What Is a Therapy Dog?

If you’re a dog owner, you might believe that your pet has the qualities of a therapist. Is this possible?

After all, each pet owner knows how much unconditional love and support a pet gives a person. Sometimes all someone needs is a shoulder to lean on and a listening ear to get through a hard day.

If you’ve thought that some of your furry friends have the potential to be the perfect companion to assist in therapy, you’re not alone. Many organizations depend on therapy dogs to aid those with anxiety, addictions, developmental delays, trauma, and anything else that requires some compassion and unconditional love.

Keep reading for everything you need to know about therapy dogs.

What Is a Therapy Dog?

A therapy dog is trained to provide comfort and support to people in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and other settings. They are usually brought into a facility by their owners, who have been specially trained in how to work with the staff and clients in the facility.

The dog and owner team work together to provide comfort and support to the individuals in the facility. The dog may be used for specific therapy sessions or may just be present in the facility to provide comfort and companionship.

There is a growing trend of people buying therapy dogs for sale, which has led to some concerns about the quality of these dogs. However, many reputable breeders and training organizations can provide therapy dogs that are well-suited for the job.

Additionally, research has shown that spending time with a therapy dog can help to reduce anxiety and stress, and can also boost mood and self-esteem.

The Different Types of Therapy Dogs

Animal-assisted therapy is a type of therapy that uses animals to help people recover from physical or mental health conditions.

They are usually brought to visit by their owners, who have been trained and screened for suitability. The different types of therapy dogs include:

Service Dogs

Service dogs are individually trained dogs. They perform tasks to assist people with disabilities.

Therapy Dogs

Therapy dogs provide comfort and support to people in a variety of settings.

Therapy dogs typically visit with their owners for about 30 minutes at a time. The dog and owner will go from room to room, and the dog will sit or lie down next to the person for petting and cuddling.

Emotional Support Dogs

Emotional support dogs provide companionship and emotional support to people with mental health disorders. They are usually owned by an individual or a family, and visit people in need on a regular basis.

Facility Dogs

Facility dogs are trained to work in specific settings. They usually work in hospitals, nursing homes, or schools.

There are many different types of therapy dogs. No matter what type of therapy dog you encounter, they all have the same goal of bringing joy and companionship into the lives of those they meet.

Choose the Right Therapy Dog for You

If you’re considering getting a therapy dog, there are a few things you should take into account.

Consider what type of animal would be best suited for your lifestyle and personality. Make sure you’re prepared to handle the additional responsibility of caring for a pet.

Finally, visit a local therapy dog organization to learn more about the training and certification process.

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