We’ve spoken a lot about psychiatric service dogs, their role, and their importance. Similar to psychiatric service dogs are therapy dogs. There are many similarities, such as they both help alleviate stress, are sensitive to emotional distress, and come in all shapes and sizes. However, there are a few differences that set the two apart.
The main difference is that psychiatric service dogs live with their owner and provide 24/7 support. Therapy dogs, however, are trained to provide comfort in various places, and typically live with a handler who brings them to and from their job. Therapy dogs provide comfort and affection to the people they interact with and help improve stressful situations.
Below are just a few of the important places therapy dogs help!
Hospitals
Therapy dogs are fantastic in hospitals. Not only can they help alleviate stress (and bring blood pressure down!), but they bring comfort, decrease anxiety, and they help alleviate boredom. They are also great at encouraging engagement and communication.
Rehabilitation Centers
Therapy dogs can assist in addiction recovery, and they also are great for those who are rehabilitating from a psychical injury!
Recently, therapy dogs made the news again as therapy dogs are being used in shelters in Ukraine to help children affected by the war relieve stress and anxiety.
Court
Many groups offer services to victims to make their time in court less stressful. Therapy dogs are a great resource for those testifying- they provide comfort and security, and have been said to provide the emotional strength to endure a difficult testimony.
Of course, there are many more places where therapy dogs provide assistance. From airports to disaster sites, no matter the facility, therapy dogs have been shown time and time again to help. We highly recommend psychiatric service dogs for those suffering from physical injury, trauma, or mental health issues. They stay with you 24/7 and provide all the comfort and love of a therapy dog, with the added benefit of being trained to help with your specific needs.
If you want to train your dog to become your psychiatric service dog, we here at Fetch and More would be honored to assist you. We truly care about you and your dog, which is why our behaviorists travel directly to you.
Our emotional support training services for dogs are highly detailed; with them, you receive a lifetime guarantee and unlimited support for the dog’s life. We are well prepared to provide our dog training services for anxiety support to your furry friend.
With over 20 years of experience, we are well-versed and well-prepared. To begin your journey, visit us online or call us at 201-914-8268.
