socialization
logo

Training Your Dog to Be an Emotional Support Animal

By Alina Jumabhoy

Training Your Dog to Be an Emotional Support Animal

Photo by Show 131/ CC

An emotional support animal, also referred to as an ESA, can truly transform the life of someone suffering from a mental disability. Many people get ESAs confused with service animals, but there are a few differences between the two...

One of the main differences is that a service animal is trained to carry out specific tasks. This could be anything from helping a person be more mobile to retrieving items from around the house.

On the other hand, an ESA doesn't need to be trained to carry out specific tasks. Their presence alone is enough to provide that emotional support.

While that may be the case, if you plan on taking your ESA onto a plane or into accommodation that usually has a no-pet policy, some training is definitely required.

Here are a few commands and behaviors to get you started...

SIT

It goes without saying that an ESA should understand the “sit” command.

Why?

Because your ESA will be accompanying you while you're out and about. You will likely need your ESA to sit multiple times through the day, whether this may be at the side of the road to wait for traffic to pass, while the two of you are queuing up for something, or even while you've stopped to talk to someone.

Fortunately, “sit” is an easy command to teach.

It's easiest with puppies, but dogs of any age tend to pick this one up very quickly.

LIE DOWN

Teaching an emotional support dog how to lie down is almost as important as “sit”.

Again, this is a part of basic obedience that dogs learn quite fast.

Once you have mastered this trick at home, make sure that you practice it outdoors too. Some dogs are great at lying down on command at home, but, once they're faced with distractions from the outside world, everything they have already learned can seem to fly out the window.

STAY

It is unlikely that you will be leaving your ESA unattended anywhere, but “stay” is still a great command to teach.

This is one that can take a little time for your pooch to master, so be patient!

Begin by practicing it with short distances. Once you have done that, you can extend the distance, as well as the duration, of the “stay”.

SOCIALIZATION

Socialization is important for any dog, but even more so for an emotional support animal. In fact, many would say that socialization is even more important than the commands listed above.

Why is socialization so important for an emotional support animal?

Because your ESA will be coming across so many new people and dogs each day.

You need your ESA to be comfortable and friendly with them all. A reactive dog will only end up giving you more stress than support, which you definitely don't want with an emotional support animal.

Socialization is best done when a dog is young.

However, if you have adopted an older dog, it's never too late. You will probably need to begin quite slow, gradually increasing your dog's exposure to people and other animals as you progress.

What should you do if your dog really doesn't like other people or other animals?

This can be changed, but it takes time. It can sometimes take a few years.

If this is the case, you may be best off looking for another animal to be your ESA, and keep your reactive dog as juwst a pet.

TRAVEL EXPERIENCE

Many people really rely on their emotional support animal while traveling.

Traveling can be stressful at the best of times, and this can seem even more so for people who are dealing with a mental disability.

However, if you want your dog to support you while you're traveling, this is something you will have to teach him.

How?

Begin by slowly exposing him to different travel environments, such as:

  • Car parks

  • Bus stops

  • Train stations

  • Airports

Give your dog time to have a good sniff around, exploring each environment.

If you know that you will need to keep your dog in a crate while traveling, this is something else that you should practice.

How?

After your dog has explored a certain place on foot, return there a few days later with your dog in a crate. Take your pooch around while he is in his crate, praising him whenever he behaves well.

Repeat that a few times before your day of travel. This will make the actual travel experience much less stressful and overwhelming for your pooch.

NO BARKING

One thing that many people with ESAs struggle with is the barking.

One of the laws that protect ESAs is the Fair Housing Act. This states that landlords must allow an ESA to live in their accommodation, even if they don't usually allow pets.

However, if your pet is not well-behaved and disturbs other tenants, then your landlord does have the right to ask you to leave. The same applies to planes – although you can take your emotional support animal onto a plane with you, any barking or excessive noise means that you and your ESA may be asked to leave the plane.

It goes without saying that you want your pet to be well-behaved as possible...

Basic obedience is one thing, but if you have a dog who is a big barker, what are you meant to do?

The answer is...

Teach your dog how to stop barking on command!

This does take quite a bit of time, especially if your dog has been a barker for years. However, it can be done, and there is plenty of information out there to help you with this.

Although an emotional support animal does not require any specific training, it really does pay to ensure that your dog is well-behaved and attentive if you plan on using him as an ESA. It does take time and effort to get to this stage, but so long as you are working with your dog daily, you will experience consistent results as his training progresses.

Related Articles

Popular Articles

How to Choose a Puppy Training Class

By Alina Jumabhoy

How to Choose a Puppy Training Class

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Photo courtesy of Pixabay

If you have just welcomed a puppy into your family, then starting to choose a puppy training class should be a top priority.

Why?

For a few reasons...

Firstly, puppy training classes are key for socialization. They will teach your pup how to interact with other dogs, as well as other people.

