The German Shepherd Dog (Deutshe Schäferhund) descends from the family of German herding dogs that, until the late 19th century, varied in type from district to district. But you may want to at least start training yourself. I reserve the right to refuse sale to anyone, for any reason, at anytime. Goslar is a Therapy Dog with @PAWSforPeople.org Most all of them. Contents & Quick Navigation Can German Shepherds be Service Dogs? These specially trained therapy dogs provide comfort and affection to people who are in these situations, and to those who have learning difficulties, and individuals who suffer from such psychological disorders as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and those who have survived stressful situations such as those who live in disaster areas. Rotterbarental GSD has also donated multiple German Shepherd puppies to the Guide Dogs of the Desert for the blind and also donated a Service Dog for a victim of a violent crime. Therapy dogs can also help with specific activities, such as helping children with autism practice reading aloud, or encouraging patients to participate in gentle physical activities. Hormone replacement therapy is generally considered successful in German shepherds, but the effect of the therapy lasts as long as the hormones remain in your dog's system. We focus on family friendly, healthy puppies. The ideal therapy dog will be obedient, and show the ability to be affectionate toward strangers, and especially children and the elderly. German Shepherds are one of the most popular choices as service dogs for the blind, physically handicapped, and those in need of a medical alert dog. Schools invite therapy dogs to help teach children the proper way to approach, pet and act with and around animals. German Shepherds are one of my favorite service dogs, but they are not for everyone though. U.S.A. on August 07, 2020. If you have a German Shepherd or have always loved them, and you’re thinking about getting a therapy animal or emotional support animal, the pairing could be perfect. The most important characteristics of a great therapy dog are that they are calm and that they get along with all people. These animals have a legal right to accompany the people they assist in most areas, and are legally protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. There are many different dog therapy organizations listed on the Internet. Therapy dogs serve different roles than assistance or service dogs. German Shepherds as Service Dogs Are Not for Everyone There are a large number of reasons why German shepherds make for a great service companion for a person. The two most important foundations of German Shepherd therapy dog training are temperament and obedience. Therapy dogs can bring comfort and joy to the suffering, and can even be used to assist families with the grieving process after the loss of a loved one. Other soldiers who were confined to the hospital enjoyed the little dog, so the commanding officer of the hospital began to allow Smoky to go on rounds. Mahtomedi Therapy Dog Needs Own Therapy. Because of their intelligence and affectionate nature, German Shepherds make some of the best therapy dogs. Dogs of any size can make good therapy dogs. In 1976, the nurse began an official training program for therapeutic dogs. There are many websites advertising certification and official letters for emotional support animals, but these do not offer any real benefit. Whether you are looking to volunteer or to address mental health in your own life, a dog can be an excellent companion. Visit us on Facebook! I did noticed that your dogs are older then mine so this could be the reason for him wanting to play and yours are already mature enough to … Positive training helps your dog to enjoy working with you and obeying your commands, while negative training can cause your dog to develop fear and aggression over time. Therapy dog handlers take their dogs through extensive testing and perform qualifying visits with other therapy dog/handler teams before earning full therapy dog status within their therapy dog organization. A therapy dog must maintain a calm demeanor in loud or crowded rooms, be able to focus despite distractions, and avoid jumping on people. Their work can range from police dogs or assisting in narcotics and bomb detection to being a loving companion to someone suffering from PTSD or depression- and there’s a reason why! With the right temperament match and proper training, German Shepherds can make some of the best assistance animals. Content is for informational or entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for personal counsel or professional advice in business, financial, legal, or technical matters. You may be able to find a local organization that offers therapy dog training and certification. When people think of jobs for German Shepherds, they are most likely to think of them as police or military dogs. As PT service dogs, they can help patients needing physical therapy to recover quickly by simply engaging in a play. There are a number of