Therapy dog - Page 3

To address Sunsilver's post: Here's a snippet from an article I just found that might speak to your question http://www.germanshepherds.com/articles/ableassistants/:

"Although a German Shepherd was the first guide dog in America and the breed has been used almost exclusively for many years, today, most schools that train assistance dogs use several breeds. These organizations attempt to match the dog's personality and traits with the person's needs and abilities. Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Doberman Pinschers and Australian Shepherds are commonly used, and even Standard Poodles have been used by some schools. For many, however, the German Shepherd is still the breed of choice.

The reasons for using each breed varies. Sometimes it has been difficult for schools to find German Shepherds that were temperamentally and physically sound. Other times, the trainers needed skills and traits that other breeds could better offer. The German Shepherd, with all its wonderful qualities, is not for everyone. It does have some traits that make it a less than desirable companion for some people.

Although every dog of every breed is unique, some generalizations can be made. Most guide and assistance dog trainers agree that German Shepherds and Standard Poodles work faster than Labs and Goldens. They walk faster, and turn and react more quickly. These dogs must be paired with people who can work at this speed, such as those who are healthy and active.

People who walk more slowly or have slower reactions are probably better off with a slower, softer dog.

here's  the bit that was cut off http://www.germanshepherds.com/articles/ableassistants:

"Because of the breed's strong drive to work, it must have a challenging job. A sedentary owner will not do well with a German Shepherd assistance dog; the shepherd would probably get into trouble while trying to find things to do.

The owner of a shepherd must be able to work with an intelligent dog and teach it with a firm, yet gentle, hand. These dogs cannot and will not tolerate abusive handling."

My personal feeling is that societally so much has change - population has at least doubled in 50 yrs, people are having less and less interactions with animals beyond the "deposable" pet, intolerance of adapting to things that are new and different ..,. These sorts of shifts have made our general population wanting as little disruption to what they have come to view as normal; and this effects the types of animals (and experiences) we are willing to tolerate.  We want a dog that can be as invisible as possible not one that as a strong presence like a GSD.  Whether the person is the one using the dog's services or simply passing a service dog on the street low profile and low maintains (a no brainer dog) is what is being called for now.

I believe in the past people who used service dogs were fully aware (and if not they were made aware) of the commitment and the changes required of them to incorporate a service dog into their life beyond the basic training of how to use their dog. Now folks are under the impression that the dog must be the one to completely mesh into the human's life and to require nearly nothing in return.  All you have to do is go onto craig's list and check out their pet section and see all the reasons folks give up their dogs and you can see there is virtually no willingness to make room for and learn how to live with a dog they already brought into their lives.  If the dog inconveniences them in anyway out it goes.  From my POV this is seen in the animal service industry as well.  The dog has to not require much at all from the folks using it or it will be rejected.  So for example  no shedding, or can't require intellectual stimulus; no needs beyond food and water and perhaps very minor grooming and the occasional trip to the vet.

I also believe what breeders are breeding for is shifting as well.  Show lines are bred for a looks and movement often forget intellect & temperament are key to a quality GSD; and working line are looking more and more for hardness and drive so you end up with "real go getter" police dog, which is not the "all around" dog "best at most everything" GSD were but rather a very specialized dog.

I guess "the times they are a changing"

Susan

That was very interesting and informative .