The PAWSitive Support project has put together a free, online course designed for service dog organizations working with veterans.

The University of Saskatchewan’s Research Chair in One Health and Wellness, Dr. Colleen Dell, is also the co-founder of the PAWSitive Support project. Dell and a team of experts have out together a self-paced, two-hour course as part of a toolkit that informs service dog trainers about recovery from substance abuse harms, the important role of peer support and the connection to animals, humans and the land in the wellness of veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. The course includes an online certificate and is funded by Health Canada, the veteran community, service dog organizations and guidance from Indigenous Elders and from working alongside service dogs. Service dog organization staff and volunteers can now register for the course at www.servicedogtoolkit.ca.