If you’ve ever experienced a panic attack or live with anxiety, you know how overwhelming it can be. But did you know a psychiatric service dog can be trained to help you before, during, and after a panic attack?
In this post, we’ll explore how a service dog can assist with panic attacks, the difference between alert and response behaviors, and how you can start training your own service dog using positive, science-based methods.
Meet the Trainer: Lisa Gallegos, CPDT-KA, ATLAS-CT
Hi, I’m Lisa! I’m a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), Atlas Certified Trainer (ATLAS-CT), Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, and a CATCH Academy Mentor. I specialize in service dog training for psychiatric disabilities like anxiety, PTSD, and panic disorder.
Whether you’re training your own dog or just exploring how service dogs work, you’re in the right place.
Alert vs. Response: Two Ways a Service Dog Can Help with Panic Attacks
When it comes to panic attacks, service dog tasks usually fall into two main categories: alerting and responding.
Alerting: Proactive Support
An alert is a trained behavior that helps you recognize the onset of a panic attack. This can give you time to use coping skills before your symptoms escalate.
Common alert behaviors include:
- Pawing or nose nudging to interrupt early signs of distress
- Circling or body blocking in public to guide you out of overwhelming situations
- Licking/Kisses to interrupt behaviors that lead to a panic attack
Note: While some dogs may naturally bark when you’re anxious, we avoid barking alerts in public as they can be disruptive and draw unwanted attention. There are sometimes exceptions for this but they are rare. Plus, most people don’t want more attention drawn to them.
Response: Reactive Tasks for In-the-Moment Help
If a panic attack has already started, your service dog can help you recover more quickly and safely.
Common response tasks include:
- Deep Pressure Therapy (DPT): The dog lies across your lap or chest to provide calming pressure
- Item retrieval: Bringing water, medication, or a phone
- Guiding to safety: Helping you exit a crowded or overstimulating space (also known as a “graceful exit”)
- Tactile stimulation: Pawing, licking, or nudging to bring you back to the present if you dissociate or freeze
How Do Dogs Know When You’re Having a Panic Attack?
Great question! There are two main ways service dogs can learn to detect a panic attack:
1. Behavioral Cues
If you tend to engage in certain behaviors—like fidgeting, pacing, or scratching—your dog can be trained to recognize those cues and alert you before things escalate.
2. Scent Detection
Dogs have an incredible sense of smell and can detect changes in your body chemistry, such as rising cortisol levels. While some dogs do this naturally, you can also train scent-based alerts—though this takes more time and expertise.
Can You Train Your Own Service Dog for Panic Attacks?
Yes, you can! With the right guidance, many people successfully train their own psychiatric service dog.
The first step though is to ensure your dog has the right temperament for being out in public. That’s why I created the PSD A-Z Blueprint, a self-paced course designed to help you confidently train your dog step-by-step. This is a great first step if you just need to know how to get started.
🎓 What’s Included in the PSD A-Z Blueprint:
- Public access training plans
- Disability task tutorials (fetching water/meds, DPT, etc.)
- A private support community
- Live Q&A sessions
👉 Click here to grab it for just $19!
More advanced? You can check out some of my other courses and more advanced service dog online courses and programs here.
Final Thoughts: Building a Stronger Bond Through Service
Whether your service dog alerts to anxiety or responds after the fact, their goal is the same: to keep you safe and supported. With consistent training, patience, and positive reinforcement, your dog can become a life-changing part of your mental health toolkit.
💬 Have a question or want a specific topic covered in a future post? Drop a comment below or reach out on social!
⚠️ Disclaimer
This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. I am a certified professional dog trainer, but I am not a lawyer. If you have legal concerns regarding service dog access rights, consult an attorney or visit the U.S. Department of Justice website for official ADA guidelines.