Dogs have helped mankind in a working capacity for millennia.  Dogs have proven loyal and intelligent animals, among the most useful of all domesticated animals.  Despite their incredible value in work, dogs have also served many people simply as companions.  Although dogs are often used for work in civilian life, such as Seeing Eye dogs, pet owners have also found pleasure in having a pet dog that does not have any particular job function to assist its owner.  These companion dogs are simply friends.  For millennia, humans have enjoyed the loyalty and unconditional love that dogs can give. 

What Is A Companion Dog?

Because of the non-specific nature of a companion dog’s role, the definition is broad.  Many American families have a pet dog, or “family dog,” an iconic image of American suburban life.  These dogs usually do not have any special training or abilities, and are usually a breed that is easy to care for and inexpensive to obtain.  Often, they were acquired through a friend or an animal shelter for a small price, and are generally good natured and friendly to humans.  For families with small children, dogs that are tolerant of a child’s inquisitive hands are popular.

A companion dog, by definition, is not the same thing as an ADA service animal.  An ADA companion dog, to be recognized as a licensed service animal, must receive the proper training and registration and cannot simply be a dog chosen for companionship purposes.  In most cases, the pet owner will likely grow fond of the dog, but unless the dog has successfully undergone training designed to help mitigate the difficulties of a particular disability, then it does not qualify as an ADA service animal.  For more information on the differences among these kinds of dogs, check the website www.iaadp.org/iaadp-ada-training-requirements.html.

However, disabled persons are not the only ones interested in having a companion dog.  There is no need to get special training for a dog that is not supposed to fulfill a specific work or disability aid function.

What Breeds Make Good Companion Dogs?

Companion dogs can be of any breed, but some are more popular than others.  Labradors, poodles, collies, and shepherds are among the most popular medium sized dogs for companions.  They offer good temperaments and relatively simple care.  For smaller areas, many people like to have smaller dogs that don’t require as much living space.  Large dogs may start to feel restless in small areas; whereas, a smaller dog like a terrier, a spaniel, a Maltese, or toy breeds like a Chihuahua provide good companionship and adapt well to smaller areas.  They also are easier to transport and are generally less expensive to care for than larger dogs, which require more food.

Bear in mind that an ADA service animal’s breed is tailored to the specific disability it is designed to help mitigate.  Not all breeds of dogs are equally suited to performing these specific tasks.  Toy dogs (like Chihuahuas) are unable to assist a disabled pet owner, for example.  These breeds of dogs are meant to simply bring companionship and love to a person who desires it.

Dog Training

Although companion dogs don’t require specialized training (which contributes to their popularity), the best experience with a companion dog is one where the dog understands basic commands and is house trained.  Mild mannered dogs may be easier to train, but as long as the pet owner is patient and rewards the dog for good behavior, training should be relatively short and simple.  Companion dog training includes simple requirements like teaching the dog to sit, to lie down, to come, and to stay.  With consistent training, most dogs will learn to obey these commands in a short time—a week or two of consistent training will produce good results.  It is best to start training your companion dog early, while the dog is still less than a year old.  It may be harder for the dog to pick up new commands when it is older.  There is an old saying: “an old dog can’t learn new tricks.”

To properly train your companion dog, a reward system will help your dog adapt to the new requirements quickly.  Dog treats for good behavior are a good reward, for example.  Also, when your dog has properly performed a command, be quick to praise it verbally.  Dogs can “read” pleasure and happiness in a human voice, and in most cases will come to associate good behavior with your pleasure.  This will reinforce the new obedience habits you are instilling into your companion dog.  Also, being close to your dog and offering verbal praise (accompanied with stroking or petting) will quickly increase its loyalty for you.  Proper training will, in the long run, provide you with a rich and fulfilling experience with a companion dog.  The results are worth the effort invested.  For more unruly dogs, or if you simply need assistance, professional dog training classes can help you out.  These professional training assistance classes are offered all over the nation in every state.  For more information, and for basic instructions on how to start training a dog, the following website is helpful: www.akc.org/events/obedience/getting_started.cfm.

Smaller dogs are less prone to being a nuisance when left untrained, but it is still important to train dogs of all sizes.  They will lead more fulfilling lives and will be more attached and loyal to you because of the devotion you have shown.  Also, a well-trained dog is much easier to show in public around strangers or guests.  They will be more relaxed and less likely to react negatively when introduced to new people.

Caring For Your Dog’s Health

Your dog’s health care depends on the breed of dog you have, as well as its age.  Bigger dogs may require more space to exercise—if you live in a rural area or if there is a nearby park, you can give your dog the exercise it needs by simply walking it a few times a week.  In most areas, vaccinations are highly recommended or required.  Long hair dogs like collies will need to be brushed on a regular basis.  Be sure to provide your companion dog with plenty of fresh water and regular meals.  It is usually not a good idea to feed your dog table scraps, but dog treats are a good alternative.

A companion dog is a rewarding experience for thousands of Americans.  It is worth the time to visit animal shelters and even to check ads in the newspaper classifieds to find a dog suited for you.  With the right care and training, a dog can provide love and companionship for people of all ages.