Therapy Dogs: What They are and How They Help
The role of therapy dogs is invaluable and more people recognize their importance in our society.
More than companionship, these dogs offer calming energy and emotional support to people they are around with. Research has shown that dogs can help those with anxiety, and depression. They are integral in improving one's mental and emotional well-being. Let's take a closer look at what therapy dogs are and how they can make a positive impact on those they interact with.
What are therapy dogs?
According to an article published by Dr. Ruth MacPete, DVM, therapy dogs should be calm and obedient when presented with different scenarios. They are usually the types brought in hospitals, care homes, courtrooms, and hospices. Their demeanor brings comfort, calm, and happiness to these places.
Therapy dogs Vs. service dogs
Therapy dogs are not the same as service dogs. The latter is trained to be of service to a specific individual in need such as the visually impaired. Their training is designed to support people with such disabilities. On the other hand, therapy dogs cater to different kinds of people.
They are trained to remain calm and at ease despite a sudden change in environment. They can also be around a lot of people. Unlike service dogs, with therapy dogs, you can hug or even kiss them.
According to The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service dogs are allowed to go with their owners even in places they are restricted to such as restaurants, schools, and shops. ADA stated that service dogs are not required or expected to provide emotional support or comfort. This is the job of therapy dogs.
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What it takes to be a therapy dog
Apparently, from being naturally affectionate, calm, and friendly toward people, it takes a lot to become a therapy dog. Although there is no specific requirement when it comes to the shape and size of a therapy dog, one needs to pass the requirements before being registered as a therapy canine.
The dog needs to pass the American Kennel Club Good Citizen test for it to be considered a well-behaved breed. Some breeds get startled by unfamiliar sounds and this is an important consideration in the obedience test.
Therapy dogs also need to be healthy to perform their role as service dogs at the optimal level. They need to be certified as healthy canines free of diseases, parasites, and fleas. These dogs could be around vulnerable older people and young children thus they should be healthy.
Before one could be considered as a therapy dog, it should be properly registered with all the required documents such as American Kennel Club Good Citizen certificate, health documents, and vaccination proofs.
Why are dogs used for therapy?
There are plenty of animals which could be used for therapy. Other people also use birds, cats, horses and other mammals as therapy animals.
But according to Alliance of Therapy Dogs, just looking into a dog’s eye could already help the body produce dopamine. In addition, dogs are great in helping humans feel relaxed and improving their moods. These are just a few of the reasons why dogs are commonly preferred as therapy animals amongst other species.
Obedience: Several dog breeds possess the innate talent of being highly trainable as compared to other animals. When properly trained, dogs as therapy animals can exceptionally follow instructions most of the time. Dogs can also remain calm when presented with varying situations.
Sociability: Majority of dog breeds are social animals. It can tolerate crowded areas but still remain calm, friendly, and sociable. Dogs trained as therapy pets enjoy being around different kinds of people in different settings.
Non-threatening: Unlike horses which are also used as therapy animals, their size could be a drawback for other people. Some are afraid to even pet a horse. On the other hand, most dogs are non-threatening animals. Some people would even kiss or hug them.
Affectionate: Majority of dog breeds are naturally affectionate and like physical contact such as petting and cuddling. They can read emotions and create a bond with individuals who need therapy. This is another reason why people prefer them as therapy animals.
Consistency: Dogs are intelligent animals and they could be consistent in following directions when trained properly. They would consistently provide affectionate support to people struggling with unpredictable situations.
What dogs are used for therapy?
Considering the requirements of becoming a therapy dog stated above, there are plenty of dog breeds suited to provide therapy. Some of the examples are below:
Poodle: Whether you are considering a standard poodle or a mixed breed such as Phantom, Merle, or Parti, Poodles are an excellent candidate. They are popular not only for being family-friendly pets but can also be excellent therapy dogs. Poodles are known for being intelligent, affectionate, and highly trainable animals. This makes them a great choice for therapy work.
The three different sizes of poodles are standard (more than 15 inches tall to the shoulder); miniature (15 inches or lower); and toys (less than 10 inches). Choose the right size of poodle suited for the setting it will provide therapy.
Bernese Mountain Dog: This is another excellent breed of dog that could be a therapy canine. Despite the size of this breed, Bernese Mountain Dogs are known to be calm, friendly, and gentle. They are also great to be around kids and families. Moreso, there are individuals or groups which prefer to have medium to large dogs as their therapy pets.
Doodle: Doodle dogs, also known as "designer dogs," are a type of mixed-breed dog that are created with the intention of combining their best traits. Typically, a poodle is bred with another breed, such as a Golden Retriever or Bernese Mountain Dog, to create a Goldendoodle, or Bernedoodle, respectively. Doodle dogs are known for their hypoallergenic coat and friendly temperament, making them a popular choice for people with allergies or families with children.
