I am a dog lover and recently had to put my Dalmatian town who I had rescued 14 years ago. Friendly to everyone they meet, the Labrador Retrievers are definitely one of the best dog breeds for anxiety! Sometimes called “Velcro dogs,” thanks to their desire to stay at their owner’s side as much as possible, these dogs are great for owners who suffer from anxiety and will benefit from the endless buckets of love they have for their people. Therapy dogs needn’t be certified, but paperwork documenting a therapy dog’s training will likely improve the odds that businesses, schools, and other locations will invite your dog inside. It all "depends on the way the individual eliminates their stress," therapist Kryss Shane, BS, MS, MSW, LSW, LMSW tells Bustle. Even the healthiest of dogs require periodic immunizations, checkups, and regular teeth cleanings. Legally (at least as far as I can tell by reading the DOJ publication referenced above – I’m no lawyer), they can only ask you two questions (paraphrased for brevity): Therapy dogs are usually trained to provide gentle love and affection to people in hospitals, schools, retirement communities and other places where people often experience stress or anxiety. For example, you will need to walk and feed your dog on a semi-regular schedule, which may lead to additional stress for those who work long hours or have other responsibilities keeping them away from the house for long periods of time. "Poodles are known for their intelligence and are considered one of the three smartest breeds," Douson says. Hope this was helpful! You would appreciate your poodle’s loyalty and their ability to learn complex tasks. For ME, she is perfect, but as a breed, they require lots of grooming (shedding). Sadly, 2 years ago, her body gave up, maybe a brain tumor, her front legs crossed when she tried to walk. They must simply be well-behaved, gentle and comfortable with receiving love and attention from a variety of different people. He will be walking with a cane so does any mix poodle work? This big goofy loving dog is good for relieving stress because it is an amiable breed that just likes to make you happy. They are hypoallergenic. Pomeranians are great for people who want a dog that prefers to stay by your side 24-7 while lavishing you with love (and a bit of entertainment). All rights reserved. Dogs that constantly bark and yip, run full speed through your house or have hyper-needy personalities may lead to more anxiety than they allay. ", If you're looking for a dog who will "get you," go for a soulful poodle. She is wonderful for me…but it has taken many hours of continuous training to get her to where she is today. Although Yorkies are on the small side, they have a rough-and-tumble personality that the AKC describes as “tomboyish.”. Mastiff Mixed Breeds: Your Dependable, Dutiful and Massive Mate. I wouldn’t trade Sugar for any other breed. By Few things calm nerves and lift spirits like the unconditional love, attention and security provided by a good dog. "People that have anxiety need something steady and calm around them at all times. But this doesn’t mean their prissy – these Spaniels still have all of the pluck and energy that characterizes their bird-flushing ancestors. I am now prepared to find the right kind of dog for my needs. Amazing job. Pembroke Welsh corgis (and, to a lesser extent, their larger cousins the cardigan corgis) are incredibly friendly with most people (and kids), although they can be a bit prickly with other dogs. Which breed did you choose, and how has that worked out for you? The Canadian Kennel Club describes their expression as “human-like,” which may be part of the reason it is so easy to bond with these little lovers (but they’re big hearts certainly don’t hurt). But, terminology matters, and there’s a difference between a therapy dog, an emotional support dog, and a service animal. There's nothing quite like the warmth of a cold nose. 2020 Bustle Digital Group. In other words, while your service dog must be trained, you needn’t necessarily have him trained by a professional. You certainly need to consider things like your lifestyle and the amount of space you have available for a pet, but it’s hard to go wrong with an adult Labrador retriever or a golden retriever. Although any size dog can make a great therapy animal, small dogs are particularly well-suited for the job because they can be easily lifted onto a person’s hospital bed, or held in the patient’s arms. My depression is much worse too. They accomplish the task in other ways too: However, despite the mountain of supporting evidence, dogs are not a magic bullet in the fight against stress and anxiety. They are also commonly used following traumatic events to help survivors feel a bit better. I would choose a Maltese, shit Tzu or mix of both, or even a schnauser or poodle. These are very convenient for people who don’t want fur everywhere they look because dogs with hair do not shed! The Pembroke Welsh corgi is one of the most affectionate and devoted pets a dog lover could want, and they’re commonly used in therapy contexts. It has all the information you need in once place and is not an excessively lengthy read. I have high anxiety and really wanting a dog..I’m also OCD which leads to hair all over the place would not be a good thing..which dog would fit me and my family. All he wants is attention and kisses and will return the favour. 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