Therapy dogs have found their way into the hearts of thousands of pet lovers. Not to be confused with service dogs, these therapeutic companions accompany their parents to volunteer at schools, hospitals and nursing homes.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the main purpose of a therapy dog is to help improve human lives.
It doesn’t take just any pooch to be a therapy dog. With great obedience skills and easy adaptability to new environments, therapy dogs are gentle and calm. They make the best friends to those who need positive vibes and inspiration.
Labradoodles have proven their worth as therapy dogs. The crossbreed was created by crossing a Labrador Retriever and a Miniature Poodle, hence the name. Labradoodle parents can attest to their unconditional love and undying loyalty
Below, we’ll discuss the top reasons why Labradoodles make great therapy dogs.
1. Sheriff’s Office’s Approved
In July this year, the Door County Sheriff’s Office welcomed little Finn to the team. The 10-week-old puppy is an Australian Labradoodle that has brought smiles and laughter to Door County.
Officials told Fox11 News that Finn joined the Door County Therapy Dog Team, a year-old training program to become certified as a therapy dog. Once trained, Finn will offer comfort and support to local students, staff, and public safety agencies.
Finn comes from a local breeder who works with law enforcement agencies to place therapy dogs. Other breeders and pet stores across the U.S. have Labradoodle puppies for sale. However, they do come at a price tag.
Australian Labradoodle puppies in particular can cost $2,000 and upwards. There’s ample reason for it. The multigene dog is a specialty breed. Their low-shedding coats make them perfect companions for pet owners prone to allergies.
The Australian Labradoodle has a charming personality and is easy to train. It’s no surprise Finn was chosen to join the Door County Therapy Dog Team.
GXL Labradoodles advises If you’re looking for a charming, lovable addition to your family, Australian Labradoodle puppies are the perfect fit.
2. A Kid’s Best Friend
Labradoodle puppies are in high demand mostly because kids love them. Their gentle and playful temperament makes them the ideal companion for younger children.
Older kids are just as enamored by the furry pup. Central Dauphin High School in Harrisburg recently added a four-legged student to their role call.
Nala, a nine-month-old Australian Labradoodle, is a therapy dog for the school’s hundreds of students. Adopted from a training agency in Indiana, Nala has made herself right at home, much to the delight of her human companions.
According to Penn Live, the puppy underwent training and temperament testing from birth. When she was introduced to the school, staff members learned her commands.
Nala comforts students who need assistance dealing with personal issues. When she’s not on the job, she’s roaming the school hallways for a quick snuggle or pet.
3. Kind to Dog Allergy Sufferers
Pet owners suffering from dog allergies know it’s no walk in the park. But our love for our pups keeps us going back for warm hugs and wet smoothes.
The good news is that Labradoodles are considered hypoallergenic. Not that any dog is truly hypoallergenic. Daily Paws does, however, suggest that F1b and F2 generations are considered better options for some allergy sufferers.
Labrador breeders advise potential owners with allergies to spend time with the puppies before they adopt or purchase them.
4. The Power of Pets at Therapy
Evie, 13, spent 100 days in hospital. Close to death, her family feared the worst as an infection spread through her body.
Then Poppy came along, a nine-year-old Labradoodle that was part of the Pets at Therapy (PAT) project. Unable to walk after two months of heavy sedation, Evie found a companion in Poppy. She credits the pooch for motivating her to regain her strength.
PAT dogs have been the center of a pioneering pediatric physiotherapy project in the UK. Like Evie, they’ve helped other patients overcome the odds by offering support and comfort.
The BBC says PAT pups motivate patients to stretch themselves further during physiotherapy, and hospitals have seen the payoffs. Evie’s mom Sara put her daughter’s successful recovery down to “Poppy power.”
Well, there you have it. If you need more persuasion on why Labradoodles make perfect therapy dogs, search for images online and prepare your heart to melt. We guarantee you’ll be a lover of all things Labradoodle! The best choice as family pets, these affectionate furballs are easygoing bundles of joy.
