Trained Therapy Dog

What's the best way to get a trained therapy dog?  Start with a Habibi Bear, a careful blend of breeds designed to produce the ideal therapy dog puppy.  Then enrol in our therapy dog training program. 

Here we dive deeper into what makes a great Therapy Dog!

Trained Therapy dog

How they Are Made!

Therapy dogs play an extraordinary role in improving the emotional and physical well-being of individuals in a wide range of environments. Whether they’re offering a calming presence in a hospital, helping a student feel more confident in the classroom, or providing support during therapy sessions, these dogs bring comfort and companionship wherever they go. 

What makes therapy dogs so impactful is not only their specialized training but also their innate qualities that allow them to connect with people who are facing challenges such as illness, anxiety, or social difficulties.

The Incredible Benefits of The Trained Therapy Dog

Therapy dogs provide an array of benefits, offering much more than just a friendly face. Their presence helps individuals both emotionally and physically, often with immediate and long-lasting effects.

Emotional Support: Unconditional Love and Companionship

One of the most significant contributions of therapy dogs is the emotional support they offer. Therapy dogs provide unconditional love and companionship, which can alleviate feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression. Whether someone is coping with a chronic illness, grieving a loss, or facing social isolation, the presence of a therapy dog can make a world of difference. These dogs have an extraordinary ability to sense when someone is feeling down, offering comfort simply by being near, and their presence can create a sense of emotional safety in even the most difficult circumstances.

Stress Reduction: Lowering Cortisol, Boosting Oxytocin

Research has shown that interacting with therapy dogs can significantly reduce stress. By lowering levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) and increasing levels of oxytocin (the bonding hormone), therapy dogs help create a physiological response that leads to improved mood and relaxation. Whether it’s the simple act of petting a dog or having them sit quietly beside you, these interactions can lead to a sense of calm and emotional relief, which is invaluable in high-stress environments like hospitals or counseling sessions.

Improved Social Skills: Encouraging Engagement and Connection

For individuals who struggle with social anxiety or have difficulty communicating, therapy dogs can be an incredible help. Their friendly, approachable demeanor naturally encourages interaction, helping people open up in ways they might not be able to with other humans. Whether it’s making eye contact, starting a conversation, or simply engaging with the dog, therapy dogs create a bridge for individuals to develop better social skills. This is especially helpful for children, individuals with autism, or those with other conditions that make socializing challenging.

Enhanced Physical Health: A Heart-Healthy Companion

The benefits of therapy dogs extend beyond emotional well-being—they also improve physical health. Interacting with a therapy dog has been shown to lower blood pressure and heart rates, contributing to better cardiovascular health. The act of petting or playing with a dog can promote physical activity, even if it’s just gentle movement, which can be incredibly beneficial for individuals recovering from surgery or managing chronic illness. Having a therapy dog around often encourages people to be more active, which in turn promotes overall physical well-being.

Support in Educational Settings: Boosting Confidence in Students

In schools, therapy dogs have become a valuable tool for helping students improve their reading skills. By providing a non-judgmental audience, these dogs help reduce the anxiety often associated with reading aloud. Students feel less pressure when reading to a therapy dog, allowing them to focus on the task and build their confidence over time. Therapy dogs also create a more relaxed and positive learning environment, helping students stay engaged and feel more supported in their education.

trained therapy dog
Aid in Therapy Sessions: Fostering Openness and Healing

Therapy dogs are increasingly being used in psychological therapies to assist individuals dealing with conditions such as PTSD, anxiety disorders, and depression. Their presence helps create a safe and comforting environment, which encourages individuals to open up and express their emotions. 

Many therapists have found that having a therapy dog in the room can enhance the effectiveness of treatment, allowing individuals to feel more grounded and supported as they work through difficult emotions. Therapy dogs can even be trained to provide specific support, such as offering a calming touch during moments of distress.

Trained Therapy Dogs Start with the Right Puppies!

When seeking a trained therapy dog, you’re choosing more than just a pet—you’re picking a partner who will provide comfort, connection, and emotional support to those in need. Therapy dogs have the remarkable ability to uplift spirits, ease anxiety, and offer companionship in ways few other animals can. 

However, not just any dog can excel in this role. Therapy dogs need a mix of calmness, social intelligence, trainability, adaptability, and good health to thrive in various environments. 

