Dog therapist: which breeds are best suited for emotional support work?

 Dog therapist: which breeds are best suited for emotional support work?

Tracy Wilkins

Do you know what a therapist dog is? For those who don't know, some domestic animals - such as dogs and cats - can assist in the treatment of psychological disorders and do a lot of good for patients diagnosed with anxiety, depression, autism and post-traumatic stress. In the case of dogs, they are known as emotional support dogs.

To perform this role of therapy dog, pets need to follow some criteria. First, they must be docile, gentle and patient. Second, they must be obedient and have good behavior. With that in mind, get to know the most suitable dog breeds to be therapist animals below!

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Golden Retriever is a great emotional support dog

One of the most popular therapist animals is the Golden Retriever! No wonder: this is one of the most docile and calm dogs you'll find out there. The Golden dog is known for being a gentle, obedient breed that is very attached to its owners. They are dogs that create strong bonds with their family and love their humans - whether they are children, the elderly or adults. They also have no trouble getting along with their owners.relating to strangers and other animals.

This emotional support dog is easily trained and very affectionate. It only takes a Golden dog to get close enough to anyone to feel more comfortable, relaxed and happy with their presence.

Labrador Retriever is a successful therapist dog

Just like the Golden Retriever breed, the Labrador has a very kind personality. In dog therapy, this breed - which also has a very active side - often has a totally exemplary attitude and proves to be a great partner. The chocolate, black or beige Labrador dog always seems to be in a good mood and soon infects everyone around him, as well as having a super friendly expression and asuper affectionate and gentle way.

It is a breed that likes to expend energy, but also knows the moments to keep calm. To top it off, he is a therapy dog that is very obedient, sociable and attentive. So it is the right company for anyone!

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Corgi: the therapist dog has several qualities

The Corgi isn't just a cute-looking downer pet that was Queen Elizabeth's dog: it's also among the best therapist animals. The breed is very intelligent - so much so that they're herding dogs - affectionate and obedient. They're dogs that definitely enjoy spending time alongside their humans, see no problem socialising and are usually quite disciplined.

The Corgi breed is also a therapy dog that learns commands and tricks quite easily. They know exactly how to behave in certain situations and promote great well-being for their owners.

Yorkshire is a brave and faithful therapist dog

Incredibly, the Yorkshire can be an excellent emotional support dog. These small, protective dogs are often very attached to their owners and maintain a relationship of admiration, affection and respect for those who live with them. That's why the Yorkshire Terrier is on this list, even if the reputation of "hot-tempered" sometimes accompanies it.

In everyday life, the breed loves to receive attention and is a faithful squire of the owner. As a therapist dog, you can expect an extremely devoted puppy that can accompany you on various occasions, including trips and other appointments.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is among the calmest therapist animals

This small dog breed is a pleasant surprise in the lives of those looking for some kind of dog therapy. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small, furry and very companionable dog. He has a friendly temperament and gets along with all kinds of people, besides being attached, friendly and very sweet. Just see a photo of the Cavalier King dog to be sure of what we are talking about!

The breed does not usually have any kind of behavioral problems. On the contrary, it is very obedient and loves to please humans. It is the kind of therapy dog that will be by your side at all times.

American Staffordshire Terrier: despite the reputation of being brave, it is a great therapy dog

The American Staffordshire Terrier is one of the types of Pitbull that are deceiving with their appearance. Those who see it think that it is a brave dog, but the truth is that this is one of the best therapist animals there is. These dogs are loyal and have a deep admiration for humans. They like to please, are attentive and get along well with anyone, including children.

Although he may look mean, the American Staffordshire Terrier has all the qualities you look for in a therapist dog. He is docile, playful and very friendly. He can be a little stubborn at times, but nothing that good training won't solve - always with positive reinforcement, of course.

Collie is an active but comforting therapist dog

The Collie is a dog that also fulfills the role of therapist dog with excellence. The breed is super skilled and has a keen sensitivity, so this little dog can easily sense when something is not going well. Collie dogs are even true experts in comforting those they love. That is, it is an emotional support dog that will not leave you aside.

To top it all off, this is a doggy that has a certain level of energy, which encourages guardians to get moving and feel like getting things done. If you're looking for a great buddy, the Collie dog breed won't let you down.

Mutts can surprise as a good emotional support dog

Of course, the mutt couldn't be left off this list! Although not exactly an emotional support dog, there are several docile, intelligent and calm dogs that end up doing the same job as the breeds mentioned above. As the mutt is a surprise box, it is not possible to determine precisely how each pet will behave.

But one thing is for sure: mutts also have everything to stand out as a therapy dog. They always return the love they receive, are grateful to humans and will not leave your side under any circumstances. In other words, they end up being quite a companion to emotionally support their owners.

Tracy Wilkins

Jeremy Cruz is a passionate animal lover and dedicated pet parent. With a background in veterinary medicine, Jeremy has spent years working alongside veterinarians, gaining invaluable knowledge and experience in caring for dogs and cats. His genuine love for animals and commitment to their well-being led him to create the blog Everything you need to know about dogs and cats, where he shares expert advice from veterinarians, owners, and respected experts in the field, including Tracy Wilkins. By combining his expertise in veterinary medicine with insights from other respected professionals, Jeremy aims to provide a comprehensive resource for pet owners, helping them understand and address their beloved pets' needs. Whether it's training tips, health advice, or simply spreading awareness about animal welfare, Jeremy's blog has become a go-to source for pet enthusiasts seeking reliable and compassionate information. Through his writing, Jeremy hopes to inspire others to become more responsible pet owners and create a world where all animals receive the love, care, and respect they deserve.