A therapy dog usually teams with it’s owner and visits facilities where friendly faces can be a welcome reprieve from the steady stream of doctors, nurses and procedures. Many owners currently, or have a desire to, donate their time to the less fortunate. Bringing the dog along seems like a natural enhancement to the experience.

Scientists and health professionals are increasingly encouraged with the benefits this program aids in patient recovery. Dogs are believed to lower blood pressure and heart rate, reduce patient anxiety while increasing endorphins and oxytocin, which minimizes discomfort while enhancing feelings of euphoria and well-being. As a non-scientific, non-health professional, the smile on a patient’s face, young, old or quad-pedaled, is doing something good.

And it can also be equally rewarding for the dog. Most dogs crave human interaction and enjoy performing feats they have been confidently trained to do. A recent study seems to confirm what the wagging tails suggest, an afternoon of lavish attention builds their endorphins as well.

Humans and dogs have developed a pretty symbiotic relationship over the years and relatively few negative incidents occur. A little training, for dog and human, greatly minimizes even these incidents and enhances the therapy dog experience.