These classes are also important for teaching your pup basic skills. While you can do this yourself at home, the distractions encountered at a class will really help to cement that knowledge in your pup's head. 

So, how do you actually choose a puppy training class?

Here are some points to take into consideration when making your decision:

Obedience vs Socialization

When doing your research to choose a puppy training class, you will notice that classes tend to be categorized as either obedience classes or socialization classes.

What's the difference?

The obedience classes will be focused on basic training. They are a great way to give your pooch a head start when it comes to obedience and other foundational commands.

On the other hand, socialization classes are more like play for your pup. However, this doesn't mean that they aren't important...

Socialization classes will give your pooch the opportunity to interact with different dogs in his own time. The play and mental stimulation that a socialization class provides is so good for your puppy's development.

So, which is better?

Ideally, you want a bit of both.

Try to choose a puppy training class that works on basic training, but also has a socialization aspect to it. If you can't find a class that combines the two, it may be worth signing your pup up for two different classes, one in each category.

Word-of-Mouth Recommendations

You should never choose a puppy training class solely based on a convenient location, because a bad class could end up being so detrimental to your pup.

Instead, one of the best ways to choose a puppy training class is to go with some word-of-mouth recommendations.

Ask your friends and family about the classes that they have attended with their own pups. Your vet, as well as different dog groomers, will also have their own recommendations. If you still don't have many options, you could also try asking local rescue organizations, as well as your local dog warden.

Visit a Class Without Your Dog

Once you have narrowed down your options, it is time to pay your top puppy training classes a visit. While you may be tempted to take your pup with you, this isn't something that you should do.

Why?

Because you need to watch the class objectively, without any distractions. Plus, if you have your pup in tow, you may be asked to join in before you or your pup are ready.

What should you be looking out for when you visit these classes?

You need information that will help you to choose a puppy training class that is best suited to your dog. Look out for the following:

  • A class that is calm and well-organized, rather than chaotic

  • Positive training methods, whether this may be with treats, toys or praise. Preferably, all three should be combined

  • No rough treatment of any of the puppies present. This would include shouting or raised voices

  • A class where both the puppies and the owners are enjoying themselves. Don't forget that a puppy training class is not only to train puppies, but also to train their owners when it comes to raising these puppies properly

  • Separate areas or class times for adult dogs. However, puppies of the same age but different sizes should not be kept apart, as it is important for pups to learn how to interact with dogs of all sizes and breeds. Of course, these interactions do also need to be well-managed

  • Different class levels, such as beginner or advanced

  • Small class sizes, ideally no more than eight dogs per session. This enables each puppy to get the individual attention that they need in order to properly progress

  • A class that is held in a clean environment. Bacteria and viruses can spread so easily between puppies, and toilet training accidents are also very common, so you need to make sure that the environment is suitably clean. However, a strong chemical smell isn't a good sign either, as pet-safe cleaning products are important, especially for vulnerable puppies

After watching a class, ask yourself this question...

Would my puppy and I look forward to attending this class each week?

Don't forget...

You should also look into the certifications that the trainer running the puppy class has. You need to make sure that this is a trainer who has undergone a reputable program. After all, you don't want to be following incorrect advice when it comes to raising your puppy.

Are There Any Dogs Who Shouldn't Attend a Puppy Training Class?

As important as a puppy training class is to a dog's development, these classes aren't for everyone.

Which puppies shouldn't attend a puppy training class?

If your pup already has quite an anxious nature, don't throw your puppy into the deep end by starting with a puppy training class. Instead, enlist the help of a one-on-one puppy trainer to help build your pup's confidence. Once you have done this, a puppy training class will be a great next step.

Another exception to puppy training classes is with pups who have already shown signs of aggression. This could be to either humans or animals.

Again, a one-on-one trainer is what you need to help deal with this. Only once the aggressive behavior has been completely eliminated could you attend a class. After all, you wouldn't want to put any other puppies, or even their owners, in any sort of danger.

It can take a while to choose a puppy training class, but once you have found the right one, you will see how much of an improvement it has on your pup's development. These classes really are key, so make sure that you do all of the right research!

Related Articles

Popular Articles

Socializing a Puppy: Why, When and How

By Alina Jumabhoy

Socializing a Puppy: Why, When and How

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Socializing a puppy is something that you need to do from the very first day you bring your pup home.

How exactly do you go about doing this?

Here is everything you need to know...

WHAT DOES SOCIALIZING A PUPPY MEAN?

Socializing a puppy means that your puppy should be meeting as many new people and animals as possible. It involves exposing your puppy to different environments, sights and sounds, making these experiences as pleasant for your puppy as possible.

Why It's Important to Socialize a Puppy

Socialized puppies grow into dogs that are comfortable with the world around them.

