Although emotional support animals do not have to be as highly trained as a certified service dog, there are some things you will want to consider when choosing a dog intended for emotional support or training one you already pet parent. Emotional Support Animals are pets that a licensed therapist or doctor recommends for an individual. Before you dive into training, you should first see if you qualify for an Emotional Support Animal.
If you do, please read on as we delve into the realm of emotional support dogs. We will include the qualities your dog should possess and how to train your canine to perform a specific emotional support technique.
See if you qualify for an ESA letter today!
What Qualities Should an Emotional Support Dog Possess?
Most dogs possess the natural tendency to be devoted to their pet parent, after all, that’s what makes them man’s and woman’s best friend. However, there are some dogs that may be too rambunctious, overly-excitable or just too timid to help people in their darkest moments. That isn’t to say that these pup-personality-types can’t or will never be able to be an emotional support animal, it just means they may take more training to do so.
If your therapist has recommended an emotional support dog to help with your diagnosis, you will want to look for a canine around a year-old and is calm/laid-back in nature, as well as responsive to you. Making a true connection or an instant bond with any pet is one way to ensure your dog will be there when needed the most.
Puppies and Emotional Support
Some people want to take a puppy and teach it to be an emotional support animal. This is a great way to train the dog up “in the ways” of this important duty.
For this you will, once again, want to find a breed of dog that tends to be more people-orientated and eager to learn. Such breeds include the Labrador/Golden Retrievers, Poodles and the ever-gaining in popularity Goldendoodle. Of course, any breed or mixed breed can certainly offer the qualities you are searching for, just be willing to do some research and visiting of individual puppies to find the best candidate.
Once you have chosen your puppy start him off with the basics of obedience training; sit, stay, down, come, heel etc. The younger you start with these lessons, the more likely your dog will be a suitable emotional support companion.
In addition to obedience, your dog will also need to be well socialized. This means no barking, jumping, lunging, begging for food and other annoying habits some dogs can exhibit when out in a public setting.
This is not only for your own benefit – it’s hard to be unstressed if you have to be constantly looking out for your dog’s unruly behavior – but your dog will be expected to be well-behaved when out-and-about.
If you feel you are not up to the task of training your dog, enlist the help of a professional trainer, or a family member/friend that may want to do the training or go to the training classes for you.
The First Step to Having an ESA is Qualifying for an ESA Letter. 
A Quick Trick to Teach Your Dog to Calm Your Anxiety
Studies have shown that a technique called, Deep Pressure Therapy (DPT) can help calm those who suffer from anxiety, autism, self-harming behaviors and stress in general. This type of non-medicated treatment has been proven to help reduce the duration of the situation and makes it easier to bear.
The principle behind DPT is to have the dog apply gentle pressure to your body, chest or body part (as in self-harming) depending on the size of the canine. For smaller dogs, you can teach them to lie directly across your chest or along the front of your body, while those larger breeds can be taught to place their heads or feet across your lap or legs (whatever is most comfortable for you).
Here are the steps to teaching your dog DPT.
Step 1 – On the Sofa & Paws Up Command
If your dog isn’t used to being on a sofa, you may have to coax him up using some treats. This is as simple as showing your dog the treat, then slowly moving it to the back of the sofa, while excitedly saying his name and “paws up” (example, Toby, paws up!)
Depending on your dog’s reluctance to join you on the sofa, you may have to reward him each time he get’s closer to being on the sofa.
Step 2 – Practice
If you have a smaller dog, the main goal is for your pooch to have all four paws on the sofa, then be in a “down” position. If your dog is larger in nature (one that you don’t want to or can’t bare his weight) this “paws up” command will actually be with his front paws or head on the sofa.
Keep practicing the “paws up” command with treats until your dog knows what it means. Once this is accomplished, you can practice it without the aid of treats – you want your dog to do this because you need him to, not because there is a food reward at the end of the session.
Step 3 – Paws Off Command
Next you will want to teach your dog the “Paws Off” command. This is the same as paws on, but in reverse. To practice this call your dog off the sofa with the command ‘paws off.”
Remember to reward each time he follows through.
Step 4 – Laying/Sitting on Sofa
In order for the DPT to work, ideally you will want your small to medium-size dog to lie vertically along your body with his paws on your shoulders and his head next to yours. If you have a large dog, he will put his paws across your legs or lie his head on your lap when you are in a sitting position.