organizations that can provide your German Shepherd with emotional support dog certification. therapy companions If you ever find yourself or a friend in need of a therapy dog please contact Tara at 513-313-4779. Maybe buying a German Shepherd Service Dog will be the best investment you ever make, but you need to be realistic about the temperament of the breed. There are many reasons to involve German Shepherds in therapy work. Wonderful new litter of puppies born on November 18th! It is not illegal for hospitals and other institutions to limit or prohibit therapy dogs from accessing their patients. They come in all breeds and sizes, but must be particularly capable of showing good temperament. For the same reasons that German Shepherds make great therapy dogs, they can be fantastic emotional support dogs: they’re smart and loving. The dog became Corporal Wynne’s constant companion and accompanied him on a number of dangerous combat missions. Goslar The German Shepherd Therapy Dog. ♥ Û¬ A German Shepherd therapy dog will need plenty of play and exercise, but they’ll have to remain calm when meeting new people, rather than trying to play. USCA Southeast Regional hosted by Piedmont Schutzhund Club. GSDs are very obedient and if trained properly, they can be very sociable. Sometimes, hospitals, nursing homes and schools have access to listings for therapy dogs in one’s particular area, and can help provide one with the information needed to become part of a therapy dog program. Therapy dogs play important roles in the lives of individuals who are hospitalized, confined to retirement or nursing homes, in hospices and in schools far away from their homes and loved ones. The dog, named Earnest, was … When volunteering for therapy, always respect the comfort level of other people. 52 likes. The German Shepherd Dog is also a terrific therapy dog in a wide variety of settings including hospitals, nursing homes, and 'reading with rover' childrens' library programs. Visits from a therapy dog can provide people in these settings with joy and comfort during difficult times. After the age of one year, therapy dogs undergo a rigorous training period by specially instructed trainers, in which the dog is tested for tolerance, good temperament, obedience and other qualities that are desirable in dogs used for therapeutic purposes. I care where my dogs go. German Shepherds are great pets and excellent for service dog training. Copyright 2014 German Shepherds ETC | All Rights Reserved | Designed by, German Shepherd Names Male and Female List. German Shepherds are incredibly smart, which means they can be trained to do almost anything. I visit hospitals, schools, retirement/nursing homes, libraries, or anywhere that I may be of need with my K-9 companions, Axel, Pria, Shiloh and Lizzie whom are all therapy dog certified. Breeding Processes: Heidelberg Shepherds are larger than most German Shepherds and are very deep-chested, which matches the standard for the German Shepherd breed. Some places require official certification before you and your dog can volunteer together. People suffering from anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses can benefit immensely from having an emotional support animal. A simple catch and fetch game can improve a patient’s mobility and regaining muscle strength. We have had pups that have become Search and Rescue dogs, Certified Therapy Dogs, One of our therapy dogs was used for children with cancer through Create a Smile. Service dogs are used for the blind and others who need physical assistance to function better because of a disability. Once the training has been completed, an organization called, “Therapy Dogs International” (TDI) administers tests and evaluates each animal before registering it as an official therapy dog. Any empathic dog would do. Because of their intelligence and affectionate nature, German Shepherds make some of the best therapy dogs. The best emotional support dogs are emotionally in sync with their people so they can provide comfort when it’s most necessary. "Click here to view German Shepherd Dogs in Florida for adoption. Sam Shephard is an experienced German Shepherd owner and has learned throughout the years how to optimize the breed's health and wellness. Sam Shepards (author) from Europe on August 08, 2020: Thank you glad you enjoyed the article. When you’re working on training, it’s important to use positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise, rather than punishments. Forest, a German Shepherd Dog, registered with Therapy Dogs International, has been declared an honorary member of the US Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya. Contacting one in a particular area may lead to a rewarding relationship between a loving animal and someone who can benefit tremendously from having contact with a therapy dog. The loyal German Shepherd temperament makes this breed a very popular family pet in the United States. The doctors and hospital staff took note, and the little dog was used for a therapy dog for more than 12 years following