How To Train An Emotional Support Dog: The Basics

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Anyone who has a dog in their life will know the emotional stability that their presence can provide.

But while this is of general benefit to most dog owners, for some people with mental or emotional conditions, the companionship of a dog can be critical to their health and stability.

That is why therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists have started to prescribe Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) as part of their practice.

While dogs are often chosen as ESAs because of their loyalty and trainability, cats, birds, and other animals are also often used as ESAs.

How to train an emotional support dog: the basics - Golden Retriever puppy in a down-stay wearing light blue training vest
Emotional Support Dog Training – How to train an ESA: The Basics

ESA dogs are different from Service Dogs, such as those used by the blind or hearing impaired.

In particular, Service Dogs are given special access to accompany their owner pretty much everywhere, including in restaurants and shopping centers, while ESA dogs do not have this same special access.

Moreover, Service Dogs receive special training according to the needs of their owner, such as guiding a blind person around an object or alerting a deaf person to the sound of an alarm.

While ESA dogs also require training, it is considerably less specialized.

Any dog with the right temperament can be trained to be an ESA dog, and in this article, we will go through:

  • The basics of why you might want an ESA
  • What dogs make good ESAs
  • How to train your dog as an ESA
  • How to register for an ESA

Basically, you will find everything you need to know to enable your pooch to fulfill this vital role for you or someone else in need of a little support.

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