Photo from HoundHaven
TRIGGERS
Service dogs who have gone through highly stressful or traumatic situations may develop PTSD-like symptoms. They could also have certain behavioral quirks and reactions due to their time in service. They could become sensitive or reactive to certain noises, scents, and situations. Some of these reactions can be tame or aggressive depending on the situation.
1. Loud Noises
Cause: These dogs have often worked in situations where they are exposed to loud noises such as sirens, alarms, gunfire, etc… that were highly stressful and tense which has made them more sensitive to such sounds.
Effect: When exposed to loud noises they can express a variety of behavior such as becoming more alert, protective, or even aggressive. They may start hiding, whining, or barking at these noises when exposed.
- Retired service dogs may react to loud noises or other triggers due to past work-related experiences. To help them cope, provide a quiet, comfortable space where they can retreat and feel safe. Pair exposure to triggers with positive rewards like treats, gentle play, or short training tasks to build a positive association. Gradually desensitize them to sounds by starting with low volume and slowly increasing intensity while keeping them calm. Offer mental and physical distractions, and always respect their space if they choose to retreat. For severe reactions, seek guidance from a veterinarian or certified behaviorist.
2. Public Spaces/Familiar Locations
Cause: Service dogs often patrol similar places during their service such as malls, train stations, certain streets, etc… which makes them associate those places with work.
Effect: When they visit places familiar to them, they might shift to a working mindset, becoming less relaxed and more alert and attentive. They might start looking for tasks such as going on patrol or inspecting other people.
- Retired service dogs can sometimes shift into a “working mindset” when they visit places familiar from their service. In these situations, they may become more alert, focused, or attentive, sometimes looking for tasks like patrolling or inspecting people. First, it is important to continue training retired service dogs by teaching them new tricks or commands to keep their minds sharp and help them adjust to civilian life. When they enter situations that might trigger a working mindset, such as visiting places familiar from their service, keep them calm by rewarding relaxed behavior with treats or gentle praise. Simple activities like giving a favorite chew, offering a small snack, or engaging in short focus exercises can provide mental stimulation and can redirect their attention. These small, manageable actions help the dog stay composed and gradually enjoy these environments as part of everyday life rather than as part of a job.
3. People/Appearance
Cause: During training, these dogs might have been trained to respond to certain people who look suspicious or even certain clothing that look similar to bite suits/sleeves which they were trained with.
Effect: They may be more reactive to certain people and be more alert or protective when around them, they may even show aggression towards them.
- Retired service dogs can become reactive or overly alert around certain people whose appearance, such as specific clothing, gear, or silhouettes, reminds them of individuals they were trained to identify during service. This can make them shift into a protective or defensive mindset and become watchful or stressed. To help them stay calm in these situations, begin by giving them enough distance and avoid forced interactions with the person or appearance that triggers the reaction. Reward calm behavior immediately with treats, gentle praise, or a simple cue like “look at me” to redirect their focus back to you. Using positive reinforcement helps them form new and safer associations over time. Keeping interactions predictable and offering small, easy activities, like a quick sit, a treat, or soft reassurance, can help them feel more secure. With consistency and patience, these manageable steps help retired service dogs understand that these situations are now safe and allow them to shift from a working mindset to a relaxed home life.
4. Scent
Cause: There are many cases where the dogs are trained to be extremely sensitive and detect certain scents such as the scent of drugs, gunpowder, or even certain people.
Effect: These service dogs can often have the habit of sniffing people in order to check for these scents. They may even alert their owner and give a signal if they detect something in the area or on a person. In extreme cases, this could also possibly result in aggression
- Retired service dogs may still react to scents connected to their former work, such as odors they were trained to detect or associate with past tasks. When this happens, they can become focused, alert, or anxious because the scent feels like a signal to start working again. To help them relax in these situations, keep responses calm and consistent. Gently redirect their attention with simple cues like “focus” or by offering a small treat or chew, which helps shift their mindset away from work. Avoid forcing them closer to the trigger and give them space if they seem tense. Consistent training after retirement is important because it helps them unlearn old work habits and strengthen new, relaxed behaviors. Over time, gradual and low-pressure exposure to these scents can teach them that these smells no longer require action. Providing structure, enrichment, and gentle training in daily life supports long-term adjustment and helps them stay calm whenever these triggers appear.
5. Contact/Aggression
Cause: A lot of these dogs were trained to protect and serve. As such, another person being aggressive or suddenly making physical contact like grabbing their handler may cause them to act aggressively.
Effect: This type of trigger may often make a service dog extremely reactive and aggressive, to the point that they might attack the offending person in order to protect their current owner.
- Retired service dogs may still react strongly if they perceive their handler is threatened or in danger. Because they were trained to protect and serve, sudden aggressive behavior or physical contact directed toward their owner can trigger a defensive response. In these situations, it is important to remain calm, maintain a safe distance, and avoid forcing the dog closer to the perceived threat. Redirecting their attention with gentle commands, treats, or favorite toys can help them refocus. Gradually exposing them to controlled situations where they might encounter similar triggers can help them learn to respond in a calmer manner over time.