Therapy dog training is a specialized type of dog training that is designed to prepare dogs for providing comfort and support to people in various settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and other public places. While different breeds of dogs may have unique characteristics that make them well-suited for therapy work, there are certain personality traits that all therapy dogs should possess. Here are some of the key personality traits that a therapy dog should have:

1. Calmness: A therapy dog should be calm and composed in all types of situations. This is essential for working in environments where people may be stressed or anxious, as the dog’s calm demeanor can help to soothe and relax them. Dogs that are easily excitable or reactive may not be suitable for therapy work.
2. Affectionate: A therapy dog should be naturally affectionate and enjoy being around people. Dogs that are aloof or unfriendly may not be suitable for therapy work, as they may not be able to connect with the people they are meant to be helping.
3. Good-natured: A therapy dog should have a naturally good-natured disposition. They should be friendly and outgoing, and they should be comfortable around people of all ages and backgrounds. Dogs that are aggressive or fearful may not be suitable for therapy work.
4. Patient: A therapy dog should be patient and able to tolerate being handled and petted by strangers. They should also be able to remain calm and focused for extended periods of time, as therapy sessions can sometimes last several hours.
5. Empathetic: A therapy dog should be able to sense the emotional needs of the people they are working with. They should be able to offer comfort and support in a way that is sensitive to the individual’s needs.
6. Trainable: A therapy dog should be easy to train and willing to learn new commands and behaviors. They should be able to respond to their handler’s cues and work well in different types of environments.

In conclusion, therapy dogs should possess a combination of personality traits that make them well-suited for working in a variety of environments with people of all ages and backgrounds. Calmness, affection, good-naturedness, patience, empathy, and trainability are some of the key traits that a therapy dog should have. Proper therapy dog training is essential for developing and reinforcing these traits, and it requires patience, consistency, and a lot of hard work.

Read more:Training Therapy Dogs: The Basics