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Dog breeds that make the best therapy dogs

four dogs on park

Therapy dogs are dogs that have been specially trained to provide affection, support, and comfort to people who need it in places such as hospitals, nursing homes, schools, retirement homes, and much more. Studies have shown that therapy dogs can help support the well-being of vulnerable members of society.  A dog must pass a series of rigorous tests to be certified as a therapy dog. Some of the requirements include being able to walk loosely on a leash, being very social around people and animals, and not barking or jumping.  In this article, we are going to discuss breeds that make the best therapy dogs.

1. Labrador retriever

Labrador retrievers are intelligent, easy to train, adaptable, calm, comfortable to be touched, gentle, and friendly. They are also happiest when around people, making them perfect for keeping company the vulnerable. These dogs are very patients and are known to stay with patients in bed for hours, giving them the love, affectation, and company they desperately need. If you want to make your Labrador retriever an official ESA, you need to get an ESA letter from your therapist or doctor.

2. French Dog Bull

French Dog Bulls are sociable, calm, gentle, intelligent and full of personality. Most people like them because they have a smiling and welcoming face. Anybody, including those who are not fun of dog, will feel comfortable being around this breed. The fact that French Dog Bulls don’t require a lot of exercises makes them ideal for urban and suburban dwellers. This breed makes great therapy dogs because they are very calm and gentle when around people. They are also very friendly and welcoming, even towards strangers.

3. Poodle

Poodles make great therapy dogs for two reasons: they are bred to be companions, and they also don’t drool. Poodles are highly intelligent, calm, and love being around people. Additionally, poodles are also good at reading people's emotions. If they feel that you are sad or lonely, they will be more affectionate towards you. They are also very easy to train and have an incredible coat that you will love grooming.

4. Greyhound

Greyhounds are intelligent, gentle, and quiet, making them ideal for therapy work. Although they can run pretty fast, they mostly prefer to lazy around. This dog breed prefers being petted for a long period. Additionally, they have a docile temperament that is highly trainable. They don’t easily get distracted and love being around people. They have short hair, thus require minimal cleanup.

5. Pomeranian

Pomeranians don’t just love being around people, but they also have a great personality that makes them fun. You will never get bored being around this breed, thanks to their great personality. Pomeranians are very curious and spend most of their time (when not comforting their masters) exploring new things.  This is great because it can distract the patient for hours. Pomeranians are also obedient, highly intelligent, and work incredibly well even in tough situations. They also love being touched and are not aggressive towards strangers and other pets.

6. Golden retriever

Golden retrievers are very friendly, which makes them ideal bread for performing therapy work. They are gentle, smart, easy to train, patient, and adaptable. Another unique thing about this bread is that they are very friendly with kids despite their large size and always bring positive energy wherever they go.