Many of the old people I work with are afraid of big dogs.
So are most of the dogs you train for the elderly small dogs?
Actually no. That is why this is such a challenge. I have to acquaint the elderly to large dogs.
I've heard that poodles are great companion dogs for senior citizens, have you been able to train many of them? Or is there a breed that you have noticed is more popular?
Standard size poodles are good with the elderly. I have worked with them. And the good thing about them is that they also don't have shedding. Therefore, there is very little allergy issue for the client.
Do you train dogs more for companionship or as service animals? I recently watched a great documentary about dogs service dogs; some were being trained to work with dementia patients. Some of the dogs were even being trained to remind their owners to take medications, to pick up dropped items, and to pull wheelchairs.