Dutch Shepherd Forum

Hello! I am considering getting a DS trained as a therapy dog for my therapy practice (mental health counseling). My question is regarding allergies. I would imagine whether you are visiting places or have a therapy dog in your work space you encounter individuals with dog allergies. Has this been an issue with DS? The trainer (who is highly regarded) says he doesn't have issues with this breed and has placed them as service dogs with allergic kids. Thanks for any input!

I did therapy work with Thalie for a long time and never had problems. Went into schools, age homes. Not a problem. that dosnt mean you wont though. It depends on what the allergies are that the people have, not all allergies include dogs. Its usually to cats.

Depends mostly on the allergies of the practice/patients. People are allergic to dog dander/hair, and DS shed A LOT. They also are in tune to people's emotions which can make them protective and reactive. I would suggest the route of a Poodle or other non-shed breed if you're worried about patient allergies, or be committed to a lot of deep cleaning and brushing the dog multiple times every day.