Having a dog can be such a blessing especially when it comes to anxiety, stress and depression. We’ve all heard about therapy, service and emotional service dogs but do you know the distinctions between these roles? Although it is often debated which dogs are better for each job, any breed can be trained for this type of work. The true test for the task is their temperament of being gentle, patient, and affectionate. How they make you feel is of the utmost importance and the following guide can help you understand the differences between each type.
Therapy Dogs
Therapy dogs are specifically trained to socialize with a lot of different people; sometimes all at once and sometimes one on one. These dogs are friendly, with easy-going temperaments that are stable enough to visit places like schools, hospitals, psychotherapy offices, nursing homes and beyond. Their jobs are geared towards providing therapy, both psychological and physiological, to individuals (other than their owners/handlers). Each team (owner & dog) are sought out for their ability to work together to improve the lives of other people.
Service Dogs
A service dog is trained to help their owner who likely is living with disabilities. They perform work and tasks that surpass that of just a companion; they have crucial jobs. Functioning as the other half of their dream team service dogs, operate to ensure the safety of their partner so they may retain a sense of independence where they might otherwise feel limited by their disabilities.
Emotional Support Dogs
Emotional support dogs are known for their innate sense of nurturing people through their companionship and affection. Their gift is more of a natural tendency than something they learn but nonetheless they help bring ease to those suffering from emotional and mental issues. Due to the fact that they are not required to have special training, they are not meant for every public arena that a therapy dog would have access to. Although their role is generally flexible, it is primarily to provide a calming presence, comfort, and company for their owners. You have likely seen them on flights or out and about with someone who has psychological or emotional disabilities. In addition to flying with their owners, there is the other legal protection of qualifying for no-pet housing. Both of these instances are possible with a simple letter from a physician.
Dogs are considered our best friends but also serve as so much more. Regardless of if you’re just curious or looking to integrate any one of these into your lives we hope this quick look has been helpful. Keep checking back to our Petlox blogs for a look into the wonderful world of pets.