Fluffy and oh-so-cute, the Goldendoodle is an incredible dog that brings joy to the lives of many. An intentional cross between the Golden Retriever and Poodle, Goldendoodles exhibit the best traits of each breed. The friendly, outgoing, and devoted characteristics of the well-loved Golden Retriever meet the intelligence, exuberance, and low-shedding coat of the Poodle. While the Goldendoodle is a popular choice for families, his capabilities as a service dog are where this breed truly shines!
Goldendoodle Characteristics
- High intelligence and an eagerness to learn
- Obedient and attentive to the needs of their owner
- Affectionate, with a gentle nature
- Loving, loyal and dedicated
- At ease with strangers and crowds
- Patient
Golden Retrievers make strong service dogs, yet their long, thick coats pose issues for those with allergies. The coat of the Goldendoodle is similar to that of a Poodle’s -- low to no-shed -- making this hybrid an excellent service dog for those that are sensitive to dog hair.
How Can a Goldendoodle Help Those in Need?
With the right training, a Goldendoodle can learn to offer many of the same services that Golden Retrievers can: assisting those with hearing or vision impairments; acting as a guide-dog for a disabled owner; learning tasks such as opening doors and switching lights on and off; alerting their handler and others to seizures or other medical issues; and reducing the feelings of anxiety and depression! With the right temperame/oak/files/images/puppy.jpgnt, a service dog can be trained to fit the needs of his or her handler.
Goldendoodle Service Dog for Veterans with PTSD
The terrors and struggles of duty leave many veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Symptoms include anxiety, panic attacks, depression, anger, sleeplessness and more. When PTSD is left untreated it can greatly reduce the quality of life. Many veterans experiencing PTSD begin to withdraw from their family and friends, avoid social interaction or public places, and suffer from anxiety. Service dogs have been proven to greatly reduce the symptoms of PTSD and help veterans regain their independence and happiness.
Goldendoodle service dogs provide loyal, loving companionship that can calm down veterans who are experiencing flashbacks, night terrors, or panic attacks. Service dog training teaches Goldendoodles certain tasks to perform that will assist their handler in a variety of situations. Some of these tasks may include:
- Alert Tasks -- Alert handler and those nearby to the onset of panic attacks; alert handler to situations that may induce anxiety or stress.
- Interruption Tasks -- Interrupt a panic attack, nightmares, or repetitive/self-destructive behaviors.
- Movement and Guide Tasks -- Guide handler home, to a safe place or a specific person; check rooms for other people before handler enters; guide handler safely through a crowd; protect the handler from approaching strangers; deep pressure therapy.
- Find Tasks -- Retrieve medications and any other items the handler may need.
The above tasks are an abbreviated list of all the incredible work that a well-trained Goldendoodle service dog can perform. Additionally, the love and affection that these great companions provide are important for those with PTSD. This companionship reduces the feelings of loneliness and depression that are common side effects of PTSD.
How to Find a Goldendoodle Service Dog
If you are interested in a Goldendoodle service dog for yourself or a loved one, there are a variety of ways to procure one. You can purchase a Goldendoodle puppy and have it evaluated to see if it has the right temperament to be trained as a service dog. Or you can purchase a pre-selected Goldendoodle and seek additional service dog training. Dog Training Elite offers service dog training programs and our staff would be happy to assist you!
