How to Train Your Emotional Support Animal

Emotional support animals don’t require the same specialized training as psychiatric service dogs, but basic behavioral training is needed and expected. Having a well-trained and well-behaved emotional support animal will prevent your landlord from having an excuse to evict your animal. Your ESA will also be more effective at doing their job to comfort you. In this guide, our ESA experts will give some quick tips on how to train your emotional support dog, cat, bird, or rodent. 

ESA Training For Dogs 

Here are some behaviors and skills all dogs should master and some quick tips for how to train an emotional support dog (ESD): 

1. Mastery of Basic Obedience
   Why: You should be able to control your emotional support dog so it doesn’t bother other tenants or engage in destructive behavior, especially when in common areas like the lobby and pool area. 
   How: Start with basic commands like Sit, Stay, Come, Heel, and Leave It. To teach “Sit,” hold a treat close to your dog’s nose, then slowly move it up and back. As their head follows the treat, their bottom will naturally lower. Say “Sit” as this happens, then reward. Practice each command for 5-10 minutes, 2-3 times daily.
2. Proper Socialization
   Why: Emotional support dogs live among other humans and pets in apartment complexes. It’s important to ensure they get along with their neighbors. 
   How: Gradually expose them to various people, animals, environments, and situations from a young age, using positive reinforcement to create pleasant associations with new experiences.
3. Comfort on Leash
   Why: In most housing complexes, ESDs are expected to be on a leash in common areas.
   How: Start in a quiet area, rewarding your dog for walking calmly by your side while on a leash. Gradually increase distractions. Begin in an empty park, then progress to quiet streets, busier areas, and finally, crowded spaces.
4. Remaining Calm 
   Why: Landlords can evict an ESD if they constantly create noise disturbances, property damage, or lunge at neighbors. Also, having a calm ESA can help calm your own anxiety and stress.
   How: When your ESD is calm, say “settle” (or your chosen cue), wait a second, then reward. Repeat until your ESD starts to relax when they hear the cue. Practice in gradually more distracting environments. Identify stimuli that excite or stress your ESD and consistently expose them to a very low intensity of the stimulus to desensitize them. 

If your emotional support dog shows signs of aggression or extreme anxiety, consult an experienced professional dog trainer. 

ESA Training For Cats 

Cats used as ESAs should be calm, affectionate, and cozy in their environments. Here are vital qualities to focus on and how to train cats to relieve anxiety and other symptoms:

1. Calmness in Various Situations
   Why: A calm cat accustomed to their living area’s sights, sounds, and smells provides a soothing presence.
   How: When your cat is calm, say “settle” (or your chosen cue), wait a second, then reward. Create a “safe space” in each room (e.g., a cat bed or perch) and reward your cat for using it. Gradually expose your cat to new experiences, rewarding calm behavior.
2. Responsiveness to Owner
   Why: A cat that responds to its name and basic commands can provide better emotional support by being summoned when needed. 
   How: Use clicker training to mark desired behaviors instantly. Call your cat’s name before meals to create a positive association. Teach simple commands like “come” by rewarding any movement towards you when called.
3. Affection and Comfort-Giving Behaviors
   Why: A cat that is affectionate and happy to touch you can provide even better emotional support. 
   How: Reward any displays of affection like purring, kneading, or gentle head-butts.

Encourage lap-sitting by calling your cat to you and rewarding them with treats and gentle pets. 

ESA Training For Birds

Many people designate their birds as emotional support animals. Here are key qualities to focus on and how to train for them:

1. Sociability and Bonding
   Why: A strong bond with the owner enhances the bird’s effectiveness as an ESA.
   How: Spend time near the cage, talking softly to accustom the bird to your presence. Offer treats from your hand to build trust. Practice “step-up” training daily, rewarding the bird for perching on your finger or a handheld perch.
2. Calmness 
   Why: A calm bird is less agitated and may make less noise, leaving the neighbors and your nerves unbothered. 
   How: Provide a consistent daily routine to reduce stress. Gradually expose the bird to new sights and sounds, rewarding calm behavior.
3. Vocalization Control
   Why: You don’t want noise complaints from your neighbors about your emotional support bird. While some vocalization is normal, excessive noise can be stressful.
   How: Reward quiet behavior with attention and treats. Avoid reinforcing loud calls by not responding to them.

ESA Training for Rodents

Rodents like mice, guinea pigs, and rats can make surprisingly effective ESAs when trained to be calm, sociable, and comfortable with being handed. Focus on these qualities:

1. Comfort with Handling
   Why: A rodent that enjoys being held can provide better emotional support.
   How: Start with short handling sessions, gradually increasing duration. Use a small, soft towel or cuddle sack for security during handling. 
2. Sociability and Responsiveness
   Why: A sociable rodent that responds to their owner can be more effective as an ESA.
   How: Spend time sitting near the cage, talking softly and offering treats. Use a consistent sound (like a whistle) before interactions to create a positive conditioned response.
3. Basic Trick Training
   Why: While not essential, simple tricks can enhance bonding and provide positive interactions.
   How: Teach “come” by calling your rodent’s name and rewarding movement towards you. Use a target stick to guide your rodent through simple obstacles.
   Reward any interaction with new toys or enrichment items to encourage exploration.

Remember, the key to training any ESA is patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Always work within your pet’s comfort level and never force interactions. The goal is to create a strong, positive bond that allows your ESA to provide emotional support naturally and effectively. 

Using Training Classes and Local Resources

Training your ESA at home is important, but getting help from experts can make a big difference. Professional trainers know a lot about animal behavior. They can:

• See things you might miss
• Give advice that fits your specific needs
• Help your ESA learn to behave well in different places

Many ESA owners find that mixing professional classes with at-home training works best. 

Where to Find Training Help

There are many places to find help with training your ESA. Here are some options:

• Pet Stores
  Big pet stores often have group classes. These are good for teaching basic things like sitting and staying. They’re also great for helping your ESA get along with others.
• Local Trainers
  Look for trainers in your area who know about ESAs. They might offer private lessons.
• Community Centers
  Check if your local community center or parks department offers pet training. These classes are often cheaper and happen in public places, which is good practice for your ESA.
• Vet Offices
  Ask your vet about trainers they recommend. Sometimes, vets even offer training help themselves.
• Online Classes
  You can find training videos and courses online. Some trainers even offer one-on-one video calls. This can be good if your ESA doesn’t like groups or if you’re too busy for in-person classes.
• Animal Shelters
  Even if you didn’t get your ESA from a shelter, they often have cheap or free training classes. Shelter staff know a lot about different animal personalities.

Making the Most of Training Help

Once you find a trainer or class, here’s how to get the most out of it:

1. Tell the trainer what you need
   Be clear about what you want your ESA to learn.
2. Practice at home
   Use what you learn in class every day at home. As Bob, a dog trainer, says, “The real training happens in your everyday life with your ESA.”
3. Let your ESA meet others
   If you go to a class, it’s a chance for your ESA to get used to other animals and people.
4. Keep learning
   Animals can change over time, so think about taking refresher classes now and then.
5. Talk to other ESA owners
   If you meet other people with ESAs, share tips and stories. You can learn a lot from each other.

Remember, every animal is different. What works for one ESA might not work for another. Be patient and keep trying. With the right mix of professional help and home training, your emotional support animal can become even better at supporting you.

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