Therapy dogs are dogs that are able to help during hard times and give moral support to those who need that. They do not have the same rights as service dogs or emotional support animals. However, they should be trained in order to be allowed to work with people.
They usually take part in animal-assisted therapy and help people relax by decreasing loneliness, creating distractions from unpleasant feelings and negative thoughts, and providing comfort. Speaking about physical conditions, therapy dogs are able to lower acute pain, normalize blood pressure, motivate people and make it easier for them to socialize.
Their services are mainly used at hospitals, nursing houses, schools, rehabilitation facilities, etc. The animals should be trained to work with more than one person through various situations.
Yes, any type of dog can be a therapy dog, as long as it is well-trained.
There are a few features that are required:
No, they are only allowed in open areas or should have permission to visit certain public spaces.
Therapy dogs do not have the same rights as ESA. ESA has special access rights and usually has one owner. A therapy dog does not require a prescription letter and works as a volunteer to cheer up people at such establishments as rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, hospitals, etc. They provide people with support and comfort, making them forget about problems and pain and spend quality time with a pet-friend instead. Every dog owner can train their pet to be a therapy dog to help those who need that.
In order to work with people, the dog needs to complete special training for therapy animals. However, you can work on its behavior, and people skill to get positive results faster.
Because therapy dogs always work with a lot of different people, they should be calm, friendly, patient with touches from strangers, and be prepared for physical inconveniences.
Absolutely not. Service animals are trained to help one handler with a specific disability, while therapy dogs work with all kinds of people and usually assist in places like hospitals, rehabilitation centers, etc.