Mary Allen
Introduction to Finnish Spitzes
Finnish Spitzes, also known as Suomenpystykorva, are a breed of dog that originated from Finland. They were initially bred for hunting game, especially birds, and are known for their excellent hunting skills. Despite their hunting background, Finnish Spitzes are also known to be affectionate and loyal companions. They have a distinctive red-gold coat, pointed ears, and a curled tail, which makes them easily recognizable.
What are therapy dogs?
Therapy dogs are dogs that are trained to provide comfort and support to individuals in various settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and disaster areas. They are trained to be friendly, calm, and well-behaved in public settings. Therapy dogs are not the same as service dogs, which are trained to assist people with disabilities in their daily lives. Instead, therapy dogs provide emotional support and companionship to people who are going through difficult times.
Characteristics of Finnish Spitzes
Finnish Spitzes are medium-sized dogs that weigh between 31-35 pounds and stand at 15-20 inches tall. They have a thick double coat, which makes them suitable for cold weather conditions. Finnish Spitzes are friendly, energetic, and intelligent dogs. They are known for their excellent hunting skills and their ability to bark loudly, which makes them good watchdogs. Finnish Spitzes are also known for their loyalty and affection towards their owners.
Qualities of a good therapy dog
Good therapy dogs should have the following qualities:
- Friendly and calm
- Well-behaved in public settings
- Able to tolerate being petted and handled by strangers
- Able to adapt to different environments
- Able to follow commands
- Comfortable around other dogs and animals
Finnish Spitz temperament
Finnish Spitzes have a friendly and outgoing temperament, which makes them good candidates for therapy work. They are social dogs that enjoy being around people and other animals. Finnish Spitzes are also known to be intelligent and trainable, which makes them easy to work with. However, they can be independent and stubborn at times, which requires patience and consistent training.
Training a Finnish Spitz for therapy work
To train a Finnish Spitz for therapy work, they must undergo basic obedience training, socialization, and desensitization to different environments. The training should focus on teaching the dog to be calm, friendly, and well-behaved in public settings. Finnish Spitzes should also be trained to follow basic commands, such as sit, stay, and come. It is essential to use positive reinforcement training methods, such as treats and praise, to encourage good behavior.
Benefits of having a therapy dog
Therapy dogs provide several benefits to people, such as:
- Reducing stress and anxiety
- Providing comfort and companionship
- Promoting social interaction
- Increasing physical activity
- Improving mental health
Finnish Spitzes in therapy work
Finnish Spitzes are not a commonly used breed for therapy work, but they have the potential to be excellent therapy dogs. Their friendly and outgoing temperament makes them suitable for providing emotional support to people in need. Finnish Spitzes can also be trained to work in different settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, and schools.
Stories of successful therapy work
There have been several success stories of Finnish Spitzes in therapy work. One such story is of a Finnish Spitz named Koda, who worked as a therapy dog at a nursing home. Koda would visit the residents and provide them with comfort and companionship. The residents loved Koda, and he became a regular visitor to the nursing home.
Challenges of using Finnish Spitzes for therapy
The main challenge of using Finnish Spitzes for therapy work is their independent and stubborn nature. They may not always follow commands, which can be a problem in a therapy setting. Additionally, Finnish Spitzes require regular exercise and mental stimulation, which can be difficult to provide in some therapy settings.
Conclusion: Are Finnish Spitzes good therapy dogs?
Finnish Spitzes have the potential to be excellent therapy dogs. Their friendly and outgoing temperament, combined with their intelligence and trainability, make them suitable for providing emotional support to people in need. However, they may not be the best choice for all therapy settings due to their independent and stubborn nature.
How to find a Finnish Spitz for therapy work
To find a Finnish Spitz for therapy work, it is essential to work with a reputable breeder or rescue organization. The dog should undergo basic obedience training, socialization, and desensitization to different environments. It is also essential to ensure that the dog is healthy and up-to-date on all vaccinations. Finally, the dog should be evaluated by a professional trainer to determine if they are suitable for therapy work.