Labrador Retrievers make exceptional therapy dogs due to their gentle temperament, intelligence, and natural affinity for people. Many of our members' dogs serve as therapy dogs in hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and other facilities throughout Florida.
Therapy dogs must be calm, gentle, friendly, and comfortable in various environments. They should enjoy being petted by strangers and remain calm in unusual situations. Labradors' natural temperament makes them ideally suited for this important work.
Key qualities include:
• Calm, stable temperament
• Enjoys interaction with strangers
• Comfortable with unusual sights, sounds, and smells
• Reliable obedience under distracting conditions
• Appropriate size for the work environment
• Good health and grooming
• Handler who is committed to regular visits
Hospital Visits: Providing comfort to patients, families, and staff in medical settings
Nursing Homes: Bringing joy and companionship to elderly residents
Schools: Helping children with reading programs and stress reduction
Libraries: Encouraging reluctant readers through reading programs
Disaster Relief: Providing comfort in crisis situations
Courtrooms: Supporting victims and witnesses during legal proceedings
Mental Health Facilities: Assisting in therapeutic programs
Therapy dogs must complete specialized training and pass evaluations through recognized therapy dog organizations. The process typically includes:
• Basic obedience training
• Canine Good Citizen certification
• Therapy dog specific training
• Evaluation by certified assessors
• Handler training and orientation
• Ongoing continuing education
Pet Partners: The nation's largest therapy animal organization
Therapy Dogs International (TDI): Focuses on professional therapy dog work
Love on a Leash: Emphasizes reading programs and library visits
Alliance of Therapy Dogs: Provides testing and certification
For the dog and handler:
• Strengthened bond between dog and owner
• Mental stimulation and purpose for the dog
• Personal satisfaction from helping others
• Social connections with other therapy teams
• Enhanced training and obedience skills
For those visited:
• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Improved mood and social interaction
• Motivation for physical therapy
• Comfort during difficult times
• Encouragement for children in educational settings
Most therapy dog organizations require:
• Age requirement (usually 1 year minimum)
• Current vaccinations and health check
• Temperament evaluation
• Skills testing in simulated environments
• Handler interview and orientation
• Facility-specific training when needed
Therapy dog teams must maintain:
• Regular veterinary care and health records
• Consistent training and skill practice
• Professional appearance and behavior
• Reliable attendance at scheduled visits
• Continued education and recertification
If you're interested in therapy dog work with your Labrador, start by assessing your dog's temperament and basic obedience skills. Most therapy dogs begin with Canine Good Citizen certification.
Contact our club for information about:
• Therapy dog evaluation and training opportunities
• Certified evaluators in your area
• Local therapy dog organizations
• Facilities looking for therapy dog teams
• Support and mentoring from experienced therapy dog handlers
Therapy dog work is incredibly rewarding and allows you and your Labrador to make a real difference in your community while strengthening your bond and skills together.