If you’ve encountered a dog visiting a hospital, school, or community event, you’ve probably heard it described as a therapy dog. These dogs and their handlers provide valuable opportunities for comfort, connection, and positive interaction. Facility Dogs are sometimes mistaken for therapy dogs because they may work in many of the same environments. You might...

When we think about stress in policing, critical incidents are often the first thing that comes to mind. But the demands of police work extend well beyond emergency responses. Administrative responsibilities, organizational pressures, workplace relationships, and the ongoing demands of the job can all contribute to stress. Researchers at the University of British Columbia explored...

Protective Factors for Veterans and First Responders Mental Health| Fire Team K9 For many veterans and first responders, professional communities provide a strong sense of belonging. Shared responsibilities, experiences, and values can create relationships that remain meaningful long after a shift or deployment ends. However, belonging within an occupational community may not always translate into...

For some first responders, approaching a mental health professional can feel like a significant step. There may be uncertainty about what the conversation will involve, concerns about confidentiality, or questions about whether the professional understands the demands of their occupation. One potential application of facility dog programming is to create opportunities for employees to become...

Protective Factors for Veterans and First Responders | Fire Team K9 The human stress response is designed to help us recognize and respond to potential threats. In military and emergency service environments, the ability to respond quickly under pressure can be essential and useful. However, prolonged stress and repeated exposure to potentially traumatic events can...

Accessing mental health care is not always as simple as knowing that a service exists. For police officers and other first responders, unpredictable schedules, professional expectations, and concerns about confidentiality can complicate decisions about seeking support. Even organizations that provide mental health resources may find that employees are reluctant or unable to use them. Research...

Protective Factors for Veterans and First Responders Mental Health| Fire Team K9 Self-efficacy refers to a person’s belief in their ability to organize and carry out actions needed to manage particular situations. It develops through experience, learning, feedback, and opportunities to practise skills. For veterans and first responders, occupational experiences can involve situations where control...

Protective Factors for Veterans and First Responders Mental Health | Fire Team K9 Military and emergency service careers often provide a clear sense of purpose. The work involves responsibilities, shared objectives, and opportunities to contribute to something larger than oneself. When service ends or changes, that familiar sense of purpose may also change. Purpose can...

Protective Factors for Veterans and First Responders Mental Health | Fire Team K9 Psychological flexibility involves responding to changing circumstances while remaining connected to personal values and meaningful goals. It includes the ability to notice difficult thoughts and emotions without allowing them to determine every action. In demanding occupations, established procedures and predictable responses can...