Dogs That Are Good Therapy Animals
I was recently asked if Leon was chosen specifically to be a therapy dog. She asked if he was chosen for his sweet temperament. Actually, he was not.
I chose a Chihuahua based upon the traits and temperament of the breed. I wanted a dog that liked to take walks, that was small and didn’t need a lot of grooming. I wanted a dog that was funny and comical, but would also lay in my lap.
I acquired Leon at the tender age of six weeks (we were told he was eight weeks). At the time, I didn’t know he would be a good therapy dog, I just wanted a well socialized Chihuahua. Since Chi’s are watch dogs, it’s important that they learn to feel safe and secure in a variety of different environments. So I took the little guy everywhere with me and basically shoved him into any one’s hands that would hold him (it wasn’t a hard sell…because he was so adorable.)
It’s important to note that HE choose to do therapy work. He let me know that he liked to meet new people…especially children. And this is one of the most important things to understand when searching for a therapy partner…they have to WANT to do it.
I was lucky when I got Leon. He’s a wonderful companion and he brings joy to everyone he meets, but I watch him carefully for signs that he’s tired or wants to go home…and then we do. There are dogs that can do many more therapy gigs in a week than he can. They can work more than one hour at a time, Leon can’t. He tells me when he wants to do therapy work…and I listen.
Comments
By Elle Kasey on March 16th, 2009 at 11:15 pm
Wheatens have a bit of a reputation for being a little rambunctious, but Lexi our Wheaten Terrier prizes the approval and affection of people above all else (even food). That’s how we knew she’d be a good therapy dog.
Our Kerry Blue still has a bit of growing to do, but he wants to run with dogs, not people. He could surprise us, but he may end up doing agility rather than getting therapy pets.