Proper socialization when young means that a dog is less likely to develop any behavioral problems. On the other hand, pups who are not socialized properly can often develop fear or aggression issues when they are older. This is particularly the case when the dog is exposed to something new.

WHEN SHOULD YOU SOCIALIZE A PUPPY?

Your puppy goes through what is known as a socialization period between the ages of seven weeks and four months.

The socialization that takes place during this period will have a permanent impact on your pup's personality and character as an adult.

It goes without saying that this is the most important time to socialize a dog.

Of course, if you are buying a pup, you won't be bringing him home until he is about eight or twelve weeks old...

This is why it is so important to buy a puppy from a responsible breeder. They will know how to socialize the pup during this time, and will start doing so from when the puppies are just three weeks old.

HOW TO SOCIALIZE A PUPPY

Socializing a puppy by introducing him to children at the park
Photo by Show 131/ CC

When it comes to socializing a puppy, there are a few basic steps that everyone should follow:

Exposure to New Things

The world will seem like a strange place to your puppy, and an important part of socializing is exposing your pup to all of this.

Here are some examples:

  • Different people – including men, women and children of all ages. Exposing your puppy to people wearing different types of accessories, such as hats and umbrellas, can also be helpful, as can introducing your puppy to people in wheelchairs or men with big beards

  • Different animals – such as other dogs, cats, chickens, other birds and livestock

  • Different floor surfaces – including carpet, tiles, laminate flooring, marble, grass, mud, sand and wood

  • Chaotic environments – such as train stations, school playgrounds, crowded markets, construction sites

Involve Family and Friends

When it comes to socializing a puppy, this is something that the whole family should get involved in.

Your puppy needs to learn that these new experiences are safe, no matter who he may be with.

It can also be useful to have your puppy accustomed to being handled and looked after by other family members. If you need them to watch your dog while you are away, your pup won't mind this one bit!

Puppy Classes

Signing your pup up for puppy classes can also be a great tool when it comes to socializing a puppy.

What do puppy classes involve?

They will help you to teach your pup everything from basic commands to fun tricks. They are a great way for your puppy to meet other dogs and people in a safe environment.

Keep It Fun

Not only should your puppy be exposed to all of the above, but you need to also make sure that each experience is a positive one for your pup.

Keep your socializing time fun and playful, bringing along treats and toys to distract your puppy if he becomes fearful of anything. Reward positive behavior as much as possible. 

SOCIALIZING A PUPPY WHO IS UNVACCINATED

Socializing an unvaccinated puppy by carrying him around
Photo by Show 131/ CC

Well-bred puppies will naturally have antibodies from their mothers, but many veterinarians advise that puppies do not walk in areas where unknown animals may have walked. This is to prevent them from picking up a disease before their full course of vaccinations has been completed.

However, this doesn't mean that you can't socialize your pup...

You can still expose your pup to all of the suggestions mentioned above. Just hold your puppy in your arms, or purchase a bag that makes it easier to carry your pup around. Even allowing your pup to see the sights, sounds and smells of the world from an open car window can make a huge difference to his development.

HOW TO SOCIALIZE A SHY PUP

Whether due to a traumatic experience, genetics, or their breed being particularly sensitive, some puppies are simply more shy than others.

This can make socializing a puppy quite the challenge...

A shy pup will react fearfully to new situations, but this makes socialization even more important.

However, you do need to make sure that you take it at your puppy's pace. If your pup seems fearful of something, put more distance between your pup and the object, and allow your puppy to explore it in his own time.

Your pup's body language will tell you when your puppy is afraid. Signs of this include:

  • Shivering

  • Excessively salivating

  • A submissive posture

When your puppy is showing signs of fear at a new situation, try not to provide too much comfort.

This can be hard to do, but you want your puppy to gain the confidence to deal with those types of situations on his own.

However, this doesn't mean that you can't reward your puppy. This is especially important when they have made any progress and shown their braver side.

While it is important to keep socialization fun and positive for any dog, this is even more the case with a shy pup.

Make sure that you do not intimidate or raise your voice at your pup. You need your pup to learn that he can really trust you. 

Remember, always set your puppy up for success.

Properly socializing a puppy is absolutely crucial if you want your pup to grow into a healthy, happy and well-balanced dog. The socialization period is not very long, so make sure that you put extra time and effort into ensuring that your pup gets as much socialization as possible during this time.

What are some of your favorite ways of socializing a puppy?

Related Articles

Popular Articles

How to Socialize a Dog from Puppy Days to Maturity

By Hope Hammond

How to Socialize a Dog from Puppy Days to Maturity

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Courtesy: Spiritze At: Pixabay.com

All pet owners dream of being able to take their dog to a park. Allowing them to play freely with other dogs, off-leash. But, this may not be possible. For some, it's even difficult to walk their dog on the leash without them barking at or lunging towards other people and animals. Naturally, this isn't ideal. So, you may be wondering how to socialize a dog like this or even prevent this from happening to your beloved puppy. Let's take a look at some ways to socialize pets.

