Sometimes the behavior is learned and other times it’s in the genes. For Axel, a 4-year-old, 110-pound Rottweiler who was named AKC’s 2022 Therapy Dog of the Year at its annual Humane Fund Awards for Canine Excellence, his handler John Hunt noticed at just 9 weeks old, at how calm his demeanor was while interacting with others, but how engaging and confident he carried himself. Combined with a need to please and a notable ability to solve problems and lead others, Axel was a natural.
What are the characteristics of therapy dogs
Therapy dogs typically show:
- calm demeanor
- Engaging personality
- Confident
- Calm and focused on other dogs
- Ability to solve problems
- desire to please
- Ability to relax when not working
- Enjoy the attention of new people
- Correctly display stress signals
What type of work does Axel
Axel is a Crisis Response Canine Operation Deployment K9 and provides weekly support to local healthcare workers at major hospitals in New Jersey, where he and John live, and in Pennsylvania. He also makes comfort visits to police, firefighters and other first responders and is called to the scene, along with John, to start the decompression process after a traumatic event.
John has undergone extensive training himself, including mental health classes and a K9 body language, first aid and CPR program to ensure he can keep Axel safe on the job.
During his career as a therapist, Axel has completed over 600 therapy dog visits, earning his AKC Therapy Dog Supreme title, and traveling the country to provide support after large-scale tragedies.
“He’s like a big teddy bear,” says Andrea Hering, founder and president of Crisis Response Canines, a New Jersey-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that certifies, trains and deploys dogs in traumatic situations. “Even people who are afraid of dogs usually take pictures with him at the end of the visit.”
Off Duty Crisis Response Dog
Off duty, Axel is a typical dog, explains Andrea, “playful, energetic, silly.” But when he is working, “Axel is so confident in his work that other dogs follow his example. He serves as a role model for our other therapy dogs.
Of course, part of the job is to feast after work. Axel’s preference? Mints and a good belly rub.
Follow Axel’s work on social media @CrisisCanines or visit www.crisiscanines.org