Our Services

Dogs are trained to recognize changes in blood glucose levels through scent. When the dog detects a significant change, it alerts the handler by performing a trained behavior such as:

• Pawing the handler

• Nudging with its nose

• Jumping onto a bed or chair

• Retrieving a medical kit

• Seeking assistance from another family member

While not all dogs can predict seizures, many can be trained to respond when a seizure occurs. Tasks may include:

• Staying with the handler during the event

• Providing comfort and grounding after the seizure

• Activating an emergency alert device

• Retrieving medication

• Bringing a phone to the handler

• Seeking help from a caregiver

Some dogs can learn to recognize changes associated with heart rate fluctuations, blood pressure changes, or fainting episodes. The dog may alert by:

• Pawing

• Nudging

• Persistent eye contact

• Leading the handler to a safe location

• Alerting family members

Medical alert dogs can be trained to recognize signs of anxiety, panic attacks, PTSD episodes, or emotional distress. Tasks may include:

• Deep pressure therapy

• Interrupting harmful behaviors

• Creating personal space in public

• Guiding the handler to an exit

• Providing grounding and reassurance

Training begins in the home environment where the dog and handler build a strong bond together. Professional trainers provide in-home and virtual coaching to teach obedience, public access skills, and specialized medical alert tasks tailored to the individual's needs.

By training alongside their future handler from an early age, Heroic Paws service dogs develop a deep understanding of the person they serve, creating a partnership built on trust, safety, and independence.

While every dog receives extensive training, medical alert capabilities vary by individual dog, and no service dog can guarantee prediction or prevention of a medical event. Heroic Paws works closely with clients to develop realistic goals and effective task training based on each person's specific needs.

Dogs are trained to locate, pick up, and deliver items such as:

• Keys

• Phones

• Medication

• Wallets

• Remote controls

• Water bottles

• Clothing items

This assistance helps reduce bending, reaching, and unnecessary physical strain.

Dogs can be trained to:

• Open accessible doors

• Close doors

• Pull drawers open

• Close cabinets

• Operate accessible door buttons

Using a nose target or paw target, dogs can learn to:

• Turn lights on

• Turn lights off

• Activate accessible switches

For individuals with balance concerns, dogs may be trained to provide stability assistance during daily activities under the guidance of qualified professionals and within safe working limits.

Tasks may include:

• Assisting with position changes

• Providing support during transfers

• Helping navigate crowded environments

• Offering confidence during movement

Mobility assistance dogs may also be trained to:

• Retrieve a phone during an emergency

• Alert caregivers

• Bring medication

• Activate emergency alert systems

• Stay with the handler until assistance arrives

Dogs can be trained to recognize behavioral and physical indicators of anxiety or panic episodes and respond by:

• Nudging the handler

• Pawing for attention

• Interrupting escalating behaviors

• Guiding the handler to a safe location

• Encouraging grounding techniques

One of the most common psychiatric service dog tasks involves applying comforting body pressure during periods of anxiety, stress, or emotional distress.

The dog may be trained to:

• Place its head on the handler's lap

• Lay across the handler's legs

• Apply pressure to the chest or torso when appropriate

This task often helps provide comfort and emotional regulation during difficult moments.

For veterans, first responders, and others experiencing trauma-related sleep disturbances, dogs can be trained to:

• Wake the handler from nightmares

• Respond to signs of distress during sleep

• Provide comfort following an episode

• Remain nearby during recovery

Psychiatric service dogs can assist handlers who experience hypervigilance or anxiety in public settings by:

• Creating personal space in crowded areas

• Positioning behind or beside the handler

• Leading the handler through busy environments

• Helping increase confidence during public outings

Dogs can learn to interrupt behaviors that may be harmful or disruptive by:

• Nudging

• Pawing

• Redirecting attention

• Guiding the handler toward coping strategies

Psychiatric service dogs may also be trained to:

• Retrieve medication

• Bring a phone

• Fetch emergency contact devices

• Assist during emotional crises

Psychiatric service dogs receive extensive public access training to ensure they can accompany their handler in a variety of environments, including:

• Schools

• Workplaces

• Medical appointments

• Public transportation

• Restaurants

• Community events

Training emphasizes calm behavior, obedience, focus, and reliability in real-world situations.

Autism Support Dogs are trained to provide calming companionship during periods of stress, anxiety, or sensory overload by:

• Remaining close to the child

• Providing physical comfort

• Offering a calming presence during difficult situations

• Helping reduce feelings of isolation

Many children benefit from deep pressure input during moments of anxiety or sensory overload. Dogs can be trained to:

• Lay across the child's lap

• Rest against the child's body

• Provide gentle pressure when directed by the handler or caregiver

This can help promote relaxation and emotional regulation.

Dogs can learn to interrupt repetitive or escalating behaviors by:

• Nudging with their nose

• Placing a paw gently on the child

• Redirecting attention toward a positive activity

• Encouraging engagement with caregivers

Service dogs often help children engage more comfortably in social settings. The presence of a dog can:

• Encourage positive interactions

• Increase confidence in public environments

• Help facilitate conversations with peers

• Support participation in community activities

Autism Support Dogs receive extensive training to remain calm and focused in a variety of environments, including:

• Schools

• Parks

• Stores

• Community events

• Medical appointments

• Family outings

Training emphasizes reliability, distraction resistance, and safe behavior in public settings.

Dogs thrive on routine, making them valuable partners for children who benefit from consistency. Training may include:

• Assisting with daily routines

• Supporting transitions between activities

• Encouraging participation in structured tasks

• Providing predictability and stability throughout the day

At Heroic Paws Inc., we believe the entire family plays an important role in developing a successful service dog team. Our trainers work directly with families through in-home and virtual training sessions to ensure everyone understands how to support the dog's development and reinforce training skills.

This collaborative approach helps create a strong bond between the child, family, and dog while building confidence and independence over time.

Autism Support Dogs provide far more than companionship—they become trusted members of the family. Through careful puppy selection, early placement, personalized training, and ongoing support, Heroic Paws Inc. helps children and families experience the life-changing benefits of a professionally trained service dog.

Together, we are creating stronger connections, greater independence, and brighter futures—one paw at a time.

Autism Support Dogs are individually trained to meet the specific needs of each child and family. Services and tasks are customized based on individual goals, abilities, and circumstances.