Service and Emotional Support Dogs
Many of our puppies are selected and raised with calm, companion-minded temperaments that may make them excellent candidates for therapy, emotional support, or service work. In fact, nearly 35% of the dogs we produce go on to become therapy dogs, service dogs, or emotional support companions for families across Canada.
Therapy, Emotional Support & Service Dogs
Understanding the Difference
Therapy Dogs
Therapy dogs are specially screened, calm, affectionate dogs that provide comfort and companionship to people in hospitals, schools, nursing homes, mental health facilities, libraries, and community programs. They are evaluated for temperament, obedience, and social behaviour.
Therapy dogs:
• Bring comfort and emotional connection
• Visit facilities alongside their handler
• Must be calm, gentle, and people-oriented
• Are not legally considered service animals
• Often participate in programs such as the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program in Canada
Many Lakewood puppies naturally demonstrate the affectionate, stable temperaments often desired in therapy work.
Emotional Support Dogs (ESA)
An Emotional Support Dog provides companionship and emotional comfort to a person experiencing emotional or psychological challenges such as anxiety, PTSD, panic disorders, depression, or stress-related conditions.
Unlike service dogs:
• Emotional support dogs do not require formal task training
• They provide support through companionship and emotional connection
• Documentation from a healthcare professional may be required depending on housing or travel circumstances
• Rules vary by province in Canada
Common reasons people seek emotional support dogs include:
• Anxiety disorders
• PTSD
• Depression
• Panic disorders
• Autism support
• Separation anxiety
• Mood disorders
• Emotional regulation needs
Service Dogs
Service dogs are individually trained to perform specific tasks for a person with a disability. These tasks may include:
• Medical alerts
• Mobility assistance
• Autism support
• Seizure response
• PTSD interruption tasks
• Balance assistance
• Hearing or vision support
In Ontario, service dogs:
• May accompany their handler into public places
• Do not legally require certification cards
• May require documentation from a regulated health professional if the dog is not visibly identifiable as a service dog
Service dogs can be professionally trained or owner-trained depending on the needs of the individual.
Why Many Families Choose a Lakewood Puppy
At Lakewood Ranch Doodles (https://www.lakewoodranchdoodles.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com), our breeding program focuses heavily on:
• Calm, emotionally balanced temperaments
• Companion-minded personalities
• Human-focused interaction
• Confidence and trainability
• Moyen and mid-size dogs suited for family lifestyles
• Early socialization and handling
Many of our doodles, cockapoos, and retrievers naturally thrive in homes needing:
• Emotional support
• Therapy companionship
• Autism support
• PTSD assistance
• Calm family companionship
We carefully select breeding lines with gentle, affectionate personalities and focus strongly on producing dogs that enjoy human connection and partnership.
Ontario Service Animal Information
Under Ontario law:
• Service animals are permitted in most public spaces
• Certification is not legally required
• Businesses may request documentation from a regulated health professional if the dog is not visibly identifiable as a service animal
• Additional pet fees do not apply to service animals
For current information, families should always review the Ontario Human Rights Code and AODA guidelines directly.
Lakewood Ranch Doodles
Premium Holistic Breeders
Ontario, Canada
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705-875-5195
Calm temperaments • Companion minded • Lifetime support
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