4 Interesting Facts about an Emotional Support Dog
So, as to comprehend the characteristics of an emotional support animal (ESA), we first need to understand what an ESA is.
There are many different types of animals in this world and each one has a different job. One type of animal you may have never heard about before is called an emotional support animal. This type of animal helps people with mental illness such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. You may be wondering if these animals are the same as service dogs. The answer is no! Service dogs help people with physical disabilities and an Emotional Support Dog helps people with mental disabilities.
In case you would also like an ESA of your own, you may have to talk to your general physician and go through a few formalities. Here are some characteristics of an emotional support dog that you should be aware of.
The choice for your Emotional Support Dog is subjective and should be made by you after researching breeds.
Loving and devoted
A dog’s breed can tell you a lot about their personality and how they will behave with their owner.
An emotional support dog can sense when their owner needs them most and provide comfort and companionship in times of need.
Intelligent
An intelligent dog breed knows exactly how to cheer up its owner in case of mental distress. They’re also easy to train and ask them to perform commands.
When it’s time for work, your pet dog is there to help you get it done! This four-legged friend can do little chores like bringing the newspaper from the front porch, putting some of the clothes in the laundry basket, or helping its owner practice yoga every morning. When the household work is shared by both the owner and the dog, the work becomes much more fun to do.
Obedient
Simply having an intelligent dog doesn’t cut it; he needs to be obedient as well. You wouldn’t want a pet that’s clever enough not to leave mud stains on your floors but does just fine doing so. A good CKC should be obedient and willing to learn some commands.
There are various different techniques to train the ESA for discipline. The most common type of training for these animals is obedience training. If an emotional disorder occurs, the ESA should be quick to catch it and help out.
Easygoing and social
When going for walks with your ESA, you might want it to behave well around strangers. There are many dogs that absolutely love their owners but act aggressively around others and you certainly wouldn’t want your beloved pet to make a scene in public. This is part of the ESA training, so if you’re having trouble with their behavior, you can always ask a pet psychologist to help out.
You may be wondering how you can choose a dog for your emotional support needs. Well, there are many different types of breeds you can choose from! If you would want one of your own, you may choose from any of the following
Labrador retriever
There’s no surprise that Labradors are the most popular choice for ESAs. They’re very loyal, easy to train, and intelligent beings. Even though they look large and bulky, they have a very calm temperament and are especially gentle around kids.
Golden retrievers
The Golden Retriever and Labrador breeds have a lot in common with each other. Both these breeds are affectionate, warm, and caring. Due to their friendliness, they are also accepted widely outdoors, which is a big plus.
Yorkshire terrier
A very common type of ESA dog is the Yorkshire terrier. These sweet dogs tend to form a very strong bond with their owners and support them wholeheartedly. Because they aren’t super large, they can fit into pretty tiny spaces as well. So if you live in a tiny apartment, this may be the best choice for you!
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The best part about this breed is that they love cuddles and will give you lots of kisses! This breed even looks extremely adorable and are very friendly outdoors. They also adapt fast and are easy to train.
