Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) play a vital role in the mental well-being of many individuals, offering comfort and companionship that significantly improves their quality of life. While ESAs are not required to have specialized training, their behavior, especially in public or within housing environments, is paramount. Proper obedience training is not just about good manners; it’s essential for maintaining housing rights and ensuring your ESA can reliably provide the support you need. This article delves into the importance of training for emotional support dogs and provides a guide to essential training techniques.
The Importance of Training for Your ESA Dog
While an emotional support dog’s primary function is to offer comfort, their behavior can directly impact your ability to keep them. Landlords, while generally required to accommodate ESAs under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), can seek to remove a dog that causes damage or disrupts the living environment. Consistent obedience training ensures your dog is well-behaved, mitigating potential housing issues and fostering a harmonious living situation. Beyond legalities, training strengthens the bond between you and your dog, setting clear expectations and enhancing their ability to provide comfort in various settings.
Essential Training for Emotional Support Dogs
Although ESAs are not mandated to perform specific tasks, basic obedience and house training are fundamental. These foundational skills prevent behavioral problems and ensure your dog is a well-mannered companion, both at home and when accompanying you in public.
Potty Training
Potty training is a cornerstone of responsible dog ownership and essential for any ESA. Consistency is key. Establish a regular schedule for taking your dog outside, ideally to the same spot, and offer generous rewards for successful outdoor potty breaks. For puppies, remember their bladders are small; a general guideline is one minute of bladder control per month of age during the day, and twice that at night.
Sit and Down Commands
Teaching basic commands like “sit” and “down” is straightforward and builds a foundation for further training. To teach “sit,” hold a treat near your dog’s nose and slowly move it upwards and slightly back over their head, saying “sit.” Reward them with praise and the treat as they naturally lower themselves into a sit. For the “down” command, start with your dog in a sit position. Lure them down by moving a treat from their nose towards the floor between their front paws, saying “down.” Reward any movement towards a down position, gradually working until they lie down fully.
Stay and Come Commands
Once your dog reliably performs “sit,” you can introduce the “stay” command. Have your dog sit, then slowly step back while holding your palm out towards them and clearly say “stay.” Reward them for remaining in place, gradually increasing the distance and duration. The “come” command is a vital safety command. When your dog responds to “come,” reward them enthusiastically with praise and a treat. Leashing them when they come to you can reinforce the command.
“Leave It” Command
The “leave it” command is particularly useful for ESAs who may encounter various items in public spaces. Start by holding a treat in your closed fist. If your dog tries to get the treat, keep your fist closed. As soon as they back away, reward them with a different treat from your other hand. Progress to placing a treat on the floor and covering it with your hand, repeating the process. Once mastered, you can incorporate the phrase “leave it.” Reward your dog with a high-value treat when they successfully ignore the item on the floor.
Deep Pressure Therapy (DPT)
Deep Pressure Therapy (DPT) is a technique that can significantly help individuals experiencing anxiety or stress. ESAs can be trained to apply gentle, calming pressure. For smaller dogs, this might involve resting their body weight on you, while larger dogs can learn to place their head or paws on your lap. Training can start with teaching your dog to calmly get on and off furniture using cues like “up” and “down.” Then, guide them into a comfortable position on your lap or body, rewarding calmness and proximity. Dogs trained in DPT may even qualify as psychiatric service dogs (PSDs), offering broader public access rights.
Understanding Emotional Support Dogs vs. Psychiatric Service Dogs
While both ESAs and 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 a panic attack or guiding their handler. This task-specific training, along with impeccable public behavior, qualifies them under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), granting them access to public spaces and air travel. ESAs, on the other hand, are primarily companions whose presence offers comfort. While they are protected by the FHA for housing, they do not have the same public access rights as PSDs.
Can Any Dog Be an Emotional Support Animal?
Yes, any breed of dog can potentially be an ESA. The most crucial factor is the dog’s temperament and its ability to provide comfort to its owner. While specific breeds might be predisposed to certain traits, the bond and support offered are highly individual.
Popular ESA Breeds
- Golden Retriever: Known for their kind, intelligent, and reliable nature, they are excellent companions for individuals with autism or PTSD.
- Chihuahua: Their confident and often protective demeanor can be reassuring for those with anxiety.
- Corgi: These intelligent and affectionate dogs are loyal and can help with social anxiety, panic disorder, and depression, while their energy encourages exercise.
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: With their affectionate and friendly disposition, they are often called “comforter spaniels” and are ideal for those dealing with depression or PTSD.
- Labrador Retriever: Energetic, loyal, and loving, Labradors are versatile ESAs suitable for all ages and a wide range of mental health conditions.
How to Obtain an Official ESA Letter
To legally designate a dog as an emotional support animal, you must have a diagnosed mental health condition that the dog helps alleviate. A Licensed Mental Health Professional (LMHP) must evaluate your condition and confirm that an ESA is necessary for your well-being. This professional will then provide an official ESA Letter. This letter serves as documentation and is essential for housing accommodations.
Pettable offers a streamlined process to obtain an ESA letter, involving an online assessment, a consultation with a licensed therapist, and the issuance of the official letter.
Online Training for Your Emotional Support Dog
For owners seeking to enhance their dog’s obedience and prepare them for their role as an ESA, online training programs are available. These programs, often led by professional trainers, cover essential commands and behaviors, ensuring your dog is well-equipped to provide reliable support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find an already-trained emotional support dog?
Since ESAs don’t require specific certifications, focus on finding a well-behaved dog from reputable breeders or shelters.
Can I train my own dog to be an ESA?
Absolutely. Many ESA owners successfully train their dogs themselves with dedication and consistent effort.
Does an emotional support dog need certification?
There is no official certification for ESAs. However, ensuring your dog is well-behaved and house-trained is highly recommended for public outings.
Can a puppy be an ESA?
Yes, puppies can be trained to become emotional support dogs, and often, starting training at a young age can be highly effective.
