Bernedoodle as a Therapy and Service Dog | Pros and Cons

Dogs are believed to be the best stress relievers, which is why now they are used as service dogs and therapy dogs around the world.

If you don’t already know, therapy dogs are trained, tested, and used to provide support and comfort to patients, people with disabilities, elder citizens, and people in trauma in hospitals, nursing homes, care centers, and disaster areas. While a service dog is one that is trained to help people with disabilities and mental illnesses such as visual and hearing impairment, anxiety, seizures, dementia, autism, and many others.

When it comes to choosing a dog as a service or therapy dog, there are several breeds that can be considered. But the most popular of them are Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Poodle, Boxer, German Shepherd, and Pomeranian.

Currently, mixed breeds are also trending and are widely used as service dogs and therapy dogs, especially, the Poodle crosses, such as St Berdoodle, Shih Poo, Cavapoo, and Groodle are in high demand.

Read: Best Dog Breeds for Seniors

Why Poodle Crosses AKA Doodles?

The poodle is a highly smart, intelligent, and skillful dog breed. Most importantly, it has a low-shedding coat and it comes in three different sizes, i.e., small, medium, and large. So, a Poodle cross usually has a low-shedding coat and it inherits most of the positive traits of the parent breeds if bred by an expert breeder. The best part of a Poodle or a Doodle is that they are the best match for people with dog allergies.

Best Doodle as a Service Dog or Therapy Dog?

Its Bernedoodle. Bernedoodle is a cross between the Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle. It was first bred intentionally by Sherry Rupke but this designer breed gained popularity instantly. From its parent breeds, it inherits almost every positive trait. Like Poodle, it also comes in 3 different sizes that have different features and characteristics.

Related: Bernedoodle Pros and Cons

Benefits of Bernedoodle as a Service or Therapy Dog

• Bernedoodles make a strong bond with their owners and show affection towards them whenever their owners need them.
• They are the best dogs for patients with diabetes, life-threatening allergies, hearing impairment, and visual impairment.
• Because of their intelligence, they are really easy to train and won’t give you tough times during the training sessions.
• They are not only obedient and loyal but are also eager to please their owners. So, the owners won’t be feeling alone and empty.
• By nature, Bernedoodles are friendly, loving, and social, and have an exceptional temperament. And all of these are the qualities of an ideal therapy dog.
• When Bernedoodles are touched or petted on any part of the body, they are comfortable. Because a dog showing aggressiveness towards people while being touched disqualifies them from being a therapy or service dog.
• They almost shed no hair or dander and are an ideal breed for those patients who are allergic to dog dander and hair.
• Bernedoodles come in 3 different sizes so you can choose one according to your needs and requirements.

Cons of Bernedoodles as a Therapy or Service Dog

Although the Bernedoodles come in 3 different sizes, the largest Bernedoodle is still not much large-sized dog as compared to other breeds. So, they are not an ideal match for a person with mobility impairment or balance disorders.

Also, Bernedoodles are medium to high-energy dogs and they must be exercised regularly. But it may be difficult to manage for a person with different disabilities. So, if there is someone to handle the breed for exercises and walks, that would be best otherwise, a disaster may happen.

Wrapping it Up:

Regardless of the breed, dogs are a blessing to mankind. They please you, help you, cuddle you, entertain you, and would go beyond limits to take care of you. So, in response, it should be your duty to reward them with love, treats, walks, and surprises.

Recommended read – Top Mastiff Breeds

Image credit: Prize Poodles and Doodles