To train your dog to do this, use the paws up command, then the down command once he is vertically in place or along your lap. When your dog accomplishes this task, give him a treat then give the paws down command.
You may have to practice this back-and-forth training in order for your dog to do it on command, without the end result of a food reward.
If you are teaching a larger dog the DPT technique, he will have to lean into your lap in order for the pressure to be applied properly; however, once your dog relaxes, he should naturally put his weight on your lap.
Step 5 – The Signs of Anxiety Training
Once your dog has mastered the above techniques take the training further my mimicking the types of symptoms you experience during a stressful situation. By practicing this while you are calm and able to reward your dog for following the commands, the better able he will be when you really need him.
Emotional Support Dogs Help
Emotional support dogs have a special way of calming people down. Whether your dog instinctively picks up on your needs, or he requires a little training along the way, this type of support is a true step in healing for those who may otherwise suffer in silence.
Make your Dog an Official Emotional Support Dog 
Get your ESA Letter from a Licensed Mental Health Professional
I recently had my dog registereed on line but it seems like it’s not recognized I got ESA letter also it the same I live in Alabama what can I do
Registering your dog will not qualify your dog as an ESA. You may fill out the questionnaire here and a therapist in Alabama will be able to assist you!
I would love to have my dog certified as an emotional support animal not for myself but as a volunteer work dog for others. She is an extremely intuitive dog and actually supported and kept me calm during my home labor with my son. We have been thinking about having her as a volunteer dog for nursing homes, children’s hospitals, or things of that nature. Is this something that can be done?
It is wonderful to hear you want to train a dog for that purpose. However, it does not seem like qualifying the dog as an ESA is necessary. Qualifying your pet as an ESA gives you the right to live in your home with your ESA, even if there is a no-pet policy, and to take flights with your ESA. In addition, ESAs, unlike service dogs, do not require any special training.
I was told the esa letter isn’t legal. The letter from the doctor had no phone number or is number.
Did you obtain the letter from your doctor? If so, you can ask them to add their number. It is important that ESA recommendation letters from the licensed mental health professionals or doctor has the professional’s contact information on it so the landlord or airline can verify the letter is legitimate. The lack of contact information can be a red flag when it comes to fake ESA letters. Remember, a valid ESA letter must come from an LMHP or doctor. You can read more about distinguishing fake letters from real ones here: https://esadoctors.com/dont-be-scammed-fake-esa-letters/
This article is truly an enjoyable as well as an informative read for all those who want to know more about emotional support animals. The author has enlightened us with various useful details about how to prepare a pet dog as an emotional support animal. If you think that your dog can give you a soothing and comforting feeling whenever you feel depressed, I think this article can help you a lot in giving the correct training to your beloved dog.
🙂
Really helpful and insightful article. I have always wanted to train my dog to help alleviate my anxiety. Now I know that I can not only train my Buster, but I can now certify him as a real emotional support dog. Very much appreciated!
Is there any training you can take your dog to become a professional esa?
Professional training is not required for an ESA, but it is important to make sure that your ESA behaves and is under control. You may find this post helpful in training an emotional support dog – https://esadoctors.com/how-to-train-dog-emotional-support-animal/.
What a great idea n many thanks 4 sharing this I believe their r many ppl
Out there with dogs that r already attached 2 them if not they can go 2 their nearest
Pound a get a get dog fr there an at the size the need or want again
Many thanks
Thank you for this. I have just got a puppy and I have a long way to go , but truth is, I just can’t live without a dog..I have never and realized after having my 2 senior dogs cross over that bridge in Feb. I am sure that the new puppy is not on your list and is a totally different dog for me. I hope she can become a Companion dog 🐕 for me. Time will tell, she is only 8 weeks old. And I have my hands full..again, thank you. I hope this will happen for me..Time will tell and loads of hard work.
I have a German Shepherd/Lab mix and I want to train him to be an emotional support dog. I have depression and anxiety disorder with seizure type episodes and I am scared to even go on walks. I would like to train my dog to be a support when in a walking situation, but I don’t see that here. Is it the same thing?
Support animals need only be well behaved when out in public. Please note that they do not have the same privileges as service dogs.
