HeatherBee® with Heideland® miniature and toy poodles do well in agility or sport performance, and our playful poodles have character and intelligence with an off switch. They are healthy, balanced and resilient family companions. We continue to have a keen interest in potential therapy and service dogs. Poodles, because of their intelligence and sensitivity, can be exceptional therapy dogs, trauma dogs, autism dogs, psychiatric dogs and more. On occasion we have donated animals with good potential to individual first responders, and to reputable organizations who assist with training of service animals. We complete temperament testing early on to evaluate potential, however there are many factors that contribute whether a dog can successfully, and happily, fulfill those roles!

However, poodles are not the only breed that can fill these roles! We are happy to say at least 2 of our Scottish Terriers have gone on to become therapy animals in health settings and with children.

How do we Evaluate Potential?

We carefully evaluate our puppies for potential. There are many factors that contribute to a dog being successful and happy filling the role of working or support animal. We have decades of experience with dogs. We also have a background in counselling therapy so we can help you determine your needs and priorities. From there, our evaluation of animals with suitable potential begins.

​Research into animal assisted interventions shows that animals are now used in supportive roles in many settings in Canada. This includes prisons, schools, hospitals, courtrooms, victims’ services and in clinician settings. For example, Murphy is a St. John Ambulance therapy dog who made history in late September 2017. Murphy was the first therapy dog allowed into a hospital Emergency Room in Canada. There are approximately 400 working therapy dog teams working in Saskathewan. There are also over 3,300 dog and handler teams working across Canada. 

Learn more here!