That’s where Habibi Bear teddy bear puppies come in. These fluffy companions are a carefully crafted blend of several small dog breeds, each contributing to their unique suitability as therapy dogs. 

Let’s take a closer look at the essential qualities of a great therapy dog and how the breeds behind the Habibi Bear shine in these roles.

1. Calmness: Offering a Soothing Presence


Therapy dogs must have a calm and reassuring presence. This calmness helps people feel more relaxed, less stressed, and better able to cope with their emotions. Whether they’re providing comfort in a hospital, calming anxious children in a school, or visiting residents in nursing homes, a therapy dog’s ability to remain composed is crucial.

Shih Tzu: The Tranquil Companion

A key contributor to the calm nature of Habibi Bear puppies is the Shih Tzu. Known for their quiet, laid-back demeanor, Shih Tzus are perfect lapdogs who love to sit and provide gentle companionship. Their ability to stay composed in various situations means they can provide a soothing presence to those dealing with anxiety, trauma, or high stress. Because they thrive in peaceful settings, a Shih Tzu’s calm energy helps foster an environment of healing and relaxation.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: The Gentle Comforter

Equally important to the calmness of the Habibi Bear is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Cavaliers are naturally gentle and affectionate, with a calming energy that is perfect for therapy work. Whether they’re sitting quietly beside someone who’s feeling down or providing a soft cuddle, Cavaliers know exactly how to create a peaceful atmosphere. Their calm demeanor allows them to be patient and soothing, offering just the right level of emotional support when it’s needed most.

2. Social Intelligence: Connecting with People

In addition to calmness, social intelligence is another must-have trait in a therapy dog. These dogs need to understand and connect with people, recognizing their emotional states and responding appropriately. It’s all about knowing when to offer comfort, how to interact, and creating an emotional bond.

Bichon Frise: The Joyful Social Butterfly

One breed that brings exceptional social intelligence to the Habibi Bear is the Bichon Frise. These cheerful, outgoing dogs love to be around people and naturally brighten the mood wherever they go. Bichons have an innate ability to engage with humans, making them ideal therapy dogs in settings like hospitals and schools, where uplifting spirits is essential. Their affectionate and sociable nature allows them to connect with people of all ages, offering the emotional support that’s at the heart of therapy work.

Miniature Schnauzer: The Attentive Companion

Miniature Schnauzers, another breed in the Habibi Bear mix, add a layer of attentiveness to social intelligence. While they’re playful and lively, they’re also incredibly perceptive of emotional cues. Schnauzers are quick to notice when someone needs comfort, providing them with just the right level of engagement and affection. This breed’s ability to read the room and respond to individual needs makes them valuable in a range of therapy settings, from bustling schools to quiet therapy sessions.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: The Empathetic Healer

Cavaliers also excel in social intelligence. Their deep connection with people allows them to sense subtle emotional shifts and offer comfort at just the right moment. Whether they’re softly sitting beside someone who’s struggling or responding to someone’s need for affection, Cavaliers intuitively know how to provide support. Their ability to connect on an emotional level makes them particularly effective in therapy settings where emotional healing is the goal.

3. Trainability: Eager to Learn

For therapy dogs, being easily trainable is key. Therapy dogs need to follow specific commands, adapt to various environments, and know how to behave in different situations. The breeds behind the Habibi Bear are not only intelligent but also highly trainable, making them ideal for therapy roles.

Poodle: The Intelligent Learner

Poodles are one of the smartest dog breeds, and their high intelligence makes them incredibly easy to train. Whether they’re toy, miniature, or standard size, Poodles are eager to learn new commands and love to please their owners. This makes them perfect therapy dogs, as they can quickly be trained to perform tasks like retrieving items, following specific instructions, or engaging in therapeutic activities. Their hypoallergenic coat is another bonus, ensuring they can work in various settings without triggering allergies.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: The Eager Helper

Cavaliers are also highly trainable due to their desire to please. They respond well to positive reinforcement and are quick to pick up on commands. This makes them not only adaptable in therapy settings but also excellent at learning specific tasks that might be required, such as staying calm in stressful environments or performing gentle interactions with patients.

4. Adaptability: Thriving in Different Environments

Trained therapy dogs must be naturally highly adaptable, able to adjust to different environments and energy levels. Whether it’s a quiet hospital room, a lively classroom, or a busy counseling office, the ability to thrive in diverse environments is critical for therapy dogs.

