Assistance dogs have been specially trained to provide assistance to persons with disabilities. Partnering with an assistance dog helps the handler achieve a greater level of freedom and independence. Therapy dogs provide emotional comfort and support. Although an assistance dog can be a therapy dog, a therapy dog is not the same as an assistance dog and is not automatically allowed access to all the places an assistance dog can enter. Although therapy dogs are specially evaluated, trained, and registered for their volunteer work, just as assistance dogs are, they do not undergo the extensive specialized and unique training required of assistance dogs. There are many dog breeds used as therapy and assistance dogs, and there are many breeds that are imminently suited for the job. Here are some of them:
1) Golden Retriever – often used as guide and hearing dogs, seizure alert dogs, and physical assistance dogs as well as therapy dogs. They are loyal, intelligent, and calm, three traits that make them most suited to be therapy and assistance dogs.
2) Labrador Retriever -The Labrador Retriever was bred to be both a friendly companion and a useful working dog, which makes him an excellent choice as a therapy or assistance dog. One of the most popular breeds used. One of the more unique programs that Labrador Retrievers have been used in lately is Library dogs – dogs that are allowed into the childrens’ section of the local library to foster reading and excitement about reading in children.
3) German Shepherd -one of the most popular breeds used as a service or therapy dog. He is loyal, intelligent and a capable working dog. His devotion and courage are unmatched. And he’s amazingly versatile, excelling at most anything he’s trained to do: guide and assistance work for the handicapped, police and military service, herding, search and rescue, drug detection, competitive obedience and faithful companions.
4) Setters and Setter crosses – The Setter’s love of people and easygoing nature can make him a super friend as well as a fine working dog. Gentle, kind, and affectionate, he’s devoted, sociable with strangers, and this makes him a plus as a therapy dog, a hearing dog or an assistance dog.
5) Samoyed and Samoyed mixes – A working breed, the Samoyed can be strong-willed at times, but above all they remain friendly, gentle, and devoted dogs. A Samoyed cross is ideal as a grief therapy dog and as a physical assistance dog. They are often used in Dogs for Diabetics, a program that trains animals to recognize hypoglycemic shock in their owners and call for attention.
6) Border Collies – The highly trainable and intelligent Border Collie excels in therapy and assistance because of his unlimited energy, stamina, and working drive, and he is obedient and very, very watchful. Originally used to herd sheep, they make great physical assistance dogs because of their traits.
7) Belgian Malinois – These dogs were originally bred to be herding dogs. Today, they work as police dogs, protection dogs, and physical assistance dogs. They are intense, intelligent and athletic companions but must be well-trained to socialize.
Beagles – Yes, Beagles. Small, compact, and hardy, Beagles are active companions for kids and adults alike. They are happy and fun loving, making them ideal for therapy dogs or grief counseling dogs, or nursing home dogs. They love people and couldn’t be happier than when surrounded by many adoring fans.
9) Rottweilers – Despite the bad rap that they get, Rottweilers are popular family guardians and friends, for good reason. They are used for those same reasons as a steady and gentle companion. They are loyal, protective and good assistance dogs who love to work. Used often as physical assistance dogs.
10) Bloodhounds – A highly active and intelligent dog whose keen sense of smell has found him a special place in law enforcement, search and rescue, and assistance dogs. Highly effective in Dog for Diabetics, or Patriot Dogs (dogs given to returning veterans to help with their independence and to provide therapy).
Very interesting! I recently learned that therapy dogs are also used in classrooms to help children with reading! The kids read books to the dogs, and teachers have found this is a great teaching tool. Anyway, great blog!