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Canine-assisted interventions have emerged as an increasingly popular means to engage and assist veterans coping with military-associated trauma responses. The present study evaluates the use of a 14-week service dog training program for these trauma-impacted veterans. The service dog program guides veterans in small group cohorts on how to train their own dog to be their personal service animal. All 71 veterans participating in this investigation had been diagnosed with PTSD. Fifty-five veterans (77%) finished the entire 14-week program and took all pretests and posttests. Compared to pretest scores, participants reported significant decreases in self-disturbance, posttraumatic stress, externalization, and somatization after completing the program. Participants experienced significant reductions in a broad scope of psychological impacts associated with their PTSD including interpersonal difficulties and suicidality. Findings provide evidence that service dog training programs may be an effective therapeutic alternative to traditional approaches that PTSD-impacted veterans are willing to utilize. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the use of an 8-week Equine Assisted Activities and Therapy (EAAT) program for trauma-impacted veterans. There were 48 participants. EAAT programs have emerged as one alternative intervention for veterans who may have declined or dropped out of more traditional research-supported approaches. The EAAT program examined here incorporates CPT techniques in conjunction with guided interactions with horses. Program completers reported decreased PTSD symptoms and reduced signs of depression. Participants' assessment of their quality of life improved significantly after the EAAT program. They also described a significantly increased ability to depend on others when needing help that was accompanied with a significant sense of relationship anxiety. The results provide evidence that EAAT may be effective for veterans with trauma-related mood, anxiety, and functioning difficulties. They also show that trauma-impacted veterans are more willing to initiate and continue to participate in EAAT programs in contrast to traditional trauma interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]