Although training emotional support dogs is not necessary, it’s still a good idea to do so. It will not only help strengthen the bond between you and your furry friend but also ensure that your dog can effectively provide the support you need.
Moreover, if you visit some locations with your ESA or someone plays with your dog, having basic training in place will make these interactions smooth and enjoyable. Imagine your dog being calm and well-behaved when guests come over, or you’re out in public—it makes life so much easier!
In this post, we’ll cover the essential commands and techniques for training your emotional support dog and making your daily life more harmonious. First, let’s recap the emotional support dogs and the need for an ESA letter.
What Is An Emotional Support Dog, And The Role of An ESA Letter?
Many people find that their dogs provide essential mental health benefits and improve their quality of life. Dogs that help their owners cope with medical conditions like depression, anxiety, or stress are called emotional support dogs. Any dog breed can be an ESA, and they don’t need any specific training. However, choosing the right dog for your unique needs is essential.
To make your dog an emotional support dog, you need a legitimate ESA Letter. A licensed professional must write it after determining that your dog supports your well-being. This ESA Letter is proof that your dog is an ESA. Here, you will find the beginner’s guide to ESA (Emotional Support Animal) Letter so you can learn more about the letter and your rights as an ESA owner.
Top 7 Essential Commands and Techniques to Teach Your ESA
- Potty Training
This is the first command owners teach their dogs because no one wants to live with a dog who potties anywhere. Even if your dog is an ESA and not potty trained, you may not be allowed to keep him in your home for long.
How to give your dog “potty training”:
- Take your dog out at the same time every day.
- Provide plenty of opportunities for your dog to go potty.
- Be consistent with potty training.
2. Stay
Sometimes, you may need your support dog to stay in one place, so it is an essential command to train. This command will minimize most of the disturbance created by your dog.
How to train for “stay” command
- Have your dog sit or lie down.
- Put your hand in front of their face and say, “Stay.”
- Gradually step back while maintaining the “stay” command.
- Wait a few seconds after each step.
- If your dog stays put, give them a treat as a reward.
- Repeat with patience and practice.
3. Leave It
Your dog can grab anything that looks or smells interesting. This can be inappropriate for support dogs as they are allowed in “no pets” housing. The “leave it” command teaches your dog to throw whatever unwanted thing they have in their mouth.
How to train for the “leave it” command
- Hold a treat in your closed hand.
- Let your dog sniff the treat.
- Wait for your support dog to stop trying to get the treat and pull away.
- As soon as your dog pulls away, say, “Leave it.”
- Reward your dog with a different treat from your other hand.
- Repeat this process several times until your dog consistently responds to the “leave it” command.
4. Sit
It is essential for an ESA dog. If you are taking your ESA in public places, your dog needs to be seated and will remain seated for as long as necessary.
How to train for the “Sit” command
- Start by looking at each other.
- Once your dog looks at you, say, “Sit.”
- Give them the treat or toy as your ESA dog starts to sit.
- Repeat this process until you sit on your command.
5. Come
Come is a command that tells emotional support dogs you need them, and it’s their role to reach you immediately. It is essential if your emotional support dog is ever off-leash. A dog with good recall skills is attentive to its owner and submissive to commands, which is vital for an ESA.
How to train for “come” command
- Start by placing your dog in a sit-stay position.
- Say the word “come.”
- Since this is the first time teaching your dog to come, make other silly sounds that encourage your dog to come to you.
- When your dog gets to you, say “yes!” and reward them.
6. Deep Pressure Therapy or DPT
It is an advanced training for emotional support dogs that can be very helpful for individuals with emotional challenges. An ESA dog can be trained to apply physical pressure when a person has a panic attack.
How to train for “Deep Pressure Therapy” command
- Begin by training your dog to use “up,” “down,” or “paws off” to peacefully go on and off couches.
- When they can do this, place them on your lap or body in the proper DPT position while reassuring them to be calm.
- As a reward, give them goodies or their favorite item.
7. Be Quiet
The “quiet” command teaches your dog to stop barking on command. It helps control excessive barking, especially when it may be disruptive to others, such as in apartment buildings or when guests visit.
How to train for the “Be Quiet” command
- After 3-4 barks, put a treat in your dog’s face.
- When your dog stops barking to get the treat, say “Quiet” calmly.
- Immediately say “YES” and give your dog the treat.
- Repeat this 5-6 times per session.
- Do a few sessions each day for a week.
How To Choose The Right Emotional Support Dog
You should choose the right ESA dog that is easy to train. Yes, some dog breeds are easy to train. They possess high levels of intelligence and problem-solving abilities, making them quick learners and more responsive to training. These dog breeds instantly catch the command and follow it passionately. These are some of the easiest dog breeds to train for the role of emotional support dog.
- Border Collie.
- Golden Retriever
- Labrador Retriever
- German Shepherd
- Poodle
- Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie)
- Papillon
- Doberman Pinscher
- Border Terrier (for a terrier!)
- Australian Shepherd
Top 5 Tips for Training Your Emotional Support Dog
For the best results, treat your dog as a working dog, not a child. Dogs behave best when they have a job. Here are some tips for training an emotional support dog for the best outcomes.
- Be Patient and Consistent
Training takes time, and every dog learns at their own pace. Be patient and consistent with your commands and expectations. Use different words and gestures for each command to avoid confusing your dog.
- Socialize Your Emotional Support Dog
Socializing your dog is essential because it prevents them from barking at strangers, which can disturb neighbors. Try to slowly introduce your dog to a social park so they can be socialized around other dogs and people.
- Use Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is one of the most effective training methods. Reward your dog with praise, treats, or playtime whenever they correctly follow a command. It encourages them to repeat the behavior.
- Focus On Leash Training
Focus on leash training if you want your support dog to accompany you publicly. Off-leash training is excellent for support dogs that stay at home, but most public spaces will require you to have your dog on a leash. Therefore, ensuring your dog is well-behaved on a leash can make going out in public with an ESD easier.
Train Your Emotional Support Dog Young
Any dog can be an emotional support animal, but training a young dog is easy. Training an older dog, especially for specialized tasks, is hard. For this reason, it’s good to adopt a younger dog and train it at around three to six months of age.
Conclusion
Training your emotional support dog is a rewarding journey that requires dedication, time, and effort. Teaching your dog these essential commands will improve its behavior and strengthen your bond. Remember to be patient and consistent and utilize positive reinforcement techniques using high-quality chews.
