Many people wish for an assistant on four paws. Especially when they are struggling with physical, mental or emotional problems.
But which ones? Therapy dog breeds does it exist at all? What makes a suitable assistance dog out and there Differences between therapy and assistance dogs?
We tell you which dog breeds are good as therapeutic support dogs are suitable, what counts among their tasks and how the training to become an assistance or therapy dog works.
What are therapy dogs?
therapy dogs can be used, for example, in healthcare facilities and institutions such as retirement homes, hospices or children’s homes. There they have a «visiting dog service» and complete a different training than that for the «assistance dog team».
assistance dogs include dogs that accompany people with mental or physical disabilities in everyday life. This is not a servant, but a four-legged life partner.
A assistance dog can not only open doors for master or mistress, pick up objects or recognize and report flare-ups at an early stage, but is above all an emotional support. For example, there are also special diabetic alert dogs.
A therapeutic companion dog enables its human to regain a little independence, conquer fears and feel more comfortable in life again.
Therapy dog training – duration, costs, requirements
There are different ways to do that Therapy dog training to complete and also various specializations. The costs also vary depending on the region and provider. For example, you can arrange additional training hours or even take the exam a second time and whoops, your training package will be more expensive.
duration1 to 2 years, Although the training itself only includes around 20 to 24 days of presence or a maximum of 6 to 12 months of training and the associated exams, the training for the dog-human team continues for a lifetimeCosts vary widely, between €1,500 and €5,000Unfortunately, health insurance companies have so far only covered the costs for a guide dog and its trainingPrerequisites Passing the companion and traffic dog test and thus basic obedience, the will to train on one’s own initiative during the training, the dog’s mental and physical health and a suitable character
Training a therapy dog yourself – is that possible?
Therapy dogs and their caregivers master the Therapy dog training often together. The bond between them is then woven from absolute trust, deep loyalty and special reliability.
So yes, training a therapy dog yourself is very possible! Under the direction of a professional instructor.
people with disabilities must but do not train their four-legged assistants themselves. In this case, they can also use an already trained Buy an assistance dog.
It is important in any case: The chemistry must be right!
By the way:
What applies to guide dogs for the blind is not yet allowed by law to other assistance and therapy dogs. For example, take them to the supermarket or take the train for free.
Which dogs are suitable as therapy dogs?
As particularly suitable therapy dogs have grown the Poodle, Golden Retriever, and Magyar Vizsla Everybody’s darling, the Labrador Retriever proved. But the Bernese Mountain Dog, Newfoundland and Leonberger also have what it takes to be an assistance dog.
Do you have an intrepid mongrel at home who is intelligent and eager to learn, has a big heart, and radiates loyalty and joie de vivre?
He too has the potential to become an excellent therapy dog!
1. Labrador retrievers
If not him, who? The Labbi is always ready to fetch, always happy and friendly and wants nothing more than to do everything right!
2.Golden Retrievers
Also the Golden retriever brings excellent properties to work as therapy or assistance dog with.
He is intelligent, eager to learn, affectionate, loving, gentle and reliable.
3. Magyar Vizsla
The slightly livelier version of the therapy dog: the Hungarian Magyar Vizsla.
The sensitive bundle of energy works willingly and diligently with its human.
He likes them mental and physical occupation and is a very calm and pleasant person at home.
4. Poodle
Also the poodle – preferably standard poodle – is an intelligent dog who dem Use as a therapy dog absolutely fair.
Did you know already?
In addition to helping with physical limitations, therapy dogs can also be a valuable support for people with depression, anxiety disorders or panic attacks!
5. Bernese Mountain Dog
Depending on the specification larger or smaller therapy dogs asked.
For example, the Bernese Mountain Dog can be found in Occupational and psychotherapy sessions or social facilities come into use.
6. Border Collie
The eager to learn, clever and tireless border collie loves challenges and tasks just as much as working together with his people.
It is the perfect, handy companion for every situation.
7. Newfoundland
Also the Newfoundland is a reliable one therapy dog. However, he is not quite as handy.
Interested parties should think about the XXL format and the lavish amount of fur beforehand.
8. Leonberger
If you like it a bit bigger, go with that Leonberger well advised.
In any case, the Leonberger brings one XXL portion of serenity with and will Often used as a therapy and visiting dog!
9.Australian Shepherd
Also the friendly one Australian Shepherd is in the Therapy dog training seen often and with pleasure.
His willingness to work, his sensitive instinct for people and his affectionate nature make the active dog a bright companion.
10. Kromfohrlander
A not too well known German dog breed is the Kromfohrländer.
It is a pure one companion and companion dog.
The Kromfohrländer therefore brings optimal conditions for an excellent therapy dog with.
11. German shepherd
The German shepherd is known for his absolute loyalty. He is loyal to his master or mistress and loves to spend time with them.
The design of this time may consist of many tasks, action, concentration and fun.
The German sheepdog is considered reliable, intelligent, self-confident and focused, but also alert, courageous and protective.
A different breed than the Kromfohrländer and not necessarily a beginner’s dog.
12. St. Bernard
Also the huge one Saint Bernard is as therapy dog usable in many ways.
This dog breed is good-natured, easy-going, and patient.
Both in schools and in children’s or retirement homes Saint Bernard as a therapy dog Welcome.
13. Eurasian
The Mixed breed of Wolfspitz, Chow Chow and Samoyed simply makes every heart beat faster.
Stroking his beautiful fur and looking straight into his heart through his faithful eyes enriches the lives of young and old.
The friendly and bright dog can Therapy dog training master with ease. He will like as Therapy and visiting dog deployed.
14. Mongrel
Many mongrels can and will as therapy dogs deployed!
The breed plays when used as therapeutic support dog a rather minor role. Character traits and the willingness to cooperate are much more important – both on the part of the dog and of the human being.