Emotional support animals (ESAs) offer invaluable comfort and therapeutic benefits to individuals managing mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. While many landlords are legally required to accommodate ESAs under the Fair Housing Act, a dog’s well-behaved nature is crucial for maintaining housing security and ensuring a harmonious living environment. Proper obedience training is paramount, not only for your dog’s conduct but also to prevent potential disruptions that could lead to the removal of your beloved companion.
Emotional support dogs do not require specialized task-oriented training. However, ensuring your ESA is safe and well-behaved, particularly for public outings, is essential. General obedience and house training can prevent behavioral issues, foster a stronger bond between you and your dog, and set clear behavioral expectations. Investing in training helps ensure your ESA can provide the comfort you need, whether at home or in public settings.
Essential Training for Your Emotional Support Dog
While specific tasks aren’t mandatory for ESAs, foundational obedience and house training are highly beneficial. These skills help prevent behavioral problems and ensure your dog is a well-adjusted companion. Here are five key areas to focus on when training your emotional support dog:
1. Potty Training Consistency
Effective potty training requires consistency and patience. Establish a regular schedule for taking your dog outside, always directing them to the same designated spot. Generous rewards for successful outdoor eliminations reinforce positive behavior. For puppies, the frequency of outings should align with their age, roughly one hour per month of age during the day and double that at night. House training is a fundamental step in responsible pet ownership.
2. Mastering Sit and Down Commands
Teaching basic commands like “sit” is often straightforward as it’s a natural dog posture. To teach “sit,” hold a treat near your dog’s nose and slowly move it upwards and back over their head while saying the command. Reward them with praise and a treat once they sit. Building on this, the “down” command can be taught by moving a treat from their nose downwards towards the floor, encouraging them to lie down. Teaching your puppy to sit is a great starting point.
3. Reliable Stay and Come Cues
Once your dog reliably sits, introduce the “stay” command. After they sit, slowly step back with your palm facing them and say “stay.” Gradually increase the distance and duration, rewarding them for remaining in place. “Come” is a crucial recall command. When they approach you, use the word “come” and reward them with a treat and praise.
4. “Leave It” for Safety and Discretion
The “leave it” command is invaluable, especially in public settings. Start by holding treats in a closed fist. If your dog tries to get them, keep your hand closed. Reward them when they back away. Progress to placing treats on the floor and repeating the process, introducing the “leave it” command. Offer alternative, high-value treats as a reward for successfully ignoring the offered item. This command helps prevent your dog from picking up unsafe or unwanted items.
5. Deep Pressure Therapy (DPT) for Anxiety
Deep Pressure Therapy (DPT) is a technique that can significantly help individuals experiencing anxiety or stress. An ESA trained in DPT can provide calming physical pressure on command, for instance, during an anxiety attack. Smaller dogs can use their whole body, while larger dogs can use their paws or head. Begin by teaching your dog to get on and off furniture calmly, then guide them into the DPT position, rewarding them for remaining calm and still. This technique can be particularly beneficial and may even qualify them for psychiatric service dog status in some cases.
Emotional Support Dogs vs. Psychiatric Service Dogs
While both ESAs and Psychiatric Service Dogs (PSDs) offer mental health support, they differ significantly in training requirements and legal protections. PSDs must be trained to perform specific tasks directly related to their handler’s disability, such as alerting to panic attacks or providing DPT. ESAs, on the other hand, are not required to perform specific tasks but provide comfort through their presence.
PSDs are granted broader public access rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), allowing them in places where pets are typically prohibited. ESAs, however, are generally limited to their owner’s primary residence. The crucial documentation for an ESA is a letter from a licensed mental health professional (LMHP) confirming the need for the animal.
Can Any Dog Be an Emotional Support Animal?
Yes, any breed of dog can serve as an ESA, and no specific training is mandated. However, selecting a dog whose temperament and size are compatible with your lifestyle and needs is important. Breeds like Golden Retrievers, known for their gentle nature, or Chihuahuas, offering a confident and protective presence, can be excellent choices depending on individual needs. Labrador Retrievers and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are also frequently chosen for their loyal and affectionate temperaments, making them well-suited companions for those with mental health challenges.
Obtaining an Official ESA Letter
To legally designate your dog as an ESA, you must meet specific criteria. This includes having a diagnosed mental health condition, with the dog demonstrably alleviating symptoms. A Licensed Mental Health Professional (LMHP) must evaluate your condition and certify your need for an ESA via a formal letter. This official ESA Letter serves as the primary documentation, validating your dog’s status. Websites like Pettable offer a streamlined process to connect with qualified professionals and obtain your official ESA Letter. This letter is crucial for securing housing accommodations and other benefits afforded to ESAs. For comprehensive guidance on this process, exploring resources on how to make your dog an ESA can be beneficial.
Online Training Resources for Your Dog
For owners seeking to enhance their dog’s training, whether for ESA purposes or general good behavior, online resources offer flexible and professional guidance. Programs like Pettable Academy provide self-paced video lessons led by professional trainers, covering essential obedience and specialized training for ESAs and PSDs. These programs equip owners with the knowledge to train their dogs effectively, ensuring they are well-behaved and can provide optimal support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an already-trained emotional support dog?
While there’s no official certification for ESAs, you can find well-behaved dogs from reputable breeders or shelters. Focus on temperament and basic obedience rather than specific “ESA training” certifications.
How do I become an emotional support dog trainer?
There are no formal regulations for training ESAs. Many owners successfully train their own dogs, and you can gain experience by working with your own pet or volunteering.
Can I train my own dog to be an ESA?
Absolutely. With dedication and time, you can train your dog to be a well-mannered and supportive companion. Professional guidance is available if needed.
Does an emotional support dog require certification?
No official certification exists for ESAs. However, ensuring your dog is well-behaved, especially in public, is highly recommended for a positive experience.
Can a puppy be trained as an ESA?
Yes, puppies are highly trainable and often easier to mold into desired behaviors than older dogs with established habits. Early training is key to developing a well-adjusted ESA.
