BIG DOG RANCH RESCUE'S

VETERAN SERVICE DOG TRAINING

Service dogs for Veterans with PTSD, TBI, & MST

At Big Dog Ranch Rescue, we believe healing happens best in partnership.

We bring together veterans carrying the unseen wounds of service and rescue dogs given a second chance so both can move forward with renewed purpose.

WE DON'T JUST RESCUE DOGS, WE REBUILD THE HERO.

Some battles don’t end when the uniform comes off. PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury), and MST (Military Sexual Trauma) can affect sleep, safety, focus, independence, and leave veterans feeling isolated. This program helps restore confidence, structure, and trust - at your pace and on your terms.

Every service dog begins at our rescue, once overlooked and now chosen. Selected for calm temperament, resilience, and readiness to bond, these dogs are given a new mission alongside the veteran they serve, coming from Big Dog Ranch Rescue, the Nation’s LARGEST Cage-Free, No-Kill Dog Rescue.

TOGETHER

THE DOG

THE VETERAN

2 lives are transformed

Two lives begin again, side by side. Companionship and support at home and in public help veterans reconnect with everyday life.

VOICES OF OUR VETERANS

life with their service dogs

Many of us Vietnam veterans have anger problems. But I never get mad at Fula. At BDRR, we are taught not to be emotional in correcting our dogs. For me, this has been an easy rule to follow, and it's translated into me not being emotional and angry with people, as has been my practice for 50+ years.

C.L. T.,

U.S. NAVY PETTY OFFICER FIRST CLASS

Fula

+ RESCUE DOGS PAIRED WITH VETERANS

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ABOUT THE PROGRAM

WHAT THE PROGRAM PROVIDES

Our rescue-to-service dog model is uniquely designed for veterans and provided at NO COST, removing financial barriers so healing remains the focus. We are proud to collaborate with clinicians and facilities within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as part of a broader continuum of veteran support.

BENEFITS

- Professionally trained service dogs using balanced methods - Service dogs perform tasks to make daily challenges manageable - Fully vaccinated and microchipped - Matching based on lifestyle, needs, and environment - Equipment guidance and daily handling support - Reduced-cost veterinary care during the first year through our Veterinary Healing Center - Affordable boarding at our Patriot Lodge if you become sick or need to be hospitalized This is not obedience training; it’s a guided partnership built on trust, safety, and independence.

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MEET THE TRAINERS

Behind every service dog is a trainer who understands the journey. They nurture each dog into a life-changing companion for a veteran living with PTSD or other invisible wounds.

LEARN MORE

HOW IT WORKS & WHY IT MATTERS

-Service dogs provide quiet vigilance and help veterans sleep more peacefully -Veterans regain independence, routine, and emotional grounding -Companionship and support at home and in public help veterans reconnect with everyday life -Rescue dogs gain purpose, stability, and a meaningful second chance

WHAT A SERVICE DOG CAN HELP WITH

-Sleep Support: easing night terrors and hypervigilance -Anxiety & Emotional Regulation: grounding during stress or panic -Daily Confidence: support and companionship at home and in public -Awareness & Presence: assistance during dissociation or overwhelm

Each veteran-dog team progresses at an individual pace. Most teams complete the program within 6 to 12 months.

(Some teams may take longer depending on training needs and bonding).

6 to 12 Month Training Journey

PHASE

I

Consultation & Dog Assessment

We take time to understand each veteran’s needs, lifestyle, and goals to ensure the right service dog match. If a veteran already has a dog, we carefully evaluate its potential for service work.

PHASE III

Individual Training

One-on-one sessions with a professional trainer focused on building trust, obedience, and clear communication between veteran and dog.

PHASE V

Public Access & Certification

Real-world training in public environments that builds confidence and independence. This leads to the AKC Canine Good Citizen test and our Public Access Test.

PHASE II

Education & Foundation

A 3-week, on-site program with weekly sessions where veterans learn service dog handling, laws, and core skills in a supportive environment. This builds confidence and a strong foundation for both veteran and dog.