Therapy dog prospects
Therapy Dog Temperament Testing for Australian Labradoodles in Anderson, IN | Professional Assessments
Not every puppy is cut out for therapy work. From week 3 to week 8, we watch how each puppy handles new people, noises, and handling, so families looking for a therapy prospect can get an honest answer about which puppy fits.
What we watch for
People-focus
Does the puppy come to a new person on its own and want to stay close?
Recovery
When a pan drops, does the puppy startle and then come back to investigate?
Handling
Is the puppy relaxed with paws, ears, and mouth being touched by different people?
Settling
After play, can the puppy calm down on its own?
These observations happen during normal Puppy Culture work from week 3 to week 8, not in one test on one day. One good or bad afternoon does not decide anything.
How our raising helps
- Early Neurological Stimulation, days 3 to 16Short daily handling exercises that build stress tolerance.
- Sound workRecorded sounds and normal household noise, a little louder each week.
- New surfaces and objectsTile, carpet, grass, wobbly surfaces, and strange objects to explore.
- Lots of peopleOur three kids and visitors of all ages handle the puppies gently every day.
Read more on our Puppy Culture page.
Therapy dog, service dog, or emotional support dog?
| Type | What it does | Public access |
|---|---|---|
| Therapy dog | Visits schools, hospitals, and nursing homes to comfort many people | Only where invited |
| Service dog | Does trained tasks for one person with a disability | Yes, under the ADA |
| Emotional support animal | Comforts its owner at home | No |
Most of our families looking for a working dog want a therapy dog. Service dog work needs professional training beyond what any breeder provides.
What happens after you bring your puppy home
A puppy with a good temperament still needs training. Most therapy organizations require a dog to be at least a year old and to pass an evaluation. A common path is puppy classes, then the AKC Canine Good Citizen test, then a therapy dog organization such as Pet Partners or the Alliance of Therapy Dogs.
We will be honest if a puppy is better suited as a family companion. That is a good outcome too.
Puppies go home at 8 weeks old. Click here to see when our next litters are due.
Questions about therapy dog prospects
Are Australian Labradoodles good therapy dogs?
Many are. The breed was developed in Australia with assistance and therapy work in mind, so calm, gentle dogs were favored early on. Every dog is still an individual, which is why we watch each puppy closely.
Do you guarantee a puppy will become a therapy dog?
No. Temperament in a puppy is a starting point. Training, socialization, and the dog's adult personality decide the rest.
How do I get my dog certified as a therapy dog?
Most families start with basic obedience and the AKC Canine Good Citizen test, then join a therapy dog organization such as Pet Partners or the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. Most organizations require the dog to be at least a year old.
What is the difference between a therapy dog and a service dog?
A service dog is trained to do specific tasks for one person with a disability and has public access rights. A therapy dog visits places like schools and nursing homes to comfort many people, and only goes where it is invited.
Can I tell you I want a therapy prospect?
Yes. Put it on your application. When your litter is ready, we will tell you which puppies showed the steadiest temperament.
Looking for a therapy prospect?
Tell us on your application. Questions? Text Jason at 317-608-9260.
Sources
- American Kennel Club. "Canine Good Citizen." akc.org.
- Pet Partners. "Therapy Animal Program." petpartners.org.
- U.S. Department of Justice. "ADA Requirements: Service Animals." ada.gov.