My emotional support dog just passed away. I am not ready to get another one yet. Where can I go purchase one one get help get in getting a black lab puppy and help with training. I am so lost and in need.
Mary, we suggest checking out your local shelters and rescues. If you are in need of a puppy, there are many rescues that foster and rescue puppies. Puppies can be a LOT of work! A one or two year old pup will have the energy you desire without the puppy headaches. Good luck!
I am qualified. I have the letter and my dog flew with me and stores etc. he was a small dog but I am looking for a bigger one
Great article! I had a service dog) who died late winter. I went through a rescue in another state for a new dog. When she arrived, she was not trained or socialized at all except housebroken. After two months of training and agony over what to do, I have to face that she is too energetic and issues I can’t deal with. Will not send her back to a bad situation. I do love her. What can I do?
If your dog is not trained to be a service dog, you may be able to qualify her as an emotional support animal. ESA’s are not required to provide specific tasks, but they do have to be well behaved and under control.
How do I train my dogs, brother and sister, Jack Russel Terrior and Chiwaw mix, almost 2 years old, to stop barking, weeping.
I am looking for an emotional support dog for my elderly mother. I’m so tired of reading about free certifications etc that you can get for your current dog. Several people here have posted they got a new dog they hoped would be an emotional support dog but the dog has as many anxieties/problems as the owners. I’m shocked there is not a network of organizations that prepare dogs for new owners like there is with true service dogs.
Finding a dog with the right temperament is essential when designating an ESA. Your new dog’s energy level should also match yours. For example, a Border Collie may have the right temperament, but if you are low energy this may not be the dog for you. We suggest checking out your local shelter or rescue and spending some time with a dog in need. You may find your perfect ESA in no time!
Hello, i wanted to get my dog be an emotional dog, how can i apply and i can bring him on the plane with me, he’s 80lbs, big boy.
Just fill out the questionnaire in the link below and a licensed mental health professional will assist you in getting the necessary documents to qualify you for an ESA.
https://esadoctors.com/esa-questionnaire/
How can I get 2 of my 9 month Pomeranians as therapy/ESA/service animals. I am prone to panic attacks, diabetc type 1, heart patient with pacemaker, AFIB,chronic pancreatitis, migraines (way too often)! snd ankloding spondilitis. These pups calm me and make me laugh and calm
You can talk to your doctor or therapist or connect with one in our network. Just fill out the questionnaire in the link below and a licensed mental health professional will assist you in getting the necessary documents for your ESA.
https://esadoctors.com/esa-questionnaire/
I have a severe case of OCD I get anxiety attacks and whenever I am out and about I get stressed because of my social anxiety, I want to register my dog I recently adopted. He is 1 year 3 months and has had no training, he is not an aggressive dog he just is not trained and plays a little rough with other dogs. When he sees another dog and wants to meet it he whines very loudly he doesn’t want to hurt it he just wants to meet it. I know that he has boxer in him but I think he is a mix the shelter didn’t tell us the exact breed. I know he can be trained but is it possible to make him into an emotional support dog, if so what should I do to start the training.
Starting with basic commands (sit, down, stay, come) is the best way to make sure that you have your dog under your control. Emotional support dogs are not required to be specially trained to perform a service, unlike service dogs. In order to qualify for an ESA letter for your dog, you may talk to your mental health professional or get in contact with one online by completing the questionnaire here: https://esadoctors.com/esa-questionnaire/.
I have problems with depression and anxiety. I noticed that my dogs will realize this at times and come cuddle with me and it helps. I was wondering if I could possibly train them both to be an emotional support dog? One’s almost 6 and one is about 2 years old. Are they considered too old, or would it be OK since I already have a bond with them and they can already see some of my “signs”?
You may start training your dogs to be emotional support animals at any point in their lives. You must have an ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional in order to qualify your dogs as emotional support animals.
My 9 yr old son has a heart condition, mood disorder and major anxiety issues. We are looking into providing him with a support dog but we aren’t sure about the best means to go about training both pet and child. Would it best to train both pet and boy together or separately?
Training your dog with your child creates a bond and a set “language” that both can understand.
How can I get help with getting and training a esa for myself I need help with the training. Also my husband needs help with training our poodle to be a service dog he has diabetes. Please help
You can find ESA training information here: https://esadoctors.com/how-to-train-dog-emotional-support-animal/.
