Labrador Retriever
Labrador retrievers are one of the most beloved and popular pet breeds, so it only makes sense that they can be wonderful service dogs, too.
The vast majority of Labrador retrievers are curiously friendly and very good-natured. They also bond rapidly with their own owners and oftentimes love having something to do. Larger dogs could even help you walk.
So when it comes to therapy dogs for seniors, Labrador retrievers are a wonderful choice. Labs can easily perform a wide variety of services for you, and they are particularly helpful for all owners who struggle with mobility impairments.
This is mostly due to their natural retrieving instinct. They also have a “soft mouth,” which means they can grip things slowly with their teeth. This way, they won’t mangle the objects you’d normally expect them to fetch.
Golden Retriever
Given that they are very similar to Labs, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that golden retrievers are great service dogs for people.
They are incredibly smart, friendly, and easy to train. They also enjoy having a job to do. Besides, they form very powerful bonds with their owners, and even if they are pretty big, goldens look gentle and sweet, which is good for many people who might be afraid of dogs.
Goldens are perfect for emotional support work. In fact, when it comes to the best therapy dogs for seniors, they are particularly recommended for PTSD and anxiety patients.
They can also handle a lot of physical work, like guiding blind owners or even fetching items for those who are confined to wheelchairs.
