Dogs truly are man's best friend. They keep us company as they cuddle with us while we watch TV or just walk around the house. They help us spend more time outdoors and breathe fresh air. We also love to take care of our “fur babies” and take care of them.
Dogs are experts at support. Your dog knows when you've had a rough day and is there to comfort you with a lick and a pet. They bring joy and happiness no matter what the occasion. Dogs are also amazing emotional support animals for people suffering from anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Emotional support dogs vs. therapy dogs vs. service dogs
Emotional support dogs are different from other categories of dogs that help us.
Let's discuss:
What are service dogs?
Service dogs are dogs that have been specially trained to do at least two specific jobs to help people with disabilities. A well-known example of this type of dog is the assistance dog for the blind, but there are many things that assistance dogs can do, including working as psychiatric assistance dogs to help people with mental health issues.
They can alert you to a rise or fall in blood pressure, orchange your upcoming seizure handler. Service dogs are protected by thisAmericans with Disabilities Actand they're allowed in most public places, including air travel (zoos are usually a notable exception).
Any dog can be a service dog, from the Chihuahua to the Collie to the Labrador Retriever. All of these puppies and more can be our heroes!
What are therapy dogs?
Therapy dogs are trained dogs that visit places like schools, libraries, hospitals, or foster homes. They are not protected by the ADA or the Fair Housing Act as service dogs and cannot go anywhere like service dogs can. These hero dogs bring joy to all visitors.
What are Emotional Support Dogs?
Emotional Support Dogs (ESA Dogs)They are there to help people with an emotional or mental health condition that has been diagnosed as a disability. Emotional support dogs are not specifically trained to deal with specific emotions your human may be experiencing. As such they are in adifferent classificationas service dogs.
Many people can live fuller, happier lives with their emotional support dogs. They offer guidance and support during these difficult times.
Emotional support dogs can help reduce feelings of anxiety, loneliness, and stress. By taking your dog outside for emotional support, you can help stimulate much-needed social interaction with others.
At least we know how full our life is with our puppies. We may be biased, but we firmly believe that dogs are the best.
Dog breeds for emotional support
As we know, every dog breed brings something special in terms of personality and temperament. Corgis are excellent at herding cows and sheep, and Leonbergers make excellent working dogs for search and rescue teams.
When it comes to emotional support dogs, there are several affectionate dog breeds that fit the profile of a calm and affectionate puppy. Of course, any dog that you have an emotional connection with can be an emotional support dog.
Emotional support dogs should be easy to train. When you take your dog out in public, he will be able to follow commands with ease. They also need to be socialized to be comfortable with other people and other animals, although there is a lot of excitement involved.
Intelligence and emotional abilities are also important qualities to look for in an emotional companion dog. Simple training is important, but being able to sense when your people are feeling strong emotions is also important.
Through a close bond, the dog gets to know its human and learns which habits and signals it sends out. This way the dog knows when it needs support.
Let's take a look at some of the best dog breeds for emotional support dogs.
1. Labrador-Retriever
Labs are easy to train thanks to their super food motivation (can we say we are too?). Labradors are also very friendly to people and other animals. They are loving, calm and approachable.
They are larger dogs weighing up to 70 pounds and need frequent exercise as they need to watch their waists. This is an added bonus if you are looking for a breed to help you.
2. The bottle
Poodles make wonderful companions as they are easy to train and highly intelligent. They also have great memories and are very loyal to their humans. They have a long lifespan and give you plenty of time to bond and learn about you for your poodle.
They are naturally well mannered, making it easy for them to accompany you on errands outside the home. Poodles also come in many sizes, so you can choose between smaller poodles and larger poodles.
3. Hounds
If you're looking for a smaller dog that can be calm and energetic, loving, and loyal, a Beagle is a great choice. Having a Beagle friend as an emotional support dog can help ease fleeting emotions as it can help alleviate your discomfort.
Beagles love to make friends and will form a wonderful bond with you. Training is vital with this breed to ensure their keen sense of smell doesn't result in their nose replacing their brain... and to keep howling to a minimum.
4. Kavalier-King-Charles-Spaniel
This little friend shows you affection and loyalty. They have a warm temperament and were originally bred to be comforting companions. They love to snuggle with their human and can rival their human's energy output as well.
They'll love lazy days as much as you do, but when you're ready to head to the park, they'll look forward to soaking up the sun with you. These spaniels are easy to train and well mannered - there's a reason the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the dog of kings.
5. Golden Retriever
Goldens are one of the most popular dog breeds, and for good reason. They are loyal, good-natured dogs who offer support no matter the environment or emotional level. They are easy to train and ready to please.
With golden retrievers weighing around 70 pounds, this friendly friend will help you feel safe and secure. They can also be quite comedic and make you laugh when your feelings might be making you sad.
6. Pomeranian
Pomeranians are the perfect size to sit on your lap. They love to be affectionate with their humans and are always there for you when you need comfort. This lap dog is intelligent and does well with constant exercise. These adorable little balls also love to go for a walk and may surprise you at how agile they can be.
Loyal and devoted to people, they probably want to be around you when they are at home. The Pomeranian's small size makes them portable almost anywhere.
7. Yorkshire-Terrier
These little terriers have huge hearts and their loving nature will make you feel all the love. The Yorkie is easy to train and doesn't require a lot of outdoor space. This is ideal for those who live in smaller homes or don't leave home often.
Yorkshire Terriers are loyal and will form strong bonds with their humans. This little dog picks up your emotions easily and will be there for you when you need love and support.
Join the cause of PAWZ
Not herePAWZWe love all dogs. Service dogs, emotional support dogs, and dogs that you consider family. We know that the best dog is all dogs.
We also want to change the lives of dogs who don't have a warm and loving home.
When we started PAWZ, we wanted to combine our love of fashion and our love of dogs. We aim to make stylish clothing that shows our love for dogs and also helps precious dogs in need.
Our taskis to save all dogs by raising awareness and money to save dogs lives and find them loving homes. We donate 10% of our net profits to local and national no-kill animal shelters and animal welfare organizations like Best Friends Animal Society.
We have clothes for every activity, from snuggling at home with your furry best friend to hiking. You can't go wrong with one of usburnt Hoodieswith our paw PAWZ on the front and back. OurT-ShirtsThey're just as comfy and we have plenty of styles to have you covered for every holiday and occasion.
Every time you wear your PAWZ gear, you're sure to get questions and praise to help raise awareness of our cause. Feel good about rescuing the dogs and look good doing it.
It's simple: PAWZ keeps you in style and you help Best Friends make our country pet-free.
Fuentes:
seizure dogs | Epilepsy Foundation
Revised 2010 ADA Requirements: Service Animals | ADA.gov
Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals | National ADA Network