Assistance Dogs Supporting Veterans With PTSD

The campaign towards a royal commission into veteran suicides is a step closer with a motion passing Parliament this week. As negotiations are underway The Daily look into a support program for veterans diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder.

Beginning its trial in 2019, La Trobe University in collaboration with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) developed a assistance dog project to support veterans diagnosed with PTSD. The dogs participating in the program are trained by the university and paired with a veteran with the aim to reduce symptoms of PTSD.

Joined by lead researcher of the program Dr Tiffani Howell, we discuss the effect assistance dogs can have on veterans.

Photo: Duke, one of the assitance puppies in training at the La Trobe University (photo supplied).