Pugs As Therapy Dogs

Therapy dogs are used to bring people emotional benefits. Many studies show that people with conditions such as depression, dementia, autism, attention deficit syndrome and many others often benefit from the companionship of a dog. As we’ve said many times: we know of no better companion than a Pug. But please don’t interpret this as medical advice or counseling. We are not qualified to do that and you should seek the help of a professional before you embark on any treatment, including getting a Pug for a person you are concerned about.

However, when you look at the benefits of what a therapy dog brings to a situation, you cannot help but think that the Pug might be an overlooked breed in this field. We have read that the most important criteria for what makes a good therapy dog is the dog itself and not the breed. There are some size requirements for certain therapies where a Pug might not do well such as a guide or seeing-eye dog but there other traits that we believe would suit a Pug very well. A Pug will definitely keep you focused on reality. This can really help a person with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease or other people whose minds tend to wander. There are studies that show that this may benefit children with Attention Deficit problems. Again, please consult a professional before taking our word for it!

We know first hand that a Pug can be a great therapy dog in remedying symptoms of depression and keeping the morale of a person on the positive side. Whose self-esteem would not be bolstered by the companionship of a Pug? They will make you feel like you are the most important person in the world because, to them, you are! The loyalty of a Pug is something everyone should experience in their life. You might as well be a celebrity as they greet you at the door on your arrival home. They follow you around and seem to hang on your every word and action. Now, it may be that they are looking for a little something to eat, but it is still a very good feeling for some people to be the center of attraction for this little creature. The owner of a Pug is the center of the Universe for the dog and he will never let you forget it.

Many conditions benefit from the sense of touch and therapy dogs are a great source of stimulation for such a person. Again, the personality of the dog is very important here. Not all dogs like to be touched and petted. Even some Pugs have an aversion to this but they are affectionate in other ways. Most Pugs we know love the attention but this is one area you want to investigate before deciding on ownership of a particular dog. Personality is an important consideration for Therapy Dogs. In our estimation the most important quality to look for is companionship and here the Pug is almost the perfect choice. If the objective is to build morale and create a happier environment that will keep a person focused on the moment and maintain a positive outlook then bringing a Pug into that person’s life can only be a good thing. We fully admit to a bias here and, again, strongly suggest you seek the help of a professional in looking for a dog that will provide the therapeutic benefits you are seeking.