this event. Therapy dogs provide emotional relief to others through volunteering, and emotional support dogs provide support to their owners. Your dog should be able to sit, stay, heel, and lay down. Smoky’s designation as an official therapy dog started when the Corporal fell ill and his Army friends began to take Smoky to the hospital to cheer him up. However they may allow them, if policy permits. The study conducted also suggested that therapy dogs could help increase levels of dopamine, which is a chemical produced by the brain that is associated with happiness, and that the use of therapy dogs can also lower the stress hormone, cortisol. It is important to note, however, that emotional support animals are distinct from service animals, which have access protected by law. In 2010, the SCAS Journal published an article entitled, “Animal Assisted Therapy in Mental Health” that suggested that patients who interact with therapy dogs can reach increased levels of oxytocin, which is associated with emotional bonding. Many colleges and universities utilize the services of therapy dogs to help students overcome the anxieties suffered by their students during exam time. German Shepherds are also extremely social and will enjoy all the attention they receive as part of therapy activities. If you prefer a large dog breed, the mighty German shepherd serves as an excellent ESA canine. There is no one particular breed of dog used as therapy dogs. The dog became Corporal Wynne’s constant companion and accompanied him on a number of dangerous combat missions. Owners may take their therapy dogs to visit hospitals, retirement homes, disaster areas, and schools. Your dog should feel comfortable entering unfamiliar spaces and meeting new people. MAHTOMEDI, Minn. - Kaiser is not your typical 9-year-old German Shepherd. The animals can help eliminate the adverse affects of loneliness and feelings of anxiety in the elderly, can bring comfort to hospitalized children or children who have lost their parents. From dog sports like rally, agility, or scent work to therapy work to guide dog work, German Shepherds can do it all. Certification provides a couple of key benefits: you can take your dog with you on a commercial flight without paying an extra fee, and you can live with your dog in pet-free housing. Eric Dierker from Spring Valley, CA. Kara Owens. Just because a dog is a German Shepherd doesn’t necessarily mean it will be a perfect therapy or emotional support dog. They are used to help calm individuals who have lost their homes to disaster and bring joy to the lives of those who cannot leave their homes due to illness or injury. But have a GSD in the house is excellent for the overall atmosphere and fun if you have the time and space. With some dedicated time, German Shepherds can learn to be patient, quiet, and calm even in hectic settings. All you need is a letter from your medical practitioner. By that I mean any that tunes into you, your emotions, and that's darn near all of them. A dog with any aggression or fear is not a good candidate for therapy, generally even if you’re a fabulous trainer. But German Shepherds’ intelligence and affection also makes them perfectly suited to be therapy and emotional support dogs. You may also need to train them to interact with specific physical features, such as elevators. Keep reading to find out more about German Shepherd service dogs, how to train them, and how to get one if you need one. An “emotional support dog” vest does not grant your dog the right to enter places where dogs are typically not allowed, such as movie theaters and restaurants. A number of different animals can become emotional support animals, including cats, pigs, rabbits, ferrets, and birds. Therapy dogs, on the other hand, are not used to provide physical assistance to the disabled, and are not designated in the Americans with Disabilities Act. Individuals & rescue groups can post animals free." She lives in the house not a kennel and works as a therapy dog in the office. Those institutions that do allow the animals usually have strict requirements that must be met by the animals and their trainers before they are allowed onto the property and to have contact with patients. But dogs are the most popular. Search for: Latest Posts. With the right training, a German Shepherd can make a big difference in your life and the lives of those around you. Today, there are official designations for dogs that fulfill these purposes: therapy dogs and emotional support dogs. Animal Assisted Therapy Dogs in Mental Health. Steer clear of working breeds, herding or hunting dogs. German Shepherds form close bonds with their people. A therapy dog is a dog specially trained to provide emotional comfort, affection, and support to people through volunteering. KRIEGHUND FARM has a reputation for beautiful, healthy family and service dogs! This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. While many different breeds of dogs are used as therapy dogs, not all dogs are well suited for this type of vocation. These dogs are anything