Understanding Therapy Dogs

What are Therapy Dogs?

Therapy dogs are specially trained animals that provide comfort and affection to individuals in hospitals, schools, and other care facilities. They are different from service dogs and emotional support animals (ESAs) in several ways:

• Service Dogs: These dogs are trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities, such as guiding those who are visually impaired, alerting deaf individuals to sounds, or pulling a wheelchair.
• Emotional Support Animals (ESAs): ESAs provide comfort and support to individuals with mental health conditions but do not require specialized training.
• Therapy Dogs: Therapy dogs are trained to interact with a variety of people in different settings, offering affection, comfort, and emotional support. They do not have the same legal rights as service dogs or ESAs and are typically brought to specific locations by their handlers for therapeutic purposes.

Benefits of Therapy Dogs

Therapy dogs offer numerous emotional and physical benefits for people of all ages. Scientific studies and anecdotal evidence have shown that interacting with a therapy dog can lead to:

1. Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Physical contact with a therapy dog, such as petting or hugging, can lower stress hormone levels like cortisol and increase levels of oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and relaxation. This is especially beneficial in hospitals and schools where stress can be overwhelming.

2. Improved Mood: Therapy dogs can lift the spirits of patients, residents in nursing homes, and students. Their presence can evoke feelings of happiness, reduce feelings of loneliness, and even help alleviate symptoms of depression.

3. Lowered Blood Pressure: The calming presence of a therapy dog can help reduce blood pressure, particularly in high-stress environments such as hospitals.

4. Enhanced Social Interaction: Therapy dogs can act as social catalysts, encouraging people to engage in conversation and interact with others. This is particularly useful in settings where social isolation is common, such as elderly care facilities.

5. Support During Trauma Recovery: Therapy dogs are often deployed in disaster zones or areas where people are recovering from traumatic events. They provide comfort and distraction, helping individuals cope with grief, fear, and shock.

What are some common breeds of Therapy Dogs?

There are several dog breeds that are commonly used as therapy dogs due to their specific traits and characteristics allowing them to be great companion dogs. These include Labrador Retrievers, Poodles, and German Shepherds among others.

• Golden Retriever: Easy to train, adaptable, and intelligent, Golden Retrievers are also tall, making them good for people with physical disabilities.
• Border Collie: Eager to please and considered one of the most intelligent dog breeds, Border Collies are focused when working on tasks.
• Pomeranian: Small dogs like Pomeranians can be good for psychiatric service dogs and service dogs for people with mental disorders, as they’re smart, loving, and receptive to training.

Where Therapy Dogs Make a Difference

Therapy dogs are deployed in a wide range of settings, each with its own unique requirements and benefits:

1. Hospitals: Therapy dogs visit patients in hospitals, providing comfort and distraction from pain, anxiety, and loneliness. Research shows that therapy dogs can reduce stress in patients awaiting surgery, help children cope with hospitalization, and even assist in physical therapy by motivating patients to engage in exercise.

2. Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities: Elderly residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities often suffer from loneliness and depression. Therapy dogs can provide companionship and emotional support, helping residents feel more connected and improving their overall well-being.

3. Schools: Therapy dogs are increasingly being used in schools to help students manage stress, particularly during exams or after traumatic events. They can also assist in special education settings by providing comfort to students with autism, ADHD, or other emotional and behavioral challenges.

4. Disaster Areas: Therapy dogs are often brought to disaster areas to provide comfort and support to survivors, first responders, and relief workers. They have been deployed in the aftermath of natural disasters, terrorist attacks, and mass shootings to help people cope with grief, fear, and shock.

5. Rehabilitation Centers: Therapy dogs are often integrated into rehabilitation programs, where they assist individuals recovering from addiction, mental health issues, or trauma. Their calming presence can support patients through difficult times, encourage emotional expression, and aid in the healing process.

6. Prisons: Therapy dogs are used in correctional facilities to help inmates manage stress, depression, and anxiety. Their presence can foster a more positive environment, reduce tension, and promote emotional healing for incarcerated individuals.

7. Libraries and Reading Programs: Therapy dogs are often involved in literacy programs where children can read to the dogs in a non-judgmental environment. This helps build confidence in young readers and creates a positive association with reading.

How are Therapy Dogs trained?

Therapy dogs undergo specialized training designed to prepare them for providing emotional support and comfort in various settings. The process begins with basic obedience training, where the dogs learn essential commands such as sit, stay, and come. These commands are crucial for maintaining control in diverse environments like hospitals or schools. The dogs are also trained to remain calm in the face of distractions, loud noises, or unfamiliar people, ensuring that they can provide comfort without becoming overwhelmed themselves. Socialization is another critical part of the training, as therapy dogs must be comfortable interacting with a wide range of people, from children to the elderly.

In addition to obedience and socialization, therapy dogs are trained to recognize and respond to their handler’s emotions. This involves teaching the dogs to sense when their owner is feeling stressed, anxious, or upset and to provide comfort accordingly. Depending on the specific needs of the individuals they will be helping, therapy dogs may also be trained to perform tasks that alleviate symptoms of mental health conditions, such as deep pressure therapy, which involves the dog applying gentle pressure to help calm someone experiencing anxiety or panic. The rigorous training ensures that therapy dogs can effectively and safely provide emotional support to those in need.