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Emotional Support: How ESAs Improve Your Life—What to Know



It can be quite difficult for any person undergoing mental and emotional turmoil to cope with their issues on their own. Besides seeing a healthcare professional and coming in for regular sessions, you must receive the appropriate emotional support.

One way to receive love is through the help of an emotional support animal (ESA). Some dogs are made to undergo emotional support dog training to become someone’s official ESA. These special pets strive to give their owner all the love and undivided attention to help them recover and deal with their issues.

If you or anyone you know is going through a difficult time in their lives and suffering any form of mental illness, you can consider having a dog go through emotional support dog training in Rhode Island to help support your loved ones. Keep reading below to find out more information about ESAs.

What Is an Emotional Support Dog?

An emotional support dog is different from a regular dog due to how it is trained and treated. ESAs have no legal rights, but oftentimes organizations choose to extend certain benefits, like living in various kinds of housing options and having the privilege to ride on a plane alongside their owner.


In line with that, take note that an ESA is not considered as a pet, in the same way that therapy dogs and service animals aren’t. However, emotional support dogs differ from service dogs because they have limitations when it comes to public transportation, and they enjoy more rights compared to therapy dogs assigned to nursing homes.

The Importance of Training for ESAs

It isn’t recommended to rely on an untrained dog to receive the emotional support a person with a mental disability needs to cope with their everyday life. A dog must first go through the proper training necessary to become an ESA and become perceived as a reliable healthcare support companion.

Remember, it’s crucial to bring your ESA with you wherever you go. That way, you’re sure that no matter when your condition is triggered, you have the support you need to tide through it. People can travel with their emotional support dog to help them feel at ease throughout the entire trip.

Getting an Emotional Support Dog

If you’re looking to get an ESA, you can think of adopting an emotional support dog or have your own dog undergo training to become a certified ESA. Since dogs are known to have a certain effect on humans that immediately make them feel much better, they tend to hold a high score on the pet and ESA ratings.

Firstly, a puppy must learn the basic dog training commands, such as recall, stay, sit, down, settle, and leave it, to become responsive, obedient, and easy to call out to when you need them. Most of all, your ESA serves to provide emotional support and shower you with love, comfort, and friendship every time you seek their presence.

Conclusion

Anyone experiencing an emotional or mental disorder can significantly benefit from having an ESA with them. With one on your side, you’re sure to avoid a lot of the daily complications you undergo when combatting your mental or emotional condition.

Are you looking for emotional support dog training to train your puppy to become a legitimate ESA? Coaching Canine Companions offers dog training methods focused on building the relationship between a dog and a human through holistic, empowerment-based approaches. Get in touch with us today to schedule a free meet and greet!

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