Page 928 - Total War on PTSD

Another command that was instrumental in my ongoing recovery is the “Clear the Room” command. This is where we are at a door and I am not sure of what to expect when we enter. So, given the command, Henry will nudge the door to open it, enter to the center of the room, do a 360 turn, turn the light on and then return to my side. If anyone is in the room, he will alert me to this.
Henry needs to be near me. When I am watching TV or just sitting in a chair, he will curl up beside me and place his head on my foot. It gives me comfort to know that he is there. For him, maybe it’s so he can get some shut eye while we are resting. If we are at a restaurant and I have left-overs, I will take it with me. I will roll up the back and give Henry the command, “Get it”. He will hold the bag in his mouth until we reach the car. I give the command “Give it” and he will release it to me. At that point, he gets his reward in the form of a treat. The treat was usually a “Popper," which is a chicken-rice combo ball. About two years ago, Henry developed an allergy and is now on a specific diet of allergy free food. No more poppers for him. I am sure he misses them. The purpose of this command, for me, is to allow a distraction for others around me to look at. I feel the discomfort of eyes being on me while in public.
Henry does not bark unless given the command, “Speak”. Even when startled, he does not bark. This is VERY nice. A barking dog causes anxiety. Henry has never met another animal or human that he does not like. He is so friendly. Yet, he does not interact with ANYONE without being given the ok by me. He sees them, but he does not acknowledge them. He has a command that I use called, “Make a Friend”. Once he has been given this command, he goes to the person, or animal, and makes nice.
My wife has Mater and Finn, two Chihuahua's. Mater is pushing 12 as of 2018 and Finn is around six or seven. My wife and I were married on July 1st, 2017. I have my Service Dog
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