[kellyguy]

I guess I'm dumbfounded that goldens aren't on the list.

 

[Anele]

I guess I'm dumbfounded that goldens aren't on the list.

Same.

And I think it's a disservice (and potentially dangerous) to encourage people with aloof dogs (as stated on the Rottweiler page) to train them to become therapy dogs. That puts both the dog and people in an uncomfortable position.

 

[ArchersMom]

I'm very confused about how Goldens didn't make this list :gotme:

 

[4goldengirls]

I think PetGuide flubbed by not even mentioning the golden. I've been doing therapy dog visits for over 10 years with my dogs who are loved and adored at the facility we frequent twice a week, every week. My friend comes with her Doberman and there is a definite difference in patient reaction. They seem relieved when the Goldens enter vs the Dobie, who by the way, is a sweetheart.

The Goldens should be right up there with the Labrador as #1.

 

[TheZ's]

That video is pretty amazing. Why would they put it on a Golden Retriever site? And did they consult anyone knowledgeable about therapy dogs? Having looked over lists of therapy dog teams of a leading national organization, participating as a volunteer in numerous therapy dog evaluations, and taking therapy dog classes, I find their list very odd. The Golden is a very common and popular therapy dog. Of the breeds on the list, the Lab and poodle are also common, popular therapy dogs but the others not so much. While each dog has to be evaluated individually, for instance I've seen a wonderful German Shepherd therapy dog and Goldens who just aren't suited to the job, IMO guarding and protection breeds aren't prime candidates for therapy work.

 

[Atis]

I couldn't even get through the list without being bogged down by a Verizon ad. As far as Goldens being on the list my boy David is a released dog from the Guide Dog Foundation, they frequently use Goldens successfully so I personally wouldn't put too much faith in this list. I too was surprised by Rottweilers being on the list primarily because of the unfair stigma this and many other breeds are burdened with. I'm sure many institutions would be hesitant to allow visits by these dogs even though many are great Therapy Dogs.

 

[NewfieMom]

That video is pretty amazing. Why would they put it on a Golden Retriever site? And did they consult anyone knowledgeable about therapy dogs?

No. And, moreover, whoever wrote the article is stupid. Golden Retrievers should be on the list (of course). Newfoundlands are more rare, although I have seen them used as therapy dogs, and I would not have expected to see them on the list. However, when I saw the Saint Bernard on the list and not the Newfie, I knew that the author needed his head examined!

NewfieMom