{"id":2168,"date":"2019-10-16T15:43:33","date_gmt":"2019-10-16T20:43:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usserviceanimals.org\/new-blog\/?p=2168"},"modified":"2023-12-30T15:39:18","modified_gmt":"2023-12-30T21:39:18","slug":"emotional-support-training-for-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usserviceanimals.org\/blog\/emotional-support-training-for-dogs\/","title":{"rendered":"Emotional Support Training for Dogs"},"content":{"rendered":"

Emotional support dogs (ESDs) are an effective therapy for individuals with mental and emotional disabilities. Not only do they provide comfort and support, but they can also help during a crisis, such as an anxiety attack.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While emotional support animals require much less training than service animals, there are requirements your dog must meet to become an ESD.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re thinking of adopting an ESD, it is essential to follow all requirements, rules, and regulations before adopting one of these special animals. Below we explore all things related to emotional training for dogs and how to become a responsible handler.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Is an Emotional Support Dog?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Emotional service animals (ESAs) are pets recommended by a licensed therapist or health professional to assist individuals with emotional or mental disabilities. Dogs trained as emotional support animals are thus meant to provide comfort, unconditional love, and emotional stability.<\/span><\/p>\n

While ESDs have slightly more rights than ordinary pets, they are not protected under US laws (other than housing) or granted the same public access rights as a trained service dog.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The primary rights afforded to ESDs fall under the <\/span>Fair Housing Act<\/span><\/a>, which states that these animals are allowed to live with their handler\u2014even in accommodations where pets are not allowed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Emotional Support Dogs Vs. Service Dogs<\/span><\/h3>\n

There is a difference between service dogs and emotional support animals, and while we’re focusing on ESDs, understanding what makes them different can help you with training. We’ll start with service dogs.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to guidelines written in the <\/span>Americans with Disabilities Act<\/span><\/a> (ADA), service dogs are protected and able to enter public spaces, private residences, and public transportation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Private spaces aren’t out of the question as well. Plus, laws outlined in the <\/span>Air Carrier Access Act<\/span><\/a> (ACAA) allow service dogs on airlines. That said, service dogs need specialized training to help their owner perform at least one task.<\/span><\/p>\n

On the other hand, emotional support dogs don’t require any training. While they’re protected under the FHA they’re not protected under the ADA or ACAA. For these reasons, they have less protection than service dogs.<\/span><\/p>\n

The biggest difference is that service dogs help someone with a disability accomplish a task or improve their quality of life. ESDs are limited to comforting someone with mental health disorders.<\/span><\/p>\n

Emotional Support Dog Vs. Therapy Dogs<\/span><\/h3>\n

Emotional support dogs and therapy dogs perform similar roles but with different types of training. The most notable example is that therapy dogs need proper training, whereas ESDs don’t. Additionally, therapy dogs are trained to interact with a group of people to provide comfort, whereas emotional support dogs only help one specific person.<\/span><\/p>\n

Therapy dogs are common in places like nursing homes, schools, hospitals, funeral homes, and other group care environments. When they’re on duty, therapy dogs are encouraged to roam around and interact with people, which separates them from ESDs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Benefits of an ESD<\/span><\/h2>\n

There are many benefits to having an <\/span>emotional support dog<\/span><\/a>. For example, if someone is depressed, an ESD can give them an empowered sense of responsibility when taking care of the animal.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Also, individuals with mood disorders can be reclusive. Having an ESD forces a person to get dressed, feed the dog, take it for a walk, and leave home more frequently. Therefore, owning an ESD breaks the negative routine and emotions attached to depression and anxiety.<\/span><\/p>\n

Other benefits of having an ESD include:<\/span><\/p>\n