These friendly dogs are healthy and devoted. Any friendly breed of dog can be a therapy dog with a bit of training. 21 Best Therapy Dog Breeds. The Pug is a charming dog that will want to remain close to its owner whenever possible. As long as a dog is friendly towards people, and knows basic obedience commands, it could probably become a therapy animal! They are intelligent and friendly, which is why they are often seen fulfilling a variety of service roles. These two retriever breeds, along with German Shephards, are perhaps the best known examples of service dogs in history. They also can be held more easily than larger dogs. In fact, there are a variety of reasons that someone may enlist the help of a therapy dog, and some of them may really surprise you! x Animal Planet GO - Watch Full Episodes and Live TV Discovery Communications view. The German Shepard is brilliant, protective, and loyal. Therapy dogs are used to help reduce anxiety and fear in people who are typically coping with some type of trauma. On the psychiatric ward, substantial reduction in noise levels brought about by a therapy dog’s visit benefits both the patients and staff in the ward (Walsh et al., 1995). In fact, there are a variety of reasons that someone may enlist the help of a therapy dog, and some of them may really surprise you! The American Kennel Club offers a list of organized therapy dog groups on their website, and you can reach out to one in your area if you're interested in finding a reputable breeder. 9 DIY Hedgehog Cage Plans You Can Build Today (With Pictures) →, 7 DIY Guinea Pig Beds You Can Build Today (With Pictures) →, 9 DIY Hamster Toys You Can Make Today (With Pictures) →. Such a dog can also become the ideal companion for people with a wide range of impairments. The Toy poodle will be better for situations where a small dog is necessary. The reasons are simple: trainability, gentleness, and smarts are all amazing qualities of this beautiful breed of dog. Also, care must be taken to keep them from over-heating. Considering the difficulty that autistic kids experience with social interaction, a well-trained Australian Labradoodle makes a great companion. Although they are often thought of as just a racing dog, Greyhounds are exceptionally affectionate and even-tempered. Affectionate, intelligent, and easy to train, dogs in this breed make excellent therapy and service dogs. Needing a lot of exercise, these elegant pups are great as guide dogs for the visually impaired. Others sit quietly while being read to by children. Like many breeds, they need training to like other dogs. Another pup that is certainly often included on many best therapy dog breeds list, this canine loves people and attention. They … Reserved with strangers, trainers need to start socialization early to avoid aggression. This immediately recognizable animal has already made a name for itself in the service industry. That said, older dogs can be just as loving and obedient as the younger ones. These dogs are incredibly outgoing and always looking to make new friends. They want constant love and attention, and they can sense when you are feeling off. The kind, friendly nature of the breed helps it bond socially with people on the spectrum, and when trained well, it obedient and eager to please. When it comes to their ability to be a therapy dog, the great thing about Poodles is the fact that they come in a few sizes. Loving, playful, and adaptable, you will be hard pressed to find anything that DOESN’T make this fur-baby a great therapy dog. Pug. Dogs of any breed can be considered, but these 10 breeds are some of the best suited for therapy work. These obedient canines love to please, making them easy to train. ALSO READ: How to Get a Service Dog for Anxiety or Depression & the Costs of It. Intuitive and adaptive, dogs in this breed can act predictably and appropriately in any situation. good therapy dog breeds Dog & Puppy Training Classes . Canines in this breed want nothing more than to be petted, loved and reassured. These canines are energetic, so if they need to serve were they will be exercised and kept busy. Shedders and droolers, they require quite a bit of maintenance. These popular dogs are loving and willing to please. These characteristics make them great for being a guide dog or any other therapy dog. I bet you can’t help but smile when you check them out. Best described as gentle giants, these dogs are an absolute delight to have around. While there is debate on whether a canine can actually detect a seizure, the other benefits they provide are not debatable. For example if the owner is having night terrors the dog can wake them. A beagle is an adorable puppy-like companion that will be about as loyal and loving as a dog can be. If you are looking for a fur-baby that is sensitive and alert, look no further. Humans with seizure or blood sugar disorders can also benefit from the help of a well-trained service dog. These dogs need obedience training starting early. The dog's good demeanor may partially be a function of its breed, but it's mostly dependent on how the dog is raised and how evenly its temperament develops. The dog is a special breed, and it is popular because apart from making a perfect pet, they are very obedient. A Pug is a small breed dog that is known well for its wrinkly face and curly tail. If your dog has some of the ideal qualities of a therapy dog but also has some undesirable traits (like being fearful or hyperactive) it doesn't mean the dog can't eventually become a therapy dog. When you need an emotional support animal , it’s just as important to know the worst therapy dog breeds as it is to know the best.. I’d like to say that all dogs make great therapy dogs, but that’s just not the case. Agile and energetic, pooches in this breed shine in dog shows. Brave and curious, these little dynamites are up for anything – but you probably didn't expect to see them on the best therapy dog breeds list. While you often see these dogs in public areas, they can become aggressive and will need socialization training. The best therapy dog breeds can also be used to assist the deaf. You would appreciate your poodle’s loyalty and their ability to learn complex tasks. A therapy dog is one that is trained to provide comfort and affection to individuals in nursing homes, hospitals, schools, hospices and other areas. Known for being loyal companions, fierce protectors, and even lifesavers, dogs can support you in everything. The Maltese resembles a small teddy bear. In fact, poodles make for excellent support dogs. These dogs are small terriers, and they pack a tremendous amount of personality into a small body. Calm, loyal, and brave are the qualities in these large dogs. These pooches are not always good around kids and other pets. Therapy canines may not be specially trained, but their mere presence and ability to bring joy to all they meet are good medicine. You must use sensitive training to keep these fur-babies from becoming fearful and timid. Larger breeds like golden retrievers, standard poodles, St. Bernards, and Labradors are commonly used as therapy dogs. They don’t have much energy and are prone to weight gain. The Pomeranian is an excellent size, as they only get to be about seven pounds. any dog, including mixed breeds can be therapy dogs. The Pomeranian is active, friendly, and playful. 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