It is common knowledge that some dogs can be trained to assist with various disabilities and physical challenges such as blindness and paralysis. These types of training programs require specific dogs that have the ability to learn complicated tasks as well as extensive training to prepare them for the role. However, not everyone knows that even the average dog can volunteer as a therapy dog in many hospitals and nursing homes. That’s right, even Fifi or Buster can be a therapy dog because although the term “therapy” sounds like extensive training is involved, the reality is that the primary requirement to be a therapy dog is just the dog’s temperament and character.
The primary characteristics that all therapy dogs must portray are gentleness and love. These are the foundation for a good therapy dog. Additional attributes which are critical components of a therapy dog’s temperament is to be patient, to be calm in any situation, and to be welcoming of any touch–even one that may be uncertain. With these characteristics, almost any dog can be a therapy dog and as a result can volunteer to assist in nursing homes, schools, hospitals, retirement homes, and in programs for the physically challenged.
For many individuals that are restrained to a hospital room or nursing facility, these therapy dogs bring immeasurable joy and pleasure to days that are otherwise driven by tedious and repetitive routines. With the entrance of a therapy dog, they can lose themselves in the joy of playing with the animals, petting them, and watching their cute antics. It is an opportunity to forget about the environment that they are in, the bad health they are experiencing, and the challenges and pain of everyday life. For many of these individuals, therapy dogs may just be the best form of senior/elder care available.
