Dogs are often praised for their ability to comfort people, offering calm companionship in moments of stress or uncertainty. For some pups, that natural gentleness can be shaped into something even more meaningful through training and consistency. A recent video by @norbertthedog captures one such journey, showing how a young rescue puppy is already taking the steps toward becoming a therapy dog.
Owner trains ‘patient’ rescue puppy to become a therapy dog in video
Lenny may be 13 weeks old, but his focus and willingness to learn stand out immediately. In the video, his owner walks viewers through a short training session centered on basic obedience commands.
The puppy responds calmly as he’s asked to “sit,” “stay,” “bed,” and “down,” pausing thoughtfully before following each instruction. Rather than rushing through the session, Lenny appears attentive and relaxed. These traits are especially important for therapy dogs, who must remain composed in unfamiliar environments.
One moment that stood out to viewers shows Lenny responding to the command “look at the camera,” suggesting he’s already learning to focus despite distractions. Each successful response is followed by praise and a small treat, reinforcing the behavior in a positive way. His owner’s encouragement remains steady throughout the video, and the caption describes Lenny as a very “patient” pup.
If you’re training your own dog, positive reinforcement is one of the most effective methods you can use. It focuses on rewarding behaviors you want to see again, whether that’s with treats, praise, or a favorite toy, so your canine learns in a calm and encouraging way. Make sure to reward your dog immediately after they get something right. This helps them clearly understand what behavior earned the reward.
You’ll also want to keep training sessions short, consistent, and low-pressure, especially if your pup is still young. Over time, this approach helps build trust and confidence, and it encourages reliable behavior, which is especially important for canines expected to stay calm around people or in new environments.
