So, 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 has a different job. One type of animal you may have never heard about before is called an emotional support animal. This animal helps people with mental illnesses 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.
If you also like an ESA, you may have to discuss a few formalities with your general physician. You should be aware of some characteristics of an emotional support dog.
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 much about its personality and how it will behave with its 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 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
Having an intelligent dog doesn’t cut it; he also needs obedience. 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 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 quickly catch it and help out.
Easygoing and Social
You might want to behave well around strangers when walking with your ESA. Many dogs 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 behaviour, you can always ask a pet psychologist to help out.
You may wonder how to choose a dog for your emotional support needs. Well, there are many different types of breeds you can choose from! If you want one of your own, you may choose from 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 widely accepted outdoors, which is a big plus.
Yorkshire Terrier
A very common type of ESA dog is the Yorkshire terrier. These sweet dogs form a strong bond with their owners and support them wholeheartedly. Because they aren’t super large, they can also fit into pretty tiny spaces. So if you live in a tiny apartment, this may be your best choice!
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 is very friendly outdoors. They also adapt fast and are easy to train.