Rottweilers may not always be thought of when one thinks of therapy dogs, but many rotties have made outstanding therapy dogs. You can find therapy dogs in hospitals, at nursing homes, and other care facilities, where they provide cheer and unconditional love to patients. The healing effects that pets have on patients amaze many volunteers who bring their dogs to these facilities. Dogs often have a way of helping withdrawn patients become less reclusive and more cooperative. Patients enjoy the dogs' nonjudgmental manner and often form special friendships with therapy dogs.

Any well-behaved dog may become a therapy dog. Your rottie should have obedience training and possibly pass a Canine Good Citizen or other temperament test. Many therapy dogs know a few tricks, such as shake paws or bark on command, to entertain the patients, but tricks are not necessary. Dogs intended for therapy work should know how to sit, down, heel, stay, and stand.