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Therapy Dog vs Service Dog – What Are the Differences?

Berger Blanc Suisse dogs are bred to have the perfect disposition to serve humans in many different capacities. Because so many of our puppies leave our home to become service or therapy dogs, we often get the question, 

“What is the difference between a service dog and a therapy dog?” 

What is a Service Dog?

A service dog is specifically trained to serve one person, their owner. They are trained to be extremely in tune with the needs, mood, and health of the person they are serving. Because their focus is to aid just that one person, they are specifically disciplined to ignore other people and surroundings.

Most service dogs will (but legally do not have to) be wearing some sort of vest or collar to indicate that they are on duty and should not be petted or distracted from their job. 

Service dogs can be trained for many different scenarios. Puppies from Dances With Wolves Ranch (DWWR) have gone on to aid people in wheelchairs, used as stability dogs, to warn owners of oncoming seizures, and as diabetes-alert dogs.

You may also hear the term “emotional support animal” which refers to a category of service dog that aids those with mental afflictions. DWWR dogs have helped owners with PTSD, anxiety, and even fear of flying on planes. A good service dog will silently do its job; focusing on the owner alone and ignoring all other people, animals, and distractions.

What Is A Therapy Dog?

Therapy dogs, on the other hand, undergo a different type of training. These dogs are certified with a handler as a pair and trained to serve others. They are supposed to be attentive and friendly, visiting and providing comfort and companionship for others (visiting schools, elderly homes, trauma centers etc).

Many DWWR dogs in our breeding program are registered therapy dogs and have served reassuring patients in hospitals and encouraging children to learn to read at the library. Unlike a service dog, anyone is welcome to pet and interact with a therapy dog. They are not usually specialized for one task but instead are simply bred and trained to be friendly, calm, and comforting to everyone they interact with. 

While service and therapy dogs have different purposes and training, what they have in common is their calm, confident, and non-conflict disposition. Both service and therapy dogs need to love people, get along with other animals, be non-aggressive or dominant, and be sensitive to human emotions. This is why many Berger Blanc Suisse dogs make the perfect service and therapy dogs. They are highly intelligent, easy to train, thrive to please, and are gentle dogs who are very in tune with human moods and health cues. So, whether you’re looking for a service dog to serve you, or a therapy dog to serve everyone, Berger Blanc Suisse is the perfect choice. 
Interested in adopting a Berger Blanc Suisse for service or therapy purposes? At DWWR, we take special care to set our puppies up for success!

Helping Your Berger Blanc Suisse Overcome Fear of Loud Noises

If your Berger Blanc Suisse dog fears loud noises, such as thunderstorms, firecrackers, sirens, or gunshots, implementing advanced training techniques can aid in overcoming these fears. This training approach is also beneficial for dogs frightened by various noises like motorcycles.

What Is The Training Process?

Start by determining which noise triggers the most fear in your Berger Blanc Suisse dog. Once identified, record the specific sound to use in the training process.

Step 1: Gradual Exposure

  1. Low-Volume Introduction: Play the recorded sound at a low volume during mealtime. Ensure the volume is gentle enough not to frighten your dog. While he’s eating and remains unfazed by the sounds, praise him. Gradually increase the volume in subsequent feeding session.
  2. Monitoring Relaxation: Decrease the volume if your dog doesn’t relax within a few minutes. When he does relax, offer praise or a treat and maintain the current volume for at least five minutes before any further increase.

Step 2: Progressive Session

Initiate short training sessions, gradually escalating the volume during each new session. Over time, extend the duration of the sessions until your White Swiss Shepherd can comfortably confront the recorded noise at a level similar to the real thing.

Step 3: Real Stimulus Exposure

Whenever possible, expose your dog to the actual stimulus gradually. For example, if your Berger Blanc Suisse fears firecrackers or lawnmowers, create the sound 100 yards away. Calm your dog and acclimate him to the noise, progressively reducing the distance until he remains unfazed by the sound near his home.

The Importance of Leash Control

During practice sessions, always keep your Berger Blanc Suisse on a leash. This precaution ensures that if your dog gets scared and you lose control, he won’t run off.

Remember That Patience is Key

Remember, overcoming fears takes time. Be patient and gradually expose your Berger Blanc Suisse to the stimuli that trigger fear. Your dog can conquer these fears with consistent training and positive reinforcement and lead a more comfortable, stress-free life.

 

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Should I Shave My Berger Blanc Suisse?

groomer washing White Swiss Shepherd dog

Summer is here and with it hotter weather! It’s around this time of year that we get asked by owners if they should shave their Berger Blanc Suisse dog. Shaving a single-coat breed such as a poodle works well, but Berger Blanc Suisse dogs have a double coat. You should never shave a double-coated breed.

Double-coated breeds have natural insulation which is good in both the winter and summer. In the winter, the long hair provides protection against snow, ice, and rain whereas the undercoat stays dry and keeps the Berger Blanc Suisse warm. In summer, your dog will shed its soft undercoat while the long hair will remain. This topcoat of longhair protects the dog from insects and sunburn and insulates against heat. Air will circulate through the long hair and cool the skin.

Shaving a long-coated dog will remove this important insulation. Unfortunately, their coat may never grow back the same! The best way to help your double-coated dog stay cool in summer is to bathe him and use a hair-dryer to blow out the undercoat. You should get a good “rake” type brush designed for removing undercoats.

grooming a Berger Blanc Suisse

Doing this thoroughly at the beginning of the summer will make a big difference. You might consider going to a groomer as it is a big job!  If you do go to a groomer, be absolutely clear with them that Berger Blanc Suisse dogs should not be shaved; many groomers are inexperienced or will take the easy route.

Check Out Our Available Berger Blanc Suisse Dogs and Puppies!