provided right in front of that person. We further subdivide work into three categories. Cognitive behavioral work engages the handler's cognitive behavioral therapy techniques, such as evaluating thought patterns in response to a cue from the dog. Leveraging a dog's natural senses involves the dog using their natural senses to respond (or not respond) to cues in the environment, and the human partner using this for the purpose of reality testing. Mind/body regulatory work prompts the partner to engage in self-regulation behaviors in response to the dog's action. This form of work generally involves the dog alerting to a change in mood or identity, anxiety, flashbacks, etc. and the handler using the alert to take control of the episode and try to prevent it from becoming full-blown, or to take their PRN medication before they are too involved with the episode to remember they have it.

Please note this list is not absolute. Some items listed as a physical task, e.g. tactile stimulation, may have a work component if the dog is recognizing and responding on their own to the handlers medical condition, or if the handler uses the tactile stimulation as a part of their cognitive behavioral or mind/body regulatory work. Conversely, some items listed as work, e.g. waking the handler, may have a physical task component where the general public might see the dog performing some function, but the handler must respond to the dog's cue in a cognitive behavioral or mind/body regulatory fashion for the symptom to be mitigated. Use this list as a guide for what a service dog might be able to do for someone with a psychiatric disability, but remember each individual will have different needs that might be fulfilled in a variety of ways.