The Hands-On Approach

It's important that your dog becomes used to being touched and handled. This allows you to put their leash on, bath them, and pet them. It also helps your dog relax when being pet by other people or examined by the veterinarian.
Ideally, you will start handling and touching your dog when they are puppies, but you can work on this with older dogs. Don't just limit physical contact to petting their back and sides. You'll want to regularly touch their:

  • Ears
  • Muzzle
  • Tail
  • Belly
  • Feet and toes

Try not to scare your pet and certainly do not pinch or pull on their skin. You want this to be a gentle and comfortable experience. Otherwise, your pet may view it as a negative experience and fight or nip. This doesn't usually cause problems when they are puppies, but when an adult dog bites it can hurt.

Engage in Playtime

Start socializing your puppy from an early age by playing with him or her frequently. This is a time period when many dogs love playing, as it helps develop certain skills. So, you should have no problem engaging with your puppy.
It's also a good idea for other people and animals to play with your puppy. When they are young, they are more likely to want to be around others and not see them as potential threats. Set up playdates and visit the park as often as you can, so your furry friend learns that these are good things.

How to Socialize a Dog with Others

We've already touched a little bit on socializing your dog with others, including other dogs. But, there's much more that can be done to ensure your pet has happy and healthy interactions.

Lots of Variety

Part of socializing a pet involves exposing them to multiple environments different people, and new experiences. When your dog is younger, it's easier to do this because they are more open to new things. It's still possible to expose an old dog to a variety of environments and people. You'll just have to take it more slowly.
Make a point of introducing your pet to new people. You can actually start with those daily walks. Every time you leave the house with your pet you are bound to see someone jogging, taking a walk, working in their yard, or walking another dog. Even just seeing and hearing these other people helps your dog with exposure. Instead of taking a secluded route or keeping walks short, try to go places where you will at least see other people. Vary those walks from time to time. Take a different route every week or so. This helps keep your walks from becoming boring and continually exposes your pet to a bunch of different places and people.
If your dog can handle it, you may also want to make a point of taking him or her along with you on outings. Even if you're only planning on heading to the nearest fast food drive-thru, your pet can still take in new sights and sounds in the car with you.

Be Calm and Relaxed

When you aren't certain how your dog will react to others, you may tense up without realizing it. However, your dog will notice. Pets pay a lot of attention to their human's body language. When you are tense, it can send a false signal to the dog that there's something to be on guard against.
Fido may misinterpret the approach of other dogs and people as an aggressive act or something that they should be afraid of based on your body language.
Remember, keep your shoulders and back relaxed. Walk slowly and confidently with your head upright and eyes forward. And, keep the leash slack, as tension in the leash can also make your dog tense.

Problems with Dog Aggression?

After a dog matures, it's very normal for him or her to be a little stand-offish with other dogs during first introductions. It's an instinctive behavior that has helped their wolf ancestors survive in the wild. Dogs can also be possessive or territorial of their people and space too.
If the dog hasn't really been socialized, or has had a bad experience with another dog previously, the problem can be magnified. Your dog may display the following signs of aggression:

  • Growling
  • Barking
  • Lunging
  • Nipping

Should the other dog persist in greeting or trying to interact with your dog, it could escalate to a full-on fight. The best option when the signs of aggression are displayed is to quickly and calmly remove your dog from the situation.
Don't yell at your pet. Avoid making him lie down or take a submissive position when feeling threatened. This can actually make it worse. Try to keep the leash relaxed if this occurs during a walk. It may not be possible to have a relaxed leash when trying to get your dog away from another dog, but relax the leash as soon as possible. When the leash is slack it helps relax the dog faster.

Tips to Encourage Positive Interaction with Others

Now that you know the signs of aggression and what to do when it occurs, let's see what you can do to encourage positive social behavior.

  • Give plenty of rewards: As soon as your dog notices another dog on a walk, call his or her name to get your pet's attention. This helps change their focus. Once your pet responds, reward him or her with a small treat or other positive reinforcement.
  • Avoid a head-on collision: In the wild, dogs and wolves tend to approach each other from the sides rather than head-on. When you are walking a dog towards another dog it can cause discomfort and anxiety for an unsocialized pet. If you see another dog heading your way, move around that dog in a big half-circle, or else go across the street to avoid the head-on collision.
  • Don't hesitate to turn around: When your pet starts barking or lunging as soon as you head out the door or get to the dog park, turn right around and head back. Get back in the car or head back inside and wait until your dog calms down. Repeat as necessary until your dog knows that he won't get anywhere until he stops the bad behavior.

If you are still unsure how to properly socialize a dog, consider looking into an obedience course. The video series, Training an Untrained Dog, is a great place to start.

Related Articles

Popular Articles