Bichon Frise: The Versatile Companion

Bichon Frises are incredibly adaptable, easily adjusting to different environments and situations. They’re just as comfortable being calm and quiet in a peaceful room as they are being playful and engaging in a more active setting. This makes them an excellent choice for therapy work, as they can switch gears depending on the emotional needs of the people around them. Plus, their hypoallergenic coat makes them a great fit for environments where allergies are a concern.

Poodle: The Hypoallergenic Hero

In addition to their intelligence, Poodles are also known for their adaptability. Their hypoallergenic, non-shedding coats allow them to work in various therapy settings without causing allergic reactions. Poodles can adjust their energy levels based on the environment, making them equally suited for calm, supportive roles in hospitals or more interactive roles in schools or rehabilitation centers.

5. Trained Therapy Dog Health: The Benefits of Crossbreeding

While temperament and intelligence are important, a trained therapy dog must also be healthy and resilient. Habibi Bear puppies, thanks to their crossbred lineage, benefit from hybrid vigor—making them healthier and more resistant to common genetic issues than purebred dogs.

Crossbreeding introduces genetic diversity, which significantly reduces the risk of hereditary health problems. This means Habibi Bear puppies are generally healthier and less prone to common conditions like hip dysplasia, heart issues, or respiratory problems.

The result is a trained therapy dog that can provide long-term companionship without the constant worry of health complications. This is especially important in therapy work, where the emotional bond between the dog and the people they support needs to last for years.

Ideal Education for a Trained Therapy Dog

A trained therapy dog is the result of specialized training.  This prepares them for their vital roles in providing emotional and physical support across various settings. Therapy dog training ensures they can handle different environments, engage with people of all ages, and stay calm and focused in high-pressure situations. 

Let’s explore the key components of therapy dog training and how they prepare these dogs to excel in their important roles.

1. Basic Obedience Training: Building a Strong Foundation

Therapy dogs start with mastering fundamental commands such as sit, stay, come, down, and heel. They must reliably follow these commands in various environments, from hospitals to schools. Walking calmly on a loose leash is crucial as well, allowing them to move smoothly through busy or unfamiliar settings. 

This foundational training ensures therapy dogs are well-behaved and responsive, making them reliable companions.

2. Socialization and Exposure for Confidence in Any Situation

Therapy dogs are exposed to different environments, sounds, and stimuli to help them remain calm and adaptable. They are trained to interact comfortably with all types of people, including those with medical devices or disabilities. 

This socialization prepares them to handle the diverse settings they’ll encounter, from medical facilities to community centers.

3. Specialized Therapy Skills

Beyond basic obedience, therapy dogs learn specific skills for their therapeutic roles. They are trained to engage gently with people, stay calm during unexpected touches, and navigate medical equipment. 

Some therapy dogs are also taught tasks such as retrieving objects or providing pressure therapy to help reduce anxiety.

4. Temperament Development 

A calm, friendly temperament is essential for therapy dogs. Training focuses on developing traits like a stable demeanor, openness to strangers, and the ability to ignore distractions. These qualities ensure therapy dogs are approachable, adaptable, and reliable in their roles.

5. Certification Preparation

Therapy dogs often undergo certification, where they are tested on obedience, reactions to distractions, and interactions with strangers. Certification ensures they are fully prepared for the demands of therapy work and can provide the comfort and support required in any situation.


The Perfect Therapy Companion


When it comes to choosing a puppy suitable to become a trained therapy dog, the key attributes you should focus on are calmness, social intelligence, trainability, adaptability, and health. 

Habibi Bear teddy bear puppies embody all of these qualities, making them the ideal companions for therapy work. Whether it’s the calm, gentle nature of the Shih Tzu, the social intelligence of the Bichon Frise, or the trainability of the Poodle, each breed in the Habibi Bear mix brings something special to the table.

With the added health benefits of crossbreeding and hypoallergenic coats, these adorable, fluffy puppies are not only emotionally supportive but also physically healthy and well-suited for long-term therapy work. If you’re looking for a therapy dog that combines emotional intelligence, adaptability, and health, Habibi Bear teddy bear puppies are the perfect choice. 

They’re more than just cute—they’re the ideal companions for bringing comfort and joy to those who need it most.