How to Train a Service Dog: Episode interruption
Answer to say: Episode interruption DOJ (what the tags mean)
What the dog does: Nudges or paws you to bring you out of a freeze or a dissociative episode.
You'll need: patience, healthy low-calorie treats, short 5–10 minute sessions, a marker word or clicker, and (optional) a watch with an alarm.
Steps:
- At home, teach a nose nudge or paw on cue.
- Practice with you sitting still and staring, the way you do in an episode. Cue the nudge and reward.
- Fade the cue so your stillness becomes the cue.
- Teach the dog to keep nudging until you respond, by petting it or saying a release word.
- IAADP's backup: train the dog to nudge whenever your watch alarm beeps, so it can check on you at set times.
- Practice sitting and walking, then in pet-friendly places.
Common mistakes: rewarding a single nudge when you need it to keep going.
When to get a pro: if episodes are long or frequent. IAADP says making this reliable takes months of practice.
Sources: IAADP, psychiatric tasks ("Arouse From Fear Paralysis or Disassociation Spell"); DOJ 2010 guidance.
Your condition stays private. When staff ask what your dog is trained to do, just name the task. See What to say when they ask.
These are general training tips, not a substitute for a qualified trainer, your doctor, or your vet. Stop any exercise that hurts or stresses your dog. Sources checked October 19, 2026.