but difficult to oversee and can get the hang of anything actually rapidly. He is the US State Department's first "therapy dog". Here are a few reasons why a German Shepherd will make a good therapy dog: German Shepherd is an Intelligent Dog Breed: German Shepherd is an insightful breed of dog and this is the reason a vast lion’s share of police dogs are German Shepherd. A systematic approach to using therapy dogs was started by a registered nurse in England, who noted the improved demeanors of patients who were allowed to have contact with dogs while confined in the hospital. You’ll have to prepare your dog through regular socialization: visiting dog parks, public parks, friends’ homes, and public areas. A therapy dog handler is not given public access rights by any service dog laws to take the dog out everywhere like service dog users, because the handler does not have a disability the dog is individually trained to mitigate. - ♥ RESCUE ME! obedience training. Let’s start with the fact that they’re intelligent. Another training involves standard (but thorough!) Therapy Dogs International (TDI) or Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs, and other similar organizations can provide information about where one can find a suitable therapy dog. A fully trained service dog is of course very expensive and only for people in need. Therapy dogs are also trained to behave safely around all sorts of people, and are often certified. Hormonal therapy of Hormone Responsive Dermatosis and Alopecia in Dogs There is no official registry or certification process for emotional support animals. Emotional support dogs are a little different from a therapy animals, although both use a similar skill set. Corporal Wynne was allowed to keep the dog in his hospital bed with him for almost a week, which brightened the Corporal’s spirits significantly. The only thing holding your … After his owner, Vince Deschene, retired, he trained Kaiser to become a therapy dog. ... German Shepherd Breeder, Tryon, NC - Designed and managed by Life With Zeus. For an emotional support dog, the individual connection with the owner is especially important. People have known for centuries that pets help to relieve anxiety, provide emotional support, and overall make life happier. ... German Shepherd Breeder, Tryon, NC - Designed and managed by Life With Zeus. The first noted therapy dog was a tiny, abandoned terrier named, Smoky, that was rescued by Corporal William Wynne during the second World War, while undergoing combat operations in New Guinea. It is most important that they are calm, social, and have the intelligence and concentration for thorough training. Some doctors or therapists may recommend getting an emotional support animal as part of treatment, and some places (such as college dormitories and apartment complexes that don’t usually allow animals) may make accommodations for an emotional support dog. Smoky quickly became quite popular among the other soldiers and provided them with hours of entertainment and comfort. An emotional support dog should also be trained to be calm and obedient. German Shepherds excel at this kind of training when worked with consistently. See more ideas about German shepherd dogs, Dogs, Shepherd dog. 5 males and 2 females. German Shepherd as Physical Therapy Service Dogs. Unlike service dogs, which are usually trained by specialists as puppies, most therapy dogs are trained by their owners after adoption. The animals were specifically trained to visit hospitalized patients. Because German Shepherds are such athletic dogs, you will have to be careful when training them about distinguishing between playtime and therapy time. There are other organizations, as well, that specialize in certifying and training therapy dogs, such as Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs, Inc. Therapy Dogs by: Anonymous I have a year old German Shepherd and would love to train him for a therapy dog, but still see signs of miss behavior in him. Dogs most often chosen to be therapy dogs are those that most enjoy human contact and that enjoy being handled and petted. History of the Therapy Dog The first noted therapy dog was a tiny, abandoned terrier named, Smoky, that was rescued by Corporal William Wynne during the second World War, while undergoing combat operations in New Guinea. With some dedicated time, German Shepherds can learn to be patient, quiet, and calm even in hectic settings. German Shepherds are incredibly smart, which means they can be trained to do almost anything. We breed working lines parents who do excellent in family settings yet excel in service/therapy/police work. It’s important to get to know the individual dog’s temperament to see if they’ll be a good fit. If I am not comfortable with you for any reason, my puppies don’t go. Home → Therapy dogs . Please follow the link to the article about this wonderful TDI team. Therapy dogs have been proven to reduce stress, as well as to help people work towards social and communicative goals. 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