Law Enforcement Talk: True Crime and Trauma Stories

Episode Title: Rescue Dogs Trained To Be PTSD Service Animals For Vets
Host: John "Jay" Wiley
Guest: Brett Simon, Former K9 Handler, Military Contractor, PTSD Service Dog Trainer – Big Dog Ranch Rescue, Palm Beach County, FL
Date: October 29, 2025

Overview

This episode dives deep into the world of PTSD service dogs for veterans, focusing on how rescue dogs are trained to provide essential mental health support. Host John "Jay" Wiley interviews Brett Simon, whose unique journey as a law enforcement K9 handler, private investigator, military contractor in Iraq, and now lead trainer at Big Dog Ranch Rescue, shapes a powerful discussion. They explore the realities and misconceptions of K9 work in policing and military environments, Brett’s personal struggle with PTSD, and the transformative impact of service dogs for veterans.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Brett Simon’s Background and K9 Policing

• Brett’s 15-year law enforcement career in Ohio, with nine years as a dual-purpose K9 handler (narcotics and patrol).
• Early inspiration: Relationship with his town’s canine handler as a child; full-circle moment when he worked for his mentor as police chief.
• Realities of K9 handling:
  • Handler’s life is 24/7 with the dog; not just a shift-based role.
  • Entry into specialized police roles (e.g., K9, detective) requires patience and departmental favor (04:11).
• K9 misconceptions:
  • Police dogs aren’t “attack” dogs but tools used for apprehension and officer safety (05:02).
  • Dogs can’t distinguish between good guys and suspects during pursuits; importance of following protocols in action (05:48).

Quote:

“The dog is an apprehension tool. It is not an attack dog. The dog is trained to apprehend a suspect that has committed a crime… That attack word has always gotten me in my career.”
– Brett Simon, 05:02

2. The Impact and Selection of Police & Military Working Dogs

• Police dogs also play a deterrent role—just the announcement or sight of a K9 can prevent escalation (14:52).
• The Belgian Malinois debate:
  • Concern over breed popularity after movies; breed requires very specific, active handling—potential for neglect if acquired unwisely (07:41).

Quote:

“You have to have the time, the temperament, and the ability to work with one constantly to make sure that the dog’s needs are met and fulfilled.”
– Brett Simon, 07:41

3. Transition to Training PTSD Service Dogs after Personal Trauma

• Brett’s PTSD: Diagnosed after a law enforcement critical incident and compounded by military contractor work in Iraq (19:27, 24:44).
• Mother’s influence: His mother noticed his struggle and encouraged him to focus on purpose by reintegrating with dogs (24:44).
• Founding K9s for Warriors and involvement with Big Dog Ranch Rescue, helping hundreds of veterans with PTSD service animals (25:12).

Quote:

“My mom definitely was seeing it … she started researching dogs for PTSD. And about six, seven months later, we founded the organization I worked for last, which was K9s for Warriors … almost 800 graduates of the program.”
– Brett Simon, 24:44

4. PTSD Service Dogs – How They Help

• Not just companion animals:
  • PTSD service dogs are trained with specific tasks to disrupt anxiety, provide comfort, and help break isolation (19:27, 21:50).
• Tasks include:
  • Disrupting behaviors or panic attacks (nudging, pressure therapy, lap work).
  • Space control and “watching the handler’s back” when out in public.
  • Encourages re-integration into daily life—breaks the cycle of isolation.

Quote:

“We’re using the dog’s natural ability of the bond, the human-animal bond…so when anxiety, hypervigilance, fear … is coming off and the dog is reacting, we teach the dog to break that behavior.”
– Brett Simon, 19:27

• Difference from “emotional support” dogs:
  • Service dogs are trained for specific, measured tasks under ADA guidelines.
  • Emotional support animals lack this formal, task-oriented training (16:21).

5. Training, Matching & The Rescue Model

• Rescue Dog First Approach: All BDRR service dogs are rescues, not purpose-bred. Criteria: Under three years old, 55+ lbs, 24+ inches at the shoulder for mobility-related service (29:15, 29:42).
• Breed Considerations:
  • Preference for approachable dogs to foster social interaction, not public fear (30:32).
  • Avoid certain breeds (Rottweilers, Dobermans, Cane Corsos) so veterans with PTSD don’t become further isolated due to breed stigma (31:26).
• Matching Process:
  • Thorough application including lifestyle, military background, official diagnosis (PTSD, TBI, mobility impairment, MST), and records (34:18).
  • Aim to pair dogs’ temperament and abilities with each veteran’s needs.

Quote:

“Any kind of dog, it’s not breed-specific, can do this type of work, correct? … As long as they have the ability to want to have a job and work and have the drive to do it, we can train the task for that particular veteran.”
– John Wiley & Brett Simon, 29:15

• Training Time: 3–9 months per dog for specific PTSD and mobility tasks (29:42).
• Capacity: 16 dogs in active veteran training at a time; main shelter can care for 600+ dogs (33:09).

6. Challenges & Support Needed

• Program Limitations:
  • Currently open only to all-era veterans, not yet police/fire/EMS—though goal to expand (33:46).
• Cost:
  • Training and placement runs $25,000–$40,000 per dog (36:50).
• How Listeners Can Help:
  • Donation of any size vital; fundraising for kennel expansion ongoing (35:31, 37:09).
  • Opportunities to sponsor dogs, kennels, or participate in events via bdrr.org.

Quote:

“Every dollar that comes in goes right into the program… it’s saving big and small animals and also helping the veterans.”
– Brett Simon, 37:09

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “[The dog] was there, you know, and made sure that I was watched his surroundings more than I watched my surroundings. They’re so in tune with what’s going on… made some of those interesting calls a little bit less interesting.”
  – Brett Simon, 14:06

• “The biggest thing with PTSD is isolation… we want them, with these commands, to be able to go out and use them to ease themselves back out into civilian life.”
  – Brett Simon, 21:30

• “The science says even dogs, everybody has at home, your Rottweiler, your shepherd… if they’re loving on them, your anxiety is coming down, your blood pressure is coming down.”
  – Brett Simon, 22:45

• “I can be the 85 year old guy in a nursing home with the walker with the tennis balls on the front. They’re going, there’s 5-0 and they run the other way.”
  – John J. Wiley, 31:26

Key Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:00–07:41: Brett’s early police/K9 history, common K9 handler misconceptions, breed considerations
• 11:01–14:52: The day-to-day and emotional challenges of being a K9 handler; value of the K9 partnership in policing
• 16:21–23:08: The real function of PTSD service dogs, training differences from therapy/emotional support animals
• 24:44–27:09: Brett’s PTSD journey and genesis of his work in service dogs for veterans
• 29:15–31:50: What makes a good PTSD service dog, breed and temperament, matching dogs to veterans’ needs
• 33:09–34:18: Rescue-based selection process, program limits, and application steps for eligible veterans
• 35:31–37:09: Funding challenges, donation and support options
• 36:50–36:59: Service dog training cost per animal

Conclusion

This episode reveals how the bond between humans and dogs extends far beyond police work, transforming into a literal lifeline for veterans facing invisible scars. Through heartfelt storytelling, practical advice, and firsthand testimony, Brett Simon makes a compelling case for rescue-based PTSD service dog programs. The conversation underscores how trained service dogs restore freedom, agency, and hope for suffering veterans—and how supporters can play an essential role in this vital mission.

For more information, donations, or to inquire about the program: Big Dog Ranch Rescue