Therapy dogs are not just restricted to the aforementioned breeds. If you wish to train other breeds as therapy dogs, consider the following:
Dog’s natural temperament
Dog’s personality
Level of Trainability
Intelligence
Energy level
Sociability
Love of the job
F1 Bernedoodle from Feta x Phoenix Litter
How much are therapy dogs
The financial aspect of getting a therapy dog varies depending on several factors such as:
Adoption fees: if you are going to get a dog from a shelter, you need to pay for the adoption fees. In an article posted by Rescue Dogs 101, the adoption fee ranges between $50 to $500. The adoption fee’s average rate is at least $300.
Purchase price: If you choose to purchase your dog from a certified dog breeder such as Stokeshire, prices vary depending on the dog’s breed. We have poodles priced at $1000 per puppy.
Training costs: Training cost for puppies also varies depending on the type of training and the length. Read more about the training we provide in consideration of therapy.
Veterinary costs: The cost of vet visits is not just a one-time thing. You have to make sure that the dog gets regular vet visits, has been properly checked for health issues and has been vaccinated. The cost for vet visits differs depending on the service you avail of every visit.
Benefits of Therapy Dogs
Therapy dogs offer several benefits to humans, especially those who have been having some rough times.
Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Studies have shown that petting, and hugging our pets helps reduce cortisol which is triggered by stress, and anxiety. According to John Hopkins Medicine, whenever there is an interaction between a dog and an individual, the latter’s body releases the feel-good hormone oxytocin. It also helps in lowering blood pressure and helps promote a healthy heart.
Improved Mood: Therapy dogs can also help improve mood and decrease feelings of depression. The simple act of petting a dog can release endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that help promote feelings of happiness and pleasure.
Increased Social Interaction: These therapy dogs help humans interact with other people and break down social barriers. It makes it easier for other people who love pets and dogs to interact with fellow dog lovers.
Enhanced Learning: In educational settings, therapy dogs have been shown to help enhance learning. Students who read to therapy dogs have been found to improve their reading skills and confidence levels.
Pain Relief: According to research, those who have undergone animal-assisted therapy show rapid recovery in activity and may feel more relieved from pain. Therapy dogs offer unconditional love, care, and support. You can just hug it when you need some emotional support to get you through the day.
Improve Mental Health: Research showed that patients who are diagnosed with depression, bipolar disorder, autism, post-traumatic stress disorder, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) react positively to therapy dogs.
Encourage Physical Activity: As dogs need physical activity to keep them healthy, you are also encouraged to move and take the dog for a walk, run, hike, or a game of fetch.
Offer Companionship: These furry friends provide us with a sense of belonging and companionship. You have a lesser tendency to feel alone when you have a therapy dog around you. Research has shown that people with dogs in general have improved self-esteem.
Increased Sense of Empathy: Puppies develop emotions during their second month. They develop a sense Therapy dogs can help increase empathy in individuals by providing an opportunity for connection and understanding. Interacting with dogs can help individuals develop a greater sense of compassion and empathy toward others.
Steps in making your dog a therapy dog?
There are three steps to make your dog a therapy dog:
Basic Training: According to the American Kennel Club, for a dog to be considered a therapy dog it must pass the Canine Good Citizen test. After Which it can proceed to take a group’s therapy test. The Canine Good Citizen Test will assess if the dog can follow instructions, remain to be well-behaved, and possess good manners.
Research for Therapy Dog Organizations: Look for local therapy dog organizations in your area. This will open the door for you to be introduced to professional dog trainers.
Register with your chosen therapy organization: Sign up for a membership with your selected therapy organization. Submit all the requirements. After your 10th visit, you can apply with the American Kennel Club Novice Therapy Dog Title.
Training a dog to become a therapy dog is not a walk in the park, the dog undergoes extensive training to perform its job in its best shape. The length of the training varies depending on your chosen provider.
Who trains therapy dogs?
Some organizations provide training for dogs to be therapy dogs such as the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, Pet Partners, and Therapy Dogs International.
We also provide training for dogs keeping in mind their usefulness as therapy dogs. Read more about our training program dubbed as Stokeshire Doodle School to learn more about the kind of training we provide our puppies.
Where to buy Therapy Dogs
You can either get your therapy dog from a dog shelter or you can purchase it from us at Stokeshire. You may choose whichever option suits you best depending on your budget, preference, and specific needs. If you are planning to get a certified therapy dog from us, read through the options you can choose from.
How Can You Get Involved with Therapy Dogs?
Do you want to get involved in training therapy dogs? Here are a few options:
Volunteer with a Therapy Dog Organization: Many organizations train and certify therapy dogs. These organizations are always in need of volunteers to help with dog training, socialization, and therapy visits. You can check out organizations such as Pet Partners, Alliance of Therapy Dogs, and Therapy Dogs International to volunteer.
Start Your Therapy Dog Program: This is another route you can choose but this entails research and hours of training on your side. Without prior knowledge about therapy dogs, you would need to educate yourself first so you can properly train your dog.
Wrapping Up
Therapy dogs play a significant part in our lives and it is just proper that we give them the right appreciation and respect for such a job. Regardless of which breed you choose to have as a therapy dog, make sure to show your love and care to this furry companion for such valuable work they provide.