This book explores the value and impact of 'buddy dogs' for individuals with PTSD, specifically within the Dutch police force. The research investigates whether these specially trained assistance dogs provide additional benefits to those who experience severe residual symptoms after primary PTSD treatment. The study, conducted by the Police Academy in collaboration with Radboud University, involves various groups including police officers with PTSD who either have a buddy dog or a non-trained family dog, and individuals without PTSD. Findings indicate that buddy dogs enhance quality of life and cognitive function, offering more than comfort compared to family dogs. The buddy dogs are trained to address PTSD symptoms, such as waking individuals from nightmares or calming them during stress, thus facilitating |