I don’t have any problems but my dog would be beneficial to our elderly residents in our facility. Would an ESA be able to visit at facilities to help other people.
It sounds like your dog may be suited to be a Therapy Dog. Therapy dogs do not have any access rights, but you can call your local elder care facility to see if they will allow your dog to visit. You can find more information on the differences between an ESA, Service Dog, and Therapy dog here: https://esadoctors.com/emotional-support-animals-vs-service-dogs-and-therapy-dogs/.
My dog she helps me with anxiety and depression I don’t really now how to train her to be a emotional dog that can help me I can’t go to school and be happy without her but I can’t do that I need help any suggestions?
Hi Nayeli, you can train your dog yourself! In order to qualify your dog as an emotional support animal, you will have to get an ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional. Please let us know if you have any additional questions!
This is not true. You can find Virgin Airline’s emotional support animal policy by clicking here: https://esadoctors.com/airline/virgin-america-airlines-emotional-support-animal/.
I was a police officer in Northern California for nearly 25
years when I was medically retired in 2005. This did not sit well with me, as ptsd was in full swing. I was clueless. The situation nearly went fatal. From my perspective this is awesome story and I would be happy to share if you thought it might help someone else. I’ll not go into great detail her but I’ll tell you my dog save my life. Let me know. Thanks.
Hello Dan, we would love to hear your story. Please email us at support(at)esadoctors.com.
I have an emotional support dog and travel with him about once a month. He is well-behaved and we have never had any accidents or incidents with him. I always carry my ESA letter, his vaccinations, etc. but on this last trip the agent in the agricultural inspection area asked me for a certificate of his training! I told him that he was an emotional support animal and that he is very well-behaved, but he informed me that I needed to have the certificate of his training to make sure that he has been trained to be in public areas around people and around other animals. He also said that this new requirement came into effect on March 1st of this year. He told me to look it up on cdc.gov. I did, but did not find anything. Does anyone know about this?
The agent is not well informed. You, as the owner, can certify the training. You do not need any other type of certificate from a third party to certify the training.
I suffer from Anxiety attacks and Depression. I have a licensed therapist I see already. Do I need to talk with a different therapist to get “approved” for an ESA?
And is it possible to purchase an animal that is already trained and certified as an ESA? Much like if I were to get a service dog for a specific condition instead of training an animal from scratch on my own?
You can talk to your own therapist and purchase a dog that has already been trained.
I have a emotional support animal and a doctors letter. Recently several airlines has also requested a certified training certificate.
Here is a copied and pasted correspondence from United Airlines:
Thank you for choosing United.
As of March 1, 2018, United requires additional documentation for customers traveling with emotional support animal or a psychiatric service animal. In addition to providing our form from a licensed medical/mental health professional, customers will need to provide a veterinary health form documenting the health and vaccination records for the animal as well as confirming that the animal has been trained to behave properly in a public setting and you will need to submit all three forms together to the Accessibility Desk.
certified training.
My dog has been traveling with me for 5 years and is exceptionally trained and well mannered. However I trained him myself. Is there a way I can get my training certified to satisfy the airlines?
Thank-you
You can fill out the training certificate yourself. You can certify that your animal has been trained to behave in a public setting.
Does anyone know if E-Collars are allowed for emotional support animals? Or is that frowned upon?
Emotional support animals can and do wear E-collars.
I have a sever hearing problem, can I apply for emotional and support dog? He is my life saver, let’s me know if someone is near, especially if behind me which I can’t hearnthat.
This may qualify your dog as a service dog. If you would like to see if you qualify for an ESA dog, talk to your doctor/therapist or connect with one online by completing the questionnaire here: https://esadoctors.com/esa-questionnaire/.
Can a pug be an ESA dog
Yes! Pugs can make wonderful emotional support dogs.
Can ESA dogs go with me to school, restaurants, and stores?
Emotional support dogs do not have public access rights.
Hello, I’d like to have a emotional service dog but not for me I want me and my dog to help others who like me suffer a little less even for that moment. Is that achievable, is it possible to do something like that? If you don’t know can you point me in the direction to find out how to do that? If it’s not possible please be upfront about it. Please and thank you.
