Animal-assisted therapy (AAI) is an emerging form of health care. It has been embraced by mental and physical healthcare professionals as an effective tool to improve patient outcomes.
AAIs have been shown to increase the pain threshold of patients, improve communication between patients and therapists, and improve quality of life. This may be due to oxytocin release and the increased bonding between patients and dogs.
Golden Retrievers
Golden Retrievers have been working hand-in-paw with humans for hundreds of years, making them eager to assist those who need help. They are gentle, attentive, warm, and patient, which is why they make great emotional support animals (ESAs).
In the wake of significant tragedies like Hurricane Katrina or school shooting episodes, these dogs have been called upon to comfort children, adults, and even pets, giving them a sense of security and well-being. Therapy dogs are also often employed by hospitals, nursing homes, and other facilities to provide solace to patients who have suffered a loss or trauma.
They are very intelligent and can learn new skills quickly, making them a great choice for assistance dogs with disabilities. These dogs can alert people with disabilities about obstacles or help them avoid them. They can also be trained to detect drugs or contraband and deployed as search and rescue dogs following natural disasters.
While they can be trained to perform various tasks, goldens are prone to overexertion and need regular, brisk exercise. They need a daily, long walk or jog to stay healthy and happy, along with plenty of fun and active playtime.
If your dog is not getting enough exercise, it may exhibit undesirable behaviors, such as digging and chewing. They will also become anxious and restless, which can disrupt their ability to focus on training.
Before you begin therapy training with your dog, it’s important to give her a chance to get some wiggles out and release some of that pent-up energy. A romp around the yard, a game of fetch, or running a makeshift agility course will help her burn off some energy and prepare her for training.
If you’re considering adding a Golden Retriever to your family, be sure to choose an experienced trainer and start training as soon as possible. It’s a good idea to start with basic obedience and leash manners before you begin therapy training. This will lay the foundation for future training and make it easier to teach more advanced skills later on.
Border Collies
Border Collies are known for their intelligence and ability to learn, which makes them perfect for service work. With proper training, Border Collies can memorize commands, scents, and sounds that help them perform tasks such as finding their handler in the middle of a crowded restaurant, bringing medication to the owner during a medical emergency, or alerting them when they see something that may be dangerous.
They also make excellent companions for those with disabilities and are a great way to help people with mental health issues cope better with their surroundings, particularly in public places like airports and restaurants where they can be easily distracted. They can be trained to remind their owners to take medication on time, fetch items that have fallen or been out of reach for them, and provide emotional support and comforting nuzzles.
Psychiatric dogs are specially trained to interact with individuals who are experiencing depression, anxiety, or other mood disorders and can assist in decreasing the symptoms of these conditions. They are often paired with a mental health professional who will provide them with a variety of mental stimulation, such as playing with puzzle toys or giving them human affection.
These dogs are a very active breed and need to exercise regularly. They are also prone to boredom and need to be kept busy with mental and physical activities. If a Border Collie is left to their own devices, they can become destructive or anxious in their home and yard.
The reactivity issues that can arise with herding traits are especially difficult to overcome with this breed, but they can be managed through training. Ideally, they should be socialized with children and other pets early in their lives. This will help them avoid reactivity and develop into well-rounded, happy dogs.
Another common issue is joint disease, particularly hip dysplasia. This condition occurs when the ball of a dog’s hip does not fit into the socket of the hip joint, leading to pain and inflammation. It is best to catch it in the early stages with a comprehensive exam and hip radiographs.
Pomeranians
The Pomeranian is an excellent breed for therapy dogs, thanks to their cuddly nature and devotion to their owners. They are also very intelligent, trainable, and highly social.
They can be trained to assist their owners with a variety of tasks, including opening doors and alerting people to changes in the smell that might indicate a drop in blood sugar or seizure. They are also good at alerting to sounds, such as a smoke alarm or doorbell.
Their small size makes them easy to carry around, and they can easily adapt to their environment, making them an ideal service dog for people who may have difficulty getting around without a dog. They can be especially helpful for those who are deaf, as they can be trained to alert them to sounds that they might not hear with their hearing.
If you are considering getting a Pomeranian, be sure to ask the breeder about any health conditions they may have, such as luxating patellas (kneecaps that slip out of place), hypothyroidism, collapsing tracheas, and heart disease. You can also use the Orthopaedic Foundation for Animals’ public database to check on a puppy’s health before purchasing it.
It is important to keep your Pomeranian well-groomed. Grooming can help to remove plaque and tartar and prevent gum disease, which is common in this breed. It can also make your dog’s coat shiny and smooth.
Exercise is an essential part of any dog’s health, and it can have a positive impact on their moods too. It helps burn off nervous energy, distracts them from their surroundings, and is a great source of mental stimulation.
For Pomeranians, brisk walks are recommended for a minimum of two 20-minute sessions a day. Adding mental enrichment with games of fetch, training new commands or tricks, and playing with toys is also a great way to help your dog stay mentally active.
Lastly, be sure to feed your Pomeranian a healthy diet to avoid any health issues. A poor diet can lead to weight gain and obesity, which can be a risk for these dogs.
Other Breeds
There are many different breeds of dogs that can make excellent therapy animals. Some are better suited for specific conditions than others, and some even offer a range of additional benefits that may help improve the mental and physical health of the people they visit.
Some of the most popular dog breeds for working as therapy dogs include Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and Bichon Frise. These breeds are known for their ability to sense their human companions’ needs and provide them with emotional support and comfort.
These dogs are highly intelligent and trainable, making them ideal candidates for therapy work. Their calm demeanor also helps them to interact with patients without becoming impatient or irritable.
While most therapy dogs are large, there are a few smaller breeds that also make great companions for therapy sessions. These small dogs are easy to transport and can be easily trained to perform therapy duties.
The Yorkshire Terrier is a very good breed for therapy work, as they are very loyal and affectionate. They are extremely sensitive to their owners’ emotions and are adept at reading people. This makes them excellent for treating individuals with anxiety or depression.
Pomeranians are another excellent option for therapy work. These puppies are incredibly smart and will learn new skills quickly.
They also have a playful nature and are well-matched with children. Their cheerful personalities can brighten up the day of a patient in a hospital or retirement home.
Poodles are a breed that is often overlooked when it comes to therapy dogs, but these fluffy balls of fluff can provide a calming presence for people who are feeling anxious or stressed. They are ranked among the most intelligent dogs and can understand and respond to their owner’s emotions.
In addition to being a great therapy animal, these pups are also popular service dogs, as they are highly trained and obedient. They can perform a variety of tasks and are a great option for anyone who has mobility issues or difficulty walking. They can help with PTSD, as they are often trained to alert emergency services in case of an emergency by pushing a button. In addition, they are known to help reduce stress and improve cardiovascular health.
