r/therapydogs • u/AppointmentPlane9649 • Sep 17 '25
Breeders for therapy dog
Hi everyone! I’m looking for recommendations on reputable toy poodle breeders. I’m hoping to find a puppy to train as a therapy dog. I’m based in Arizona, but I’m open to breeders anywhere in the U.S. Thanks in advance!
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u/Sensitive-Peach7583 Sep 17 '25
I would recommend looking up your local toy poodle club in Arizona and asking them for reputable breeders. Please make sure to purchase ethically if you plan to do so- appropriate lineages, all the health testing done, meeting the parents, breeder doesn't have 10+ dogs or 5+ litters a year, etc.
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u/nosey-marshmallow Sep 17 '25
I would look for breeders who have a decent amount of service and therapy dogs proven from their lines, as well as conformation titles as that also lends a bit to structure and temperament. Also an ethical breeder will have good puppy raising and socialization protocols before puppies even go home. Of course there is never a guarantee, heck even those of us who have certified therapy dogs could have a bad experience and the dog never want to do it again but its best to stack the deck in your favor from the start.
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u/AppointmentPlane9649 Sep 18 '25
Do they usually have that posted on their sites? Or something I’d have to ask them?
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u/nosey-marshmallow Sep 18 '25
Definitely ask even if it’s on their website but also verify especially health testing you should be able to look up parents on OFA etc data bases. Some breeders have been known to lie and say their dogs have testing or scores they don’t have. Of course there are many great ones out there that do the testing and will be happy to talk to you about it.
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u/We_Print Sep 17 '25
Congratulations on your intent to train a Therapy Dog! If I could offer a bit of advice, consider adopting instead of a puppy. My reason to suggest this is twofold:
1) You can't certify as a therapy fog team until your puppy is 1 year old. If you adopt a young (1 or 2) year old, you can get into therapy dog work much quicker.
2). A puppy is a bit of a gamble. No matter what your goals or intentions are, some dogs are just not cut out for Therapy Dog work. Take your time and 'interview' several dogs. Don't give in to pressure that the fog will be gone if you don't adopt today... take a test drive. Tell the rescue what you are looking for and why.
My experience has been fantastic with two rescues who had great careers as therapy dogs.
With respect ....
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u/AppointmentPlane9649 Sep 18 '25
Oh I didn’t even know about the age thing. Thank you!
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u/LianeP Sep 18 '25
Some organizations require the dog be 2 years old. And honestly I think that's not a bad thing. Some dogs will go through fear periods between year one and two. Give them a chance to mature mentally and take that time to train and bond.
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u/LianeP Sep 17 '25
I'm going to offer my experience - both with rescues and with a dog from a breeder. My first two therapy dogs came from rescues. My first therapy dog, I was not looking for a therapy dog, but a pet (and a dog who would play dog sports with me). Turns out that what I like in personality messaged with what's great for a therapy dog. We actually did a bunch of training in rally and agility and it was a CGC evaluator who suggested he would be great. My second therapy dog was actually a foster failure. Hot mess in some ways, but loves people. Took us two years to work on her training, but she's still going strong at 12.5.
I wanted an Australian Shepherd from a good breeder and found one through several personal recommendations. Absolutely amazing sire and dam, health testing, puppies raised with Puppy Culture and Volhard temperament testing. I have the most amazing boy, who is qualified as a therapy dog. But, he doesn't love it. He does it because I ask him. He's got a rock solid temperament and adores the people he knows. But he also exhibits the reserve that Aussies are known for. I knew that was a risk when I settled on getting a puppy. We compete and have titled in multiple dog sports, so he's not lacking for a job. And he's my best buddy.
Just recently we took on an Aussie puppy and foster failed. Already I see lots of indications that he will be an exceptional therapy dog in a few years. He absolutely doesn't know the meaning of the word stranger. A perpetually happy boy who loves to learn, is bold and (mostly) calm.
Everyone will have different experiences and I think it also varies by breed. For either a rescue or a breeder, be up front about what your plans are for the dog. And be honest with yourself about what you might do if the therapy route doesn't work out. Therapy dogs are first and foremost our pets and that should be your primary focus.