At Dogs for Health, we believe deeply in the power of therapy dogs to bring comfort, ease anxiety, and lift spirits. Today, we’re excited to introduce Zac, our newest therapy dog in training! Zac, a 10-week-old Labrador retriever, has joined our team with an important mission: to support mental wellbeing throughout our community by offering comfort, companionship, and calm.
Why Zac Is Perfect for Therapy Work
Labrador retrievers are well-loved therapy dogs for a reason—they’re gentle, friendly, and naturally attuned to people’s emotions. Zac brings all these qualities and more, making him a perfect fit for the work ahead. Labradors are known for their outgoing, affectionate temperaments and eagerness to please, which means Zac is likely to bond well with everyone he meets. His loyalty, resilience, and even-tempered personality will be key as he learns to offer emotional support in a variety of settings.
In addition to his temperament, Zac’s intelligence and social nature make him a quick learner who can handle new environments with confidence. Labradors are not only loving and friendly but are also known for their confidence around new sounds and sights—qualities that will help Zac stay calm and composed on visits to care homes, schools, hospitals, and community events. And, of course, Labradors like Zac are recognised and loved by the public, with a non-threatening appearance that encourages people of all ages to feel comfortable approaching him for a cuddle or a quiet moment.
The Training Journey Ahead
Training a therapy dog like Zac is a gradual, carefully structured journey. Over the next 18 to 24 months, Zac will be following a specialised training programme that includes the Puppy Culture Socialisation Structure and the Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme. These programmes are designed to help Zac build life skills, learn obedience, and feel confident in a variety of situations.
Starting as early as 10 weeks, Zac will be introduced to different settings in a controlled way to develop his social skills. His first community visits will be to quieter environments, giving him a chance to adapt to new sights, sounds, and interactions. By following these structured steps, we ensure that Zac grows into a well-rounded therapy dog who can bring comfort to anyone he meets. Although full therapy dog training takes up to 24 months, it’s an ongoing process—Zac will continue learning and developing his skills to make the biggest impact possible.
Key Milestones in Zac’s Journey
Throughout his journey, Zac will be reaching a number of important milestones. As he progresses through the Good Citizen Dog Scheme, he’ll be recognised for achieving essential life skills that help him thrive in his role. His first community visits at 10 to 11 weeks will be an important step, allowing him to experience the gentle interactions that will become a big part of his future work. By reaching these goals, Zac is building a strong foundation that will prepare him for full therapy dog certification and a lifelong career of making a difference.
How Zac and Our Therapy Dogs Support Mental Wellbeing
Once fully trained, Zac will join our team of therapy dogs in providing emotional support and companionship across the community. Therapy dogs have a special way of creating a calming environment, which can make a world of difference for people struggling with stress, loneliness, or mental health challenges. Our therapy dogs visit care homes, schools, hospitals, and community centres, offering their calming presence to everyone from young children to elderly residents.
- In Care Homes: Zac will help bring comfort to elderly residents, providing companionship and a source of joy. For many, a visit from a therapy dog can lift spirits, reduce feelings of isolation, and create a connection that brightens their day.
- In Schools: Zac’s role in schools will focus on supporting children who may be dealing with anxiety or social challenges. His gentle, non-judgmental presence can help students feel relaxed and build confidence, encouraging positive social interactions and offering a calming influence in a busy school environment.
- In Hospitals: For hospital patients, especially children, Zac’s presence can bring a sense of home and comfort. Therapy dogs like Zac help alleviate anxiety and provide companionship, making a hospital stay feel a little less overwhelming.
Join Us on Zac’s Journey!
As a non-profit, Dogs for Health relies on community support to fund our therapy dog programmes. Every donation helps cover Zac’s training, care, and essential resources, allowing us to bring his loving presence to those who need it most. If you’d like to be part of Zac’s journey, please consider donating today to support our work: Donate to Zac’s Journey.
We’re thrilled to have Zac as part of our team, and we can’t wait to see him grow into his role as a therapy dog. Follow our blog and social media channels to keep up with Zac’s milestones, progress, and heartwarming moments as he develops his skills and shares Puppy Power with the community.