The main difference is function and legal status: Assistance dogs (Service Dogs) are individually trained to perform specific tasks for a person with a disability, granting them public access rights (like a medical aid), while Therapy dogs offer comfort and affection in various settings (hospitals, schools) but aren't task-trained for individuals and lack these public access rights, acting more as a facility's visitor. Assistance dogs mitigate a specific disability, whereas therapy dogs provide general emotional support to many.
Assistance dogs work for one person and one person only. They are not a therapy dog, they have a very specific role of assisting and improving the health and functioning of the individual they assist.
An assistance animal in NSW must fit under any of these descriptions: the animal is accredited by an animal training organisation prescribed by the Australian Government. the animal is trained to help a person with disability and meet standards of hygiene and behaviour appropriate for an animal in a public place.
A therapy dog is a dog that is trained to provide affection, comfort and support to people, often in settings such as hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, libraries, hospices, or disaster areas.
(a) a dog which has been trained to guide a blind person; (b) a dog which has been trained to assist a deaf person; (c) a dog which has been trained by a prescribed charity to assist a disabled person who has a disability that consists of epilepsy or otherwise affects the person's mobility, manual dexterity, physical ...
A therapy dog needs to be bomb-proof and should never shy away, startle or even start barking frantically when working. If your dog has an ingrained fear, therapy work is not for him.
Emotional support animals provide companionship and don't need any specific training. ESAs aren't covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Service animals are. ESAs offer comfort to individuals with anxiety, PTSD, depression, and other mental conditions.
With the right training, those dogs who love to be around people and are comfortable with novel items and noises can make great therapy dogs. Wherever possible, training should begin from being a puppy, however there are many cases where rescue dogs have made fantastic therapy dogs too.
The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for new owners, especially for rescues, showing a dog's typical adjustment phases: 3 Days (overwhelmed, decompression), 3 Weeks (settling in, learning routine, showing personality), and 3 Months (feeling at home, building trust, fully integrated). It's a framework to set expectations, reminding owners to be patient and provide structure, as every dog's timeline varies.
Labrador retrievers are arguably the most popular choice when it comes to therapy dogs. These dogs are also the most popular breed of service dogs, meaning they possess qualities that would be beneficial to those seeking out pet therapy.
You may not require proof that the animal has been certified, trained or licensed as a service animal. You may not require the animal to wear an identifying vest or tag. You may not ask that the dog demonstrate its ability to perform the task or work.
Currently there is no international certification available for assistance dogs. Someone who has personally or privately trained their dog may receive additional training and certification from an ADI accredited organization if they become a client of an accredited organization.
4. Mental health support. A mental health service dog is a specific type of service animal trained to assist those with disabling mental health conditions. These can include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder.
Here are six signs your pet would be a good therapy dog:
Yes! If your dog is sociable around strangers, generally outgoing and robust in temperament, and easily able to adjust to different environments - then they may be perfect for a Therapy Dog role!
Staffies are smart and inquisitive dogs with a desire to be near people. As such, they are sometimes used as therapy dogs. Additionally, the breed can have a tendency to bark, so can make a good watchdog.
The seven second rule. Put the back of your hand on the pavement. If you cannot hold it for seven seconds, it is too hot to walk for your dogs. This rule also applies to dogs riding in the bed of a pickup truck.
The most commonly surrendered dog type is the "pit bull type" (including mixes), often due to negative stereotypes, breed-specific legislation, and high energy levels, followed by other popular breeds like German Shepherds, Huskies, and Labrador Retrievers that may not fit owner lifestyles. Breeds like Staffordshire Bull Terriers (especially mixes) also top surrender lists in some regions like Australia.
Eaten from at least 7 different containers • Been held and petted by at least 7 different people • Taken at least 7 one-mile car rides • Been in a crate at least 7 times • Played with at least 7 different kinds of toys • Walked on at least 7 different substrates (grass, gravel, concrete, etc.)
There are several therapy-dog training programs that you can use to transition your dog into being an ESA. You also have the option of training your dog yourself. Either way, as long as you remain dedicated and consistent, you can expect to spend 6 to 8 weeks on training.
Here's a breakdown of the best dog breeds for emotional support that can be a great fit for people with anxiety and depression.
How should you act around a service dog?
What Breeds Make the Best Psychiatric Service Dogs?
The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for new owners, especially for rescues, showing a dog's typical adjustment phases: 3 Days (overwhelmed, decompression), 3 Weeks (settling in, learning routine, showing personality), and 3 Months (feeling at home, building trust, fully integrated). It's a framework to set expectations, reminding owners to be patient and provide structure, as every dog's timeline varies.
Any mix or breed can be trained to provide comfort and affection to people in hospitals, retirement homes, schools, mental health institutions, airports, and many other settings. Dogs must be at least one year old to become a therapy dog.