Are Bernese Mountain Dogs Good Therapy Dogs?

Bernese Mountain Dogs are highly suitable for therapy work due to their gentle, calm, and affectionate nature. Their innate gentleness, trainability, and ability to form strong bonds with people make them an excellent choice for providing emotional support and comfort to those in need.

Bernese Mountain Dogs’ Innate Gentleness and “Huggability”

Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their innate gentleness and “huggability,” which are essential qualities for therapy dogs. They are naturally calm and gentle, which helps them provide comfort and emotional support to people in need. Their large size and physical strength also make them suitable for tasks that require physical support, such as mobility assistance or balance support.

Certification and Training for Therapy Work

Bernese Mountain Dogs can be trained and certified as therapy dogs through organizations like Therapy Dog International (TDI) and Delta Society. The certification process involves testing the dog’s obedience, temperament, and ability to interact with people in various settings. This ensures that the Bernese Mountain Dog is well-equipped to handle the demands of therapy work.

Real-Life Examples of Bernese Mountain Dogs as Therapy Dogs

There are numerous examples of Bernese Mountain Dogs successfully working as therapy dogs. Teddy, a Bernese Mountain Dog, was awarded the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) 2021 AKC Humane Fund Awards for Canine Excellence in the Therapy Dog category for his work in schools, prisons, and senior facilities. Another example is Aspen, a Bernese Mountain Dog who worked as a therapy dog in Alaska, providing comfort and support to service members.

Personality and Temperament Suitable for Therapy Work

Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their friendly, outgoing personalities and their ability to form strong bonds with people. They are highly attuned to emotions and can sense when someone needs comfort or support, making them well-suited for therapy work. Their intelligence and responsiveness to training also contribute to their success in this role.

Socialization and Training for Therapy Dogs

Socialization and training are crucial for any therapy dog, and Bernese Mountain Dogs respond well to both. They can be trained to adapt to various environments and interact with people effectively, which is essential for providing therapy services in different settings.

Bernese Mountain Dogs’ Physical Attributes for Therapy Work

Bernese Mountain Dogs’ large size and physical strength make them suitable for tasks that require physical support, such as mobility assistance or balance support. Their gentle nature and ability to remain calm in various situations also contribute to their suitability for therapy work.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Bernese Mountain Dogs possess the ideal characteristics and temperament to excel as therapy dogs. Their gentle nature, intelligence, and ability to form strong bonds with people make them an excellent choice for providing emotional support and comfort to those in need. With proper training and certification, Bernese Mountain Dogs can make a significant impact as therapy dogs, bringing joy and comfort to individuals in various settings.

References:
– https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/therapy-dog-teddy-awarded-extraordinary-sense-empathy/
– https://www.reddit.com/r/bernesemountaindogs/comments/10ffqcu/bmd_and_therapy_work/
– https://www.uso.org/stories/3216-uso-therapy-dogs-aspen-the-bernese-mountain-dog
– http://www.bmdinfo.org/bernerpedia/Therapy_Dogs-Working_Bernese_Mountain_Dogs.php
– https://usserviceanimals.org/blog/service-dog-breeds/