What makes a good therapy dog? Like any job, there are qualifications that applicants must possess to be good candidates for the position. Most peoples assumption is that all they need is a well-behaved dog, but that’s only one piece of the equation. The dog also has to want to be a therapy dog.
The reality is that although there are many dogs suited to do this work, there are also many who aren’t.They should also be calm. Case in point: My dog, Izzy, is not a good fit for therapy work. Even though she’s highly trained, she’s also a mountain of energy. During her “sit and stays,” she’s vibrating with excitement, heavily panting, and ready to spring like she’s about to spontaneously combust. Unfortunately, that energy isn’t going to have the relaxing effects sought by the people she’s visiting. Sometimes the dogs we own are just not cut out for the job we want them to do.
A prospective therapy dog should have the following qualities.
Always open to interacting with strangers
Never jumps up or paws people
Not sensitive to rough or clumsy petting
Walks on a lead without pulling or getting anxious
Doesn’t display toy or food aggression
Never demonstrates guarding behaviors
A calm and docile disposition, no matter what’s going on
Tolerant to unusual sights and smells that may be seen in a medical setting
Obedient at all times
Not afraid of unsteady or sudden movements in people
Excellent standards of grooming
Usually, puppies under a year old aren’t suitable, but therapy dog programs can certainly begin then.
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