Emotional Support Dogs Vs. Service Dogs
If you happen to Google Emotional Support Animal, what usually comes up is how to certify your pet as one. Very little information is given on what makes for an effective emotional support animal. So let’s clarify that. An emotional support dog is one that can make one feel more at ease with their presence. They can help alleviate stress, anxiety and a myriad of other psychiatric conditions. They do not need a certification, therefore picking the right dog for the task is crucial in order for them to be of service in the way that helps the human in question. But also to make sure the dog actually can handle being a support system for another being.
The best way to choose an emotional support dog is to find a dog that enjoys working. Dogs that are super active and that seek tasks to do wherever they find themselves. Those are the dogs that have a hard time simply staying still and observing. The dogs that are happy go lucky, enjoy being out and about, relish in people pleasing and have a lightness about their surrounding. These are dogs that have no problem “carrying” the responsibility of being of service.
On the contrary, they actually become the best versions of themselves when they are performing a task for their pack. Their energy is bubbly and light. They do not get tense no matter the situation presented to them. The flip side however, is that working dogs need to be trained and taught what their job actually is. If you have a dog that is hyper and can’t focus on anything then that is not a good candidate to be an emotional support pup. Since that dog will, most likely, create more stress to the handler since they require constant supervision.
Once you find that perfect energy dog to be your emotional support, then make sure you spend time training what you need them to do when you feel yourself in a crisis. Training takes time; it is done through repetition of the desired behavior. It will take at least three months to get you and your dog in a groove where trust is established on both sides. Think about fulfilling your dog first and then asking them to be of service. That is how the relationship can be balanced and fair to both sides. I strongly recommend finding a professional who can help guide you and your dog through the process. Having that foundation of training and understanding of one another will make the support you seek much easier to obtain.
If you’re contemplating the idea of an emotional support dog but are uncertain whether your pet is a good fit for this role, don’t hesitate to contact us today. Schedule a free 20-minute assessment.
