Zero 22 – Veterans Helping Veterans Train Service Dogs

Zero 22 trains veterans on how to train their service dogs. And USAF veteran Alex Stubs, along with his wife and several veteran friends are at the helm. It is a promising new organization that can help veterans and their families receive the healing of a service dog immediately rather than wait for months or years for help.

Background

Alex was in the US Air Force as a Security Forces member for 6 years. But chronic ear infections eventually forced him to have his ear canals reconstructed. He was then medically separated from the service, which left him in a difficult position and not able to do anything. He was in need of a service dog.

Enter: Arya, his German Shepherd. She brought immediate emotional support, and it was her influence that forced him to get ‘back into life.’ He worked with her for two years, and eventually he became certified with the AKC to train service dogs.

The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) does not require special certifications for Service dogs, and allows the animals to be trained by the owner. But going out in public does require a test.

Arya passed the Public Access Test, which includes some of these behaviors:

• No aggressive behavior (biting, barking, growling, etc.)

• Only urinating or defecating on command

• Surcease of sniffing behaviors

• No solicitations for food or affection

• Curbed excitement and hyperactivity