As someone who has PTSD and anxiety along with other disabilities and who has owner-trained a service dog--though I no longer use one, as my one dog is too old now and my "replacement" washed out of training--I sympathize with LD's plight. While "Ewwww!" might not be the most polite response, that and her effort to leave the scene should have indicated to the man that she wanted nothing to do with him. He should have taken a hint and backed off. His pursuit of her was very, very rude and inappropriate. I agree that he had no way of knowing of her issues or how his actions would affect her, and that part makes sense, but he was still in the wrong. I don't know a lot about training a service dog specifically for PTSD because I trained mine for anxiety mitigation exclusively, but I have heard of using a PTSD dog as a deterrent as someone who is considering attacking you will indeed be put off by a large, alert but quiet dog by your side. The other factor is that that same dog will attract (possibly unwanted) attention from passersby who want to pet the dog, talk to you about the dog, talk to the dog, hug the dog, feed the dog.....which can be a major nuisance. Eternal vigilance is required, and it helps to have a sign on the dog's vest that says "DO NOT PET". You will, however, get many people who will ignore the sign.

If you don't have PTSD or a history of trauma, don't be too hasty to judge LD. Panic can lead to some pretty harsh things, including much worse than saying "Ewww" in a way that could be interpreted as rude.

I like Dobies, but my little sister had an intence phobia/fear of Dobies so sadly I couldn't have one IF I still want her to visit.

I would stick with a lab or retriever. They're the most easily trained and best handled dogs, hence why they're so often picked as service pets.

I have companion pets, though I got them from a shelter. For a service dog, I'd look into professional service training. It's expensive, but they guide you through picking a dog and training them to respond to your personal cues of stress. I think it is very difficult for someone to train their own true service pet and to get the most out of it I think that is what would help you best. :) Not that it is impossible, but it's hard to train a dog to help you while you're also stressing at the same time. xD'

Otherwise, from the description of your situation, what you may be thinking of is an emotional support pet like I have. They are not the same as service pets (since service pets are trained specifically to do something that directly impacts your psychiatric disorder, ESAs are not necessarily) and it doesn't matter what breed you get for the most part since the companionship and having them near you for, well, support is what matters most.

http://www.servicedogcentral.org/content/node/76
http://www.therapydoginfo.net/servicedogs.html

I suggest reading those over! ESAs may or may not be allowed to accompany you in your state, so I'd check.

edit // also if you're not already, consult with a psychiatrist. Many offer free or low cost services, and I'd def discuss with them the best route to take for your specific issues before getting a pet.

Well, I hope you eventually find the perfect service dog. :D

I have talked with a therapist, and his best recomndation was to get a service dog.
In my area there are no free or good low cost therapists orpsychiatrists unfortunately.

I have PTSD, Panic Disorder, mobility/balance issues, I'm legally blind in one eye, and suffer from chronic pain.

There are no SD programs local to me(well technically there is but I have heard nightmarish stories about their training methods and the quality of care the dogs are kept in so I refuse to admit they even exist), and the only program I have found that cross trains in all branches of service tasks I would requior is located in Georgia, of which I have no way of getting there for that. I was owner training my own SDiT until he passed away earlier this year, and it didn't bother me to train him.

In my state(California) ESAs(and I do have one) can ONLY live with you in a place that has a no pet policy, that's the extent of the Rights of an ESA in my state.

I do know very well the differences between ESAs and SDs, as I've been a part of the SD/SDiT community for nearly three years, though it's something that bears repeating because sometimes it can be easily forgotten especially when under stress.

Thanks, I'm sure I will.