Categories:- DogBreeds ( therapy dog )
What Are Therapy Dogs ?
The varieties of therapy dogs have evolved greatly over the years. As the need for therapy dogs has increased, so have the numbers of dogs enrolled in training. Consequently, the diversity of therapy dogs has increased as well. Therapy dogs with special skills, such as those being trained to assist the blind or deaf, now have a company by therapy dogs that are trained to help people with a wide variety of physical, emotional, and psychological conditions.
Therapy dogs are one of several animals that organizations train to bring comfort and companionship to the people they serve. Most therapy dog organizations have service dogs in addition to therapy dogs. Service dogs, which are often trained to work with people with disabilities, usually have very special skills. These service dogs have been through a very rigorous program of training. Most are highly trained to perform specific, physically demanding tasks that enable people with disabilities to do basic, everyday things that most people take for granted.
What are the Characteristics of Therapy Dogs?
Therapy dogs are the dogs who are specially trained to improve the lives of those around them. They are trained to be calm and comfortable in a variety of different situations. They are brave and comfortable being in large groups of people and being handled by many different people. They are able to concentrate on their owner even when there are many distractions, and they are able to walk on a variety of different surfaces.
There are a few characteristics that all therapy dogs should have in common, we have compiled some of them below:-
- Good temperament
A therapy dog is a dog that can handle many different kinds of situations. They need to be able to meet a lot of new people, be handled by a lot of different people, and be in stressful environments. All therapy dog candidates should be evaluated for their temperament before being admitted. A dog with a good temperament will be friendly and approachable, and not be overly shy or excited.
- Friendly and outgoing
A therapy dog needs to be friendly and outgoing, even among strangers. The dog needs to be willing to let new people pet him and interact with him. This is the difference between a therapy dog and a dog who is a pet. Therapy dogs are friendly and willing to let new people and pets touch or pet them, while a dog that is considered a pet is one who is not friendly with strangers.
- Compassionate
A therapy dog must be able to sense when someone is upset and provide comfort. They must be able to tell when someone is having a bad day and provide support. This can take the form of laying with a person while they cry, or using their body to provide a comforting hug. Sometimes a therapy dog can simply be a loving presence that shows support and compassion by hanging out, being there as a friend.
- Friendly to other dogs
A therapy dog must be friendly and outgoing with other dogs and animals. They must be willing to meet new dogs without being overly excited or barking. This is important to note because therapy dogs are often brought to facilities where other animals are present. Therapy dogs are calm and friendly, which is why they are effective at providing comfort and support to those with anxiety.
- Obedience trained
A therapy dog must be obedience trained. They must be housebroken, and they must know basic commands. This includes a recall, which is a command that the dog should come back when called. It also includes a stay when told, and the dog must be able to sit, lie down, and stand when told. Therapy dogs should also be trained in basic agility, for the dog to navigate through busy and small spaces.
Ten Best Dog Breeds For Therapy Dogs
The fact that Best Therapy Dogs are able to spend time with very sick and nervous people makes it possible for them to fulfill a very important role in society. Here, we have compiled a list of some of the best breeds for therapy dogs.
Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retriever puppies are very well-behaved, and though not all of them grow into therapy dogs, the ones that do make excellent companions for people in need. They have been known to soothe patients with Alzheimer’s, and create a safe environment for those with special needs, such as Autism.
Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers make great therapy dogs because they love to be petted and are extremely loyal. They are known as being energetic and playful, and they are also very intelligent. They love to be part of the family, and they are extremely patient, so they are known for being a good match with children. Golden Retrievers are known as being happy and friendly.
Poodle
Pomeranian
The Pomeranian is sweet, happy, and affectionate. Since they are such great family pets, they make excellent therapy dogs. They love attention and need it. They can enjoy the company of their owners and of the people they visit. The Pomeranian has a long history as a therapy dog, and though they are small, they are quite sturdy and can handle the job well. They are also noted for being the cutest and most adorable of the dog breeds for therapy work.
French Bulldog
French Bulldogs make great therapy dogs. This is because of the fact that they are always happy, and their sheer cuteness is enough to calm anyone down. They are also known for being quite affectionate, and their owners love to spoil them. French Bulldogs are also very sturdy and fine-boned dogs. They can be very energetic and curious, but in small doses, this is healthy for all involved.
Greyhound
Pug
Pugs have a reputation for being one of the most affectionate breeds around, and they also happen to be one of the most intelligent breeds. They are small enough to be comfortable in hospitals, but their size can also be an advantage. They can be easily carried to people who cannot walk, and they are known to comfort patients and help them relax in the hospital.
Dachshund
Dachshunds are known to be very small and skinny, but they are also very playful. They also make great family pets, and they are very affectionate towards their owners. They are known to be very intelligent, and they are extremely loyal. They are also very friendly and outgoing, so they will love to be around children. They are also very patient when it comes to children. They provide perfect therapy to those going through a rough patch.
German Shepherd
German Shepherds are known to be extremely intelligent. They are also very loyal, and they make great family pets. They are very patient, so they are good with children. They are also known for being good watchdogs, so they are good for alerting the family to any disturbances. They are also protective, but they are very gentle when they are around children.
Border Collie
Wrap Up
Having a dog around can make a huge difference in someone’s life. Therapy Dogs can provide comfort and calmness to people who need it the most. Therapy Dogs are often very intuitive in knowing when someone is tired, scared, or sad. They know when it’s okay to be around the person, and when it’s time for them to leave.
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