DOGS have always been known as man's best friend.

For years they have been used to help the vision and hearing-impaired with their day-to-day lives.

Now, thanks to a new program run by the Young Diggers organisation, dogs are being used to help veterans suffering from combat stress or post traumatic stress disorder.

Warwick-based Vietnam veteran Johno Felton jumped at the chance to get involved in the project, along with his dog Dixie.

Mr Felton has tried many techniques to help deal with his added stress since returning home.

But he said dogs were able to offer unconditional love and companionship which helped deal with stress in a different way.

"She is just so intelligent and just understands me," he said.

"Knowing that she is there has a real calming effect."

Together Mr Felton and Dixie will go through a recruit training program.

Dixie will be taught basic commands and how to behave in public areas and Mr Felton will be taught how to discipline Dixie and keep her in line.

Mr Felton said while the dogs offered comfort they also encouraged their owners to get active.

"Exercise is a great way to help deal with mental illnesses," he said.

Through the application process Mr Felton met Reece Maloney, a solider who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Like many returned soldiers Mr Maloney came home suffering from combat stress.

Through the Young Diggers Dog Squad program he was matched up with Buddy, his new best friend.

"Buddy has changed my life," he said.

"Overseas wherever you go you have someone watching your back.

"When I came home I would get anxious when I realised there wasn't anyone there watching my back. Now Buddy watches my back.

"He sits up against the back of my legs and I know he is there."

Mr Maloney said having Buddy at home meant he was able to get a decent night sleep and had even helped him deal with his anger and anxiety issues.

Mr Felton said he would encourage young returned veterans in the Warwick area to look into the program.

While Mr Felton already owned Dixie before being accepted into the program, those without dogs will be matched up with one.

For more information on the Dog Squad program visit http://www.youngdiggers.com.au/dogs.