Learn Our Dog Commands

Defence Community Dogs are highly trained to provide both emotional and physical support to serving and ex-serving Veterans experiencing mood, anxiety, and depressive conditions, including PTSD.

Each dog is carefully assessed on their ability to perform both standard Assistance Dog commands and specialised Veteran-specific commands before graduating from the program and being placed with their Veteran recipient.

How Defence Community Dogs Help Veterans

One of the key skills these dogs develop is the ability to recognise and respond to signs of stress and anxiety.

They are trained to detect common indicators of distress, such as:

  • Wringing or rubbing hands

  • Restless movements

  • Increased breathing or signs of panic

When these symptoms occur, the dog will instinctively interrupt the behaviour by gently nuzzling their Veteran’s hands, redirecting their focus, and providing a calming presence. This simple but effective response helps break the cycle of stress and anxiety, offering Veterans a moment of relief and reassurance in difficult situations.

Explore Our Dog Commands

Below are just a few of the specialised commands Defence Community Dogs learn to support their Veterans. Each command is designed to enhance independence, confidence, and emotional stability.

Stand

The command to 'stand' tells the dog to stand on all fours and remain standing until further instruction. In this position, a Defence Community Dog will 'watch' for another cue.

Watch

The 'watch' command (shown here in an ‘under middle ‘ position) can be used separately, and commands the dog to look at you in the eye, and helps keep the dog focussed on their Veteran. Being engaged can improve responsiveness to training, and encourage calm behaviour around certain stimuli.

Once the Veteran has their dogs attention, they can call for a follow on command.

Hand rubbing / Heavy Breathing

There is no verbal cue for this command. Defence Community Dogs are trained to alert to a few of the common signs of stress, including the wringing or rubbing of hands, restless movements and increased breathing. These are Veteran specific commands.

When their Veteran Recipient is showing these symptoms of high stress or anxiety, the Defence Community Dog will interrupt the behaviour by nuzzling or jumping up at the Veterans to spontaneously interrupt the symptoms

This stress interrupter calls the Veteran's attention onto the dog and helps interrupt the stress or anxiety being experienced. Helping the Veteran to quickly recognise their mind set and start using calming techniques to lower their stress levels.

Support for night terrors

Waking a Veteran from a night terror is not a verbal cued command. As the dogs get to know their Veteran Recipients, they become very attuned on their individual signals. The dogs are alert to a few of the common signs of stress, one including restless movements, as witnessed during a night terror.

The dog will physically interrupt the handler if they are showing signs of distress while sleeping. In addition to providing physical support for the Veteran and helping them to calm after the night terror, the Veteran can also command the dog to turn on a portable light.

Rest

The 'rest' command instructs the dog to rest their head on the seated Veteran's lap, and provides the Veteran with a weighted comfort to support their emotional and physical needs. This position can help take the Veteran's attention away from stressful events and reposition their focus back on their dogs.

Behind Block

The 'behind' block commands the dog to stand (side on) behind the Veteran Recipient, adding pressure to the back of their legs. This command helps provide a physical personal space barrier; such as when using an ATM or in large crowds where the Veteran feels like their back is exposed.

Front Block

The 'front' block commands the dog to sit across the front of the handler. This command helps provide a physical personal space barrier; such as in large crowds.

Mat

The 'Mat' command directs the dog to go to their mat and stay there until a further command is given. The mat gives a safe, identified location for the dog to wait for further instructions, and allows them to rest for a period of time while the Veteran does not require their physical support.

Under

The 'under' command instructs the dog to lie neatly under a chair (such as in a café or waiting room). This positions the dog out of the way from being a tripping hazard, but within reach of the Veteran, and allows the dog to keep vision on their Veteran.

Stress interrupter foot tapping

There is no verbal cue for this command. Defence Community Dogs are trained to alert to a few of the common signs of stress, including feet and leg tapping. These are Veteran specific commands.

When their Veteran Recipient is showing this symptom of high stress or anxiety, the Defence Community Dog will interrupt the behaviour by placing their paw on top of the Veteran's foot.

This stress interruptor calls the Veteran's attention onto the dog and helps interrupt the stress or anxiety being experienced.

If you or someone you know is an ADF Veteran who suffers from mood, anxiety and depressive conditions including PTSD, and would benefit from a DCD Assistance Dog, read through our More Info pages and click on Apply for a Dog for Application specific FAQs and to apply.