White Sand English Golden Retriever Therapy Dogs In The United States

English Golden Retriever Therapy Dogs, Service Dogs & CGC

We are proud to share that over the years, many of our English Golden Retriever offspring have earned their AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification, therapy dog certification, or have gone on to become fully trained service dogs.

Therapy Dogs: Making a Difference

Therapy dogs accompany their owners to volunteer in settings such as schools, hospitals, and nursing homes. Whether helping a child learn to read or brightening the day of a senior in assisted living, therapy dogs and their handlers work together as a team to improve lives through comfort, companionship, and connection.

It’s important to note that therapy dogs are not the same as service dogs. Therapy dogs are trained for emotional support and do not have public access rights. In contrast, service dogs are specially trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities, such as guiding someone who is blind or assisting with mobility challenges. Because of this, service dogs have legal public access privileges—including entry into restaurants, airports, and other public places. Therapy dogs, including those earning the AKC Therapy Dog title, do not share this access.

We are incredibly proud of the families whose dogs have earned these meaningful titles and continue to make a positive impact in their communities.

What Kind of Dogs Can Be Therapy Dogs?

Any friendly, well-mannered dog can become a therapy dog with proper training. While larger breeds like Golden Retrievers, Standard Poodles, St. Bernards, and Labradors are popular choices, smaller breeds such as Miniature Poodles and Pomeranians are equally effective, especially in tight spaces where a gentle lap dog is ideal.

While a breed’s temperament can play a role, a dog’s disposition is largely shaped by its upbringing and socialization. Before a dog can be certified as a therapy animal, it must be evaluated for its response to various stimuli, including loud or confusing noises, sudden contact, or unfamiliar equipment like canes and wheelchairs.

How Therapy Dogs Can Boost Your Health

Therapy dogs can provide emotional and psychological support for individuals facing a range of challenges. People diagnosed with conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, autism, ADHD, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and Alzheimer’s disease often benefit significantly from interacting with therapy dogs.

These dogs may also help with emotional challenges resulting from physical health conditions. For example, patients recovering from surgery or trauma may experience reduced pain levels during animal-assisted therapy. Research shows that interactions with therapy animals can increase oxytocin (a mood-enhancing hormone) and decrease cortisol (a stress hormone), contributing to improved emotional well-being.