Therapy Dogs
Bringing Comfort, Connection, and Calm to Those Who Need It Most
Not every dog is suited for task-based service work, but many possess the calm, people-oriented temperament ideal for therapy roles. Therapy dogs provide emotional support in schools, hospitals, and community spaces, offering comfort and connection through their steady presence. At Cardinal’s Crossing, we emphasize the traits that support therapy work. We believe a strong foundation in socialization, structure, and early nurturing is key to preparing dogs for this important role.
What Is A Therapy Dog?
A therapy dog is a well-trained, gentle, and social dog who works with their handler to provide comfort and support in a variety of settings. Unlike service dogs, therapy dogs are not trained for specific medical tasks, but they are invaluable in improving emotional well-being and reducing stress for those they visit.
Why Australian Labradoodles Excel as Therapy Dogs
Australian Labradoodles are known for their gentle, people-focused nature and ability to form deep connections with those they meet. These qualities, combined with their trainability and adaptable temperament, make them a top choice for therapy work in hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and community programs.
Here’s why they shine in this role:
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Gentle & Intuitive – They seem to “know” when someone needs comfort or space.
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Highly Social – They enjoy meeting new people and adapting to different environments.
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Low-to-Non-Shedding Coats – Allergy-friendly for indoor visits and sensitive settings.
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Intelligent & Eager to Please – Quick learners who thrive in structured training programs.
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Naturally Calm Demeanor – Able to remain relaxed in busy or emotionally charged environments.
When carefully bred for temperament, as in our program, these traits are consistently passed down, giving therapy dog prospects the best foundation for success.
Our Breeding Philosophy for Therapy Work
At Cardinal’s Crossing, therapy potential begins long before a puppy is born. We select our breeding dogs based not only on health and structure, but also on temperament traits proven to produce therapy and service dog candidates.
Our breeding philosophy includes:
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Proven Lineage – Breeding from multigenerational Australian Labradoodles with a history of producing therapy and service dogs.
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Comprehensive Health Testing – Screening for hips, elbows, heart, eyes, and a full genetic panel to ensure long-term soundness.
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Temperament Prioritization – Selecting breeding dogs who are confident, gentle, and adaptable.
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Early Socialization – Raising puppies in our home with exposure to different sights, sounds, people, and gentle handling from birth.
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Positive Foundations – Using methods such as Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) and Early Scent Introduction (ESI) to boost resilience and confidence.
By focusing on these areas, we set each puppy up for a future filled with purpose, whether they go on to become therapy dogs or cherished family companions.
Getting Started With Therapy Dog Training
While our puppies have the right temperament foundation for therapy work, certification requires additional training and dedication from their future families. We work closely with prospective owners to help identify puppies with the best fit for therapy work and guide them toward reputable certification programs.
Steps to Becoming a Therapy Dog Team:
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Puppy Selection – We help match you with a puppy whose temperament aligns with therapy work goals.
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Basic Obedience Training – Foundational commands such as sit, stay, down, and loose-leash walking.
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Socialization – Exposure to various public settings, noises, and people.
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Advanced Training – Calm behavior in distracting environments, appropriate greetings, and handler focus.
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Certification – Partnering with an accredited therapy dog organization for evaluation and registration.
We are always happy to provide recommendations for trainers, therapy dog organizations, and continued support throughout your journey.