In recent years, we’ve seen a major uptick in the number of registered emotional support dogs across the nation. Unlike service dogs, emotional support animals (ESAs) aren’t required to undergo specific training before earning their titles. Does that mean you should forgo training your ESA? The short answer is no! Read on to learn the importance of emotional support dog training.
ESAs are More Than Pets
Most dog owners would agree that having a dog around keeps them feeling happy, calm, and loved. When it comes to emotional support dogs, this isn’t simply a side effect of dog ownership. It’s both intentional and a necessity to the owner’s well-being.
In other words, an emotional support dog is more than just a pet. Their job is to accommodate owners with mental health disorders like anxiety, depression, and PTSD. For many ESAs, this involves performing specific functions in response to specific symptoms. While dogs have a natural talent for providing comfort, it takes active training to encourage targeted and responsive behaviors.
ESAs Have More Public Access Than Most Dogs
Under the ADA, registered service dogs are protected in most environments, from universities to grocery stores. Contrary to popular belief, emotional support dogs don’t have this same level of protection. However, they do have access to transportation options that the average dog does not, like plane cabins, public buses, and trains.
When your dog has increased access to the world around them, training is imperative to keep them and others safe. Imagine losing a dog with poor recall in an airport terminal or riding the bus with a dog who is reactive toward strangers. Ultimately, training ensures that you can trust your dog in public spaces, creating a better experience for everyone involved.
Better Behavior Means Better Emotional Support
At All Dogs Unleashed, we firmly believe that any dog can benefit from training, even stubborn dogs and troublemakers. We also believe that living with an untrained dog is a recipe for undue stress.
Many dogs exhibit fear-based or attention-seeking behaviors simply because they don’t know how else to express their needs. A trained dog trusts that you’ll meet her needs, and those misbehaviors start to fall away. Not only does this reduce owner stress, but it also enables emotional support dogs to remain calm and better support their owner’s needs.
Training Enhances Bonds and Communication
In the process of training, you and your dog learn to operate on the same wavelength. This can enhance your bond and give you the tools to communicate with ease. The stronger your connection, the better your emotional support dog can gauge any shifts in your symptoms and step in to help you regulate.
At ADU, we offer a variety of training options, including group and private classes. We strive to accommodate the individual needs of our canine students and their owners. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions you have about our methods and programs.
