Comments on: What breed of dog would you suggest as a calm, gentle dog to be trained as a therapy dog?

By: kelnason

kelnason — Wed, 13 May 2009 14:53:44 +0000

Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Saint Bernard, Shih Tzu.
I was raised with 2 labs and they were the best kind of dog I could have had as a child. They listen to you.
My brother has a lab/golden retriever. And she is the warmest, kindest, and a friend to all (animals, people…)
The few Saint Bernards I have met are the gentlest giants out there. Again, much like golden retrievers, they adore your attention.
The shih tzu has grown in such popularity due to its absolutely well rounded nature. They are a lap dog who are fun, affectionate, and very loving.

By: Emily S.

Emily S. — Sun, 10 May 2009 12:34:54 +0000

I just read an article on therapy dogs. For starters, they say not to choose a puppy because it’s hard to tell their potential behavior as an adult. Shelters and rescues are good places to find a therapy dog. As for a breed, they also point out, many breeds have made great therapy dogs and not to single out just one breed. “Just take your time and wait for the right dog to find you.”

Here’s the link to the article,.

By: Sasha

Sasha — Thu, 07 May 2009 04:31:27 +0000

Any dog, so long as it is trained and socialized properly. I have seen Pets As Therapy dogs in the shape of rotties, pitbulls, GSD’s, Cane Corsos, bullmastiffs, spaniels, labradors, pointers, collies, mixed breeds.

By: Kirsten R

Kirsten R — Tue, 05 May 2009 11:22:53 +0000

It has been my experience that the people being visited prefer smaller dogs that can sit in their laps. Toward that end, consider an English Toy Spaniel. They are nearly cat-like in their personalities and generally enjoy being lap dogs. This is true of most toy breeds, but many are one person dogs and may be snappy toward strangers.

The Papillion is probably the most easily trained of the toy dogs and that would be an advantage for teaching some cute tricks to entertain.

I’ve seen many patients gravitate toward Shih Tzus as well, because of the fluffiness.

I’m going to make another unusual suggestion: Greyhound, or the smaller Italian Greyhound or Whippet. These dogs tend to be warmer than other breeds, which may be soothing or appealing to some patients. The Greyhound in particular is well suited to lying contentedly.

While there is nothing wrong with a good lab or golden, these breeds are very common. A less common breed would be a good conversation point. The actual bulk of therapy dog work, for the human partner, is chatting with the patient. The top two conversation topics are the therapy dog itself, or pets of the patient being visited. An unusual breed gives more fodder for the conversation.

—-edit—-

It doesn’t take anything like three years to train a therapy dog. Dogs as young as one year old are permitted to take the tests. A pet dog with basic obedience skills and good manners (including toilet training) can complete an 8 week class and pass a test. Not all would do it that quickly, but with a lovely, well socialized pet and basic training skills on the part of the owner it is entirely possible.

By: gakw3

gakw3 — Sat, 02 May 2009 05:42:32 +0000

participating in therapy work is a tough job for any dog. you can pick any breed & find that some are suitable & some are not - it all depends on the individual dog.

By: chocotabbie

chocotabbie — Fri, 01 May 2009 17:37:23 +0000

Bullmastiff. My boy is so soft and gentle and big friendly giant. All people stop him and pet him in the street, never afraid of him. lovely and cuddly! so big that he can handle some rough petting also.

By: Dreamcatcher

Dreamcatcher — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 15:36:11 +0000

Labrador would be my choice..

By: Terrier (UK)

Terrier (UK) — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 13:09:59 +0000

It’s not breed specific.

Just get a dog that’s suitable for your home, make sure it’s well trained and well socialised, and the rest should follow.

There will be a test of suitability that the dog will be required to pass, but whether purebred or mutt, from breeder or rescue - it needs to be a good pet first and foremost (a dog that’s unsuitable in your home might not be relaxed enough to be a therapy dog).

I’ve never heard of the Delta Society, but P.A.T. (in the UK) have dogs of all breeds and mixes. Have you asked the Delta Society what they would advise?

Good luck.

By: tiramisucake22

tiramisucake22 — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 02:37:07 +0000

Mad Mike isn’t joking. Pitbull. I own two. Both are certified therapy dogs.

By: Catherine Armant

Catherine Armant — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 02:57:40 +0000

It all depends on the dog itself and its background, naturally.
Bear in mind to take into consideration the gender of the dog.

We all know that Labradors, Retrievers, Setters and Spaniels have a gentle, warm, friendly and cuddly nature. They can also be a hand full though.

But I would recommend a mature and well trained German Shepherd.
In my experience, they are wonderful.
They are good for therapy because they are “formidable” in that way that they remind us of the Wolf.
Someone once said to me : “She knows her power but she chooses not to use it”.
Therefore to obtain the trust of a German Shepherd is a great feeling and very healing.

You may think about a Mountain dog as well. Very big and or very white, it works. But they need space and a lot of outdoors.

Take care.