Therapy Dogs A Brief History

Canines have been used in many situations to help mankind such as, guarding flocks, search and rescue, leading the blind and recently to help humans emotionally and with general overall health.

Studies have shown that while petting a dog humans blood pressure lowers, tension is released, and can help with depression.

Therapy dogs are not to be confused with assistance dogs. Therapy dogs are used for emotional well being, where assistance dogs are used in leading the blind, assisting people with hearing lose, etc. Therapy dogs do not have the same rights as assistance dogs. State laws have to be viewed carefully as some legislation is not aware of differences between Therapy dogs and assistance dogs.

Therapy dogs have a common trait, their owners have discovered that they have a desire to help others. Although owners cannot declare that their pet is a therapy dog, dogs have to pass a Canine Good Citizen Test and than they can become a Therapy dog.

So if your pet is this type of personality, think about letting him/her become a Therapy dog, not only will your pet help others but, it will allow you to help others also.