Current Soft, Gentle Dogs
What makes Cobberdogs ideal for therapy roles?
Cobberdogs were created to be low/no shedding with an empathetic, intuitive nature. Other breeds (like Labradors) have demonstrated an aptitude for service roles; however, they were initially developed to work with hunters. The Australian Cobberdog is the only breed specifically bred to be therapy/service dogs.
Having a companion like this is a relatively new concept. It's not surprising, therefore, that the breed is also very modern. Wally Cochran first created the labradoodle in the 80s. Since then, there have been variations, breeds added and lots of similar combinations. The Australian Cobberdog is the only consistent and definable line that is now considered a pure breed.
Intelligence
Quick and eager to learn, this breed is known for its desire to please its owner. It's easy to get and keep their attention as they want to understand what's being asked of them as quickly as possible. With this innate need to connect and please, they often look you straight in the eye.
Temperament
Calm, caring and non-aggressive, this breed has proven itself to be patient and docile with everyone. Tolerant of people playing more rough than necessary, Cobberdogs can become fantastic companions to people with dementia or autism. With their charming nature and intelligence, they can complete a range of activities and tasks. Cobberdogs are very adaptable and can fit into most people's lifestyles with minimal effort.
Appearance
Because of their teddy-like appearance, Cobberdogs are ideal for people who might usually be afraid of dogs. With a long, soft fleece coat, they are also popular in therapies related to the senses. You'll find Cobberdogs in a range of colours and sizes. You're more than likely to find one that suits your preferences.
Empathy
As we mentioned earlier, Cobberdogs love making eye contact. They love humans and are very curious to know what we're doing. As a result, they are incredibly observant and able to pick up on someone's facial expressions and mood. With this knowledge, they can work out when someone needs their company or not. For many autistic children, knowing the dog will respect their space is essential to encourage engagement. It's a much less overwhelming experience, and the child will feel more comfortable interacting with the animal.
Hypoallergenic
Considered hypoallergenic, Cobberdogs are low/no shedding. For people with allergies or therapy sessions based in hospitals or centres, this is perfect. You can maintain a clean, allergen-free space without so much cleaning. These dogs are also ideal for anyone with special needs, with or without allergies. As companion dogs, they are allowed into dog-free spaces. Having a low shedding dog will reduce the chance of also triggering someone else's allergies.
Energy
Labradoodles are naturally very energetic and confident. This trait is necessary for any pup training as a therapy dog. Fortunately, Cobberdogs are always willing to carry out commands and keep up with their owners' needs throughout the day.
Here at doodleDogs
We specialise in providing happy, healthy Cobberdogs, with the option of basic training available to you. Once our pups reach 12 weeks, they automatically enrol in our training programme where they learn commands like sit/stay/down and lead and clicker training. Whilst we don't have a specific service dog programme, we can, to a degree, personalise your pup's training if there's something you need them to do. This is no substitute for specific service/therapy training. However, it might give you a good indication of which pup is naturally most suited to your needs.
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