Border Collies as Therapy Dogs: Intellect, Heart & Healing — Meet Asher
Border Collies are often celebrated for their lightning-fast agility and brainpower—but a new spotlight is shining on them: their ability to heal, comfort, and support humans in profound ways.
These intuitive, emotionally intelligent dogs are now recognized alongside Golden Retrievers, Labradors, and Poodles as top therapy breeds, proving that they’re not just brilliant workers—they’re compassionate partners.
And at the heart of this story is Asher, a Border Collie whose daily acts of service are nothing short of life-changing.
Meet Asher: A Therapy Dog Changing a Family’s Life
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TherapEutic Family dog
Asher The Therapy Dog
Asher is a 7-year-old Border Collie who serves as a therapy dog for Sandra and Angus Johnston. Sandra lives with multiple sclerosis (MS), and Angus has arthritis along with knee and hip surgery, which together affect their mobility. Border Collies offer a rare combination of cognitive brilliance, emotional intelligence, loyalty, sensitivity, and trainability insuring Asher is the perfect therapeutic companion and daily support for the Johnstons.
Asher Helps With:
- Retrieving dropped items
- Helping remove socks
- Providing calming physical pressure
- Offering emotional support through presence and affection
- Asher is trained to raise the alarm if Sandra or Angus fall.
Asher isn’t just helpful—he’s a lifeline
Therapy Dog Training: Watch Asher with Dog Trainer Harriet Johnston
Click the link to see Asher put through his paces at agility training:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2w1L42COZlo
Why Border Collies Excel as Therapy & Assistance Dogs
1. Off-the-Charts Intelligence
Border Collies are widely considered the smartest dog breed in the world. They don’t just learn commands—they understand intent.
2. Deep Emotional Sensitivity
They can sense:
- Stress
- Emotional shifts
- Panic
- Pain
…and respond with comforting behaviours, grounding presence, or gentle pressure therapy.
3. Strong Bonding Instincts
Border Collies form intense, loyal connections with their humans—a cornerstone of effective therapeutic pairing.
4. They Love Having a Job
Their working-dog nature makes assistance roles not only suitable—but deeply satisfying.
Border Collies like Asher are proving that healing sometimes comes on four paws.