The PALS™ (Partner Animal Life Skills) Programme

 

PALS™ is a unique cutting edge programme which has been developed from the inside-out by those who understand the debilitating effects of mental health problems. Veterans With Dogs provides and supports our Veterans with an uncompromised commitment to excellence, from animal behaviourists, experienced approved assistance dog trainers, mental health professionals and practitioners, who are all part of the team involved in the programme.

 

The overall aims of the PALS programme are as follows:

 

1. improve quality of life
2. help an assessed clinical health care need
3. minimise the impact of a disability or dysfunction
4. assist eligible Veterans to achieve greater independence
5. facilitate participation in the community
6. be an adjunct to health treatment or a rehabilitation plan.

 

The programme focuses entirely on the partnership between the Veteran and the dog - the BOND.

 

Veterans learn and practise skills with their dog that are useful in everyday life, that include tasks specific to their own needs, all using modern professional dog training techniques with a proven scientific basis.

 

The programme consists of a number of elements including: individual tuition, workshops, seminars, residential and group activities.

 

The residential aspect of PALS™ is just one part of the programme; hosted in a safe environment and provides an opportunity for training and activities that enable Veterans to improve life-skills, build networks and ultimately increase their mental well-being leading to more independent living.  And we have fun too - everyone looks forward to the residentials!