It sounds like you want a therapy animal. Therapy animals provide comfort to those in need, but do not have special access rights.
Can a Pit bull dog be qualify in the state of Florida to be use for emotional service dog?
hi! i’ve requested a letter from my therapist already for an esa, but we aren’t sure whether to train our family goldendoodle(little over a year old) or to start fresh with a new puppy. we keep weighing the pros and cons with each, but just can’t decide which way to go. any suggestions?
I was wondering if there’s any certain breed of dog that works best as an ESA, because I wanted to know if my Husky would work as one or not.
Any breed can be an ESA. The most important thing is that the dog fits your lifestyle and activity level.
We have a golden doodle for my daughter. We got her as puppy. Three trainings at PetSmart beginner, intermediate and advanced. My daughter has intellectual disability, trauma and anxiety. I’m getting the good citizen cert. Letters from therapist ECT. I recommend the golden doodle. It is on the list for therapy dogs. My thoughts only.
Im devastated by what the airlines (delta and united) new rule: no more esan and pet in cabin for flights more than 8 hours?
Do you know where I can file a formal complaint tô ther government?
Please help
FCON
You can file a complaint to the Department of Travel.
Hello, I faced the same issue and submitted a complaint to the US Department of Transportation. Their investigation showed that United is in fact in violation of federal regulations. Feel free to contact me, so this issue can be further addressed.
Under new DOT guidance, airlines may not categorically restrict ESAs on flights scheduled to last 8 hours or more. On flights scheduled to last 8 hours or more, airlines may ask for 48 hours’ advance notice, early check-in, and documentation that the ESA will not need to relieve itself on the flight or that it can do so in a way that does not create a health or sanitation issue on the flight. Please see here for more information: https://esadoctors.com/new-airline-rules-emotional-support-animals/
I have a question i went to my therapist i have been seeing her for 1 year i ask her for an esa she turned me down can she do that she has all my history
Your therapist has the right to deny your request. It is also your right to get a second opinion.
Is an Alaskan Huskie good for my daughter to have as an emotional support dog? She suffers from severe depression and that is a dog she has said she always wanted. Her counselor has recommended maybe getting her a dog. Any feedback would be appreciated.
Huskies require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation in order to be happy and calm. Your lifestyle should dictate which breed is best for you.
I want to register my dog to be a esa im about to fill out the form on here. Do I need any additional Information to qualify? I don’t have a therapist that diagnosed me with anxiety but anxiety runs through my family and I also have some sort of PTSD from being robbed at gunpoint in my home so now I’m really scared to be home alone and have a fear that it will happen again my dog makes me feel safe and calm. But because of his breed there’s a lot of restrictions on where I can live so what was turning to register him in hopes that I could keep my dog that makes me feel comfortable I’ve had him for years just moved to a different state and having a problem finding a home that will allow him to come with me. I just don’t know what I’d do if he wasn’t with me. So i just need to know if I need to provide any additional information like police report from when I was robbed or any medical info. Just want to get it all together before I apply
The best thing for you to do would be to go through our order process online. You will be asked to complete a questionnaire and the licensed mental health professional you are assigned will let you know what additional information they may need.
I am nervous I have a mixed breed but she is a little hyper I don’t know her exact age and I was curious to how to make her an ESA or if she would even make a good ESA. I suffer from sever depression and anxiety and harm thoughts and I qualify for an ESA or service dog but service dogs are too expensive. I need advise.
In order to qualify an animal companion as an ESA, you need a recommendation letter from a licensed mental health professional. The LMHP will assess you to see if you have a disability that an emotional support animal would help with. We recommend that you see your current therapist for help. If you do not have a therapist, we can help connect you to an LMHP licensed in your state: https://esadoctors.com/esa-questionnaire/
Are you supposed to get a dog intended to be an emotional support dog when they are a puppy or an adult? And are there places that train dogs to be emotional support dogs?
Any type of dog can be an ESA. ESAs do not require specific training – they are intended to provide comfort and emotional support to their owners. Service animals on the other hand do require specific training.
Well if there are things you want to train them to do that would help you (distracting you, putting their head on your chest, etc), would you have to teach them yourself or are there trainers for that?
You can do either or both! Many people also partake in group training lessons with other dog owners.