Thinking About Getting an ESA Dog - Need Advice on Breed and Process

[amytodd]

I’ve been dealing with PTSD for a while now, and a bunch of people have suggested I consider getting a dog as an ESA. One of my close friends has anxiety and got an ESA recently, and it’s honestly helped him a lot. He used Fast ESA Letter for his letter and said the process was smooth, plus his landlord accepted it without any issues.

I’m kind of stuck on what breed would be the best for me, or how to even choose the right one. Also wondering, can I get the ESA letter before I actually get the dog? I’d rather have everything in place before I adopt.

If anyone’s been through this and has advice, especially about picking the right breed and using Fast ESA Letter, I’d really appreciate it.

 

[Lost in the Woods]

My dog has greatly improved the quality of my life. I recommend a small dog. Puppies are a lot of work but a rescue that is a couple years old is a great way to go.

 

[Sideways]

I’m in Australia, and anyone not in the US probably needs to tread carefully with an ESA.

If what you’re after is an emotionally supportive pet dog, they don’t really need specific training for that. You’re really just looking for a dog with the appropriate temperament (which you suss out by meeting the dog) and some basic obedience skills.

Most places in the world, an ESA doesn’t have any particular legal status, though. Medical condition or not. That means you potentially run into issues with landlords, and you won’t be able to take the dog to work/school etc.

So, if you need to avoid issues with landlords, or have the dog with you all the time, you’re looking at a Service dog / Assistance Dog. They’re digs that are trained in providing medical support for your specific disability (as well as appropriate behaviour in public), and they are protected by law in most places now. So you can take them with you wherever, and you don’t need your landlord’s approval.

I’m a huge fan of both pets and service dogs. There’s good evidence that having a dog can improve your mental health, even without the service dog qualification.

Just be aware that in most places, “Emotional support animals” are really just ‘pets’.

*Not speaking to what the situation is in the US because the rest of the world pretty much sees the US as a hot mess when it comes to service dogs & ESA’s

 

[Freddyt]

So, if you need to avoid issues with landlords, or have the dog with you all the time, you’re looking at a Service dog / Assistance Dog.

I'm in andI was looking into all that at one point. It is a hot mess for ESA's. Rules differ from one place to another and one store to another and one anything to another.

Basically - The ESA has been so abused its not respected any more. Service dogs are a whole different thing, because they are certified and you can prove its a service dog, which makes taking it with you where you need it far easier than an ESA.

 

[WinnieThePoohChris]

I borrow my mums dog when having a hard time. He's a frenchie cross, likes to sleep and cuddle so perfect for bad times.

Definitely more about temperament, what are you looking for?

 

[JustMeee]

Hi. I'm in the USA and training my own service dog. I did quite a LOT of research. And we have been through some things already. Maybe I can offer some help.

First off, according to the ADA, an ESA dog does NOT have the same rights as a Service Dog. So you can have an ESA dog and a Service Dog going into a building where dogs are not allowed, and the ESA dog would likely be asked to leave, where the Service Dog would be allowed to stay.

So what makes the difference? First, I would do an internet search for ADA Service dog laws. And do a separate search for which states allow service dogs in training to have the same rights as full service dogs. It varies from state to state.

Next, your dog would need training. His training would have to include at least one or more specific task exclusively to help you. For example, he could be trained to make sure you don't miss your pills, or trained to respond to high blood pressure so you have to take pills. They could also be trained to respond to physical assistance, like guide dogs, or getting things you drop. For PTSD they are even more things you can train them for, like I train mine to keep people behind me further away so they don't crowd, he gets stuff i drop, he reacts when i start getting stressed, grabs my can if i forget, and because he's not the best breed, he also helps by being a pain in the butt - i have to stay on my toes to keep him trained. I do want to train him as a therapy dog to help others too.

So your dog would have to be trained to help you medically or physically.

And he needs to be well mannered. If he barks, whines excessively, goes potty, etc, then it's not a real service dog and you'll be asked to remove him. If he pulls at the leash and is more concerned about other people instead of you, they can call you on that. So training is a big deal.

There are a lot of places to train him for you, but it's really not too hard to do it yourself. YOu do have to be consistent though. Every day, train something. There are some great videos out there. Make sure you pay attention to ONLY positive reinforcement techniques - hitting a dog will only make a bad dog worse.

I'm fading, so if I remember, I'll try to send you some links to get you started if you want.

And one more thing to remember. When learning a technique, you don't HAVE to use the control words or hand signals they tell you. For example, people put their hand down to have their dog give a paw. Me, I just point and say "left front" or "right front". So I use the same techniques, like treats at the right times, just my own words that are easier for ME to remember.

Hope that helps! Let me know if you want me to find a couple of good starter videos, and if you have a preference on what about.

Have a good evening.

 

[JustMeee]

Hi. I'm in the USA and training my own service dog. I did quite a LOT of research. And we have been through some things already. Maybe I can offer some help.

First off, according to the ADA, an ESA dog does NOT have the same rights as a Service Dog. So you can have an ESA dog and a Service Dog going into a building where dogs are not allowed, and the ESA dog would likely be asked to leave, where the Service Dog would be allowed to stay.

So what makes the difference? First, I would do an internet search for ADA Service dog laws. And do a separate search for which states allow service dogs in training to have the same rights as full service dogs. It varies from state to state.

Next, your dog would need training. His training would have to include at least one or more specific task exclusively to help you. For example, he could be trained to make sure you don't miss your pills, or trained to respond to high blood pressure so you have to take pills. They could also be trained to respond to physical assistance, like guide dogs, or getting things you drop. For PTSD they are even more things you can train them for, like I train mine to keep people behind me further away so they don't crowd, he gets stuff i drop, he reacts when i start getting stressed, grabs my can if i forget, and because he's not the best breed, he also helps by being a pain in the butt - i have to stay on my toes to keep him trained. I do want to train him as a therapy dog to help others too.

So your dog would have to be trained to help you medically or physically.

And he needs to be well mannered. If he barks, whines excessively, goes potty, etc, then it's not a real service dog and you'll be asked to remove him. If he pulls at the leash and is more concerned about other people instead of you, they can call you on that. So training is a big deal.

There are a lot of places to train him for you, but it's really not too hard to do it yourself. YOu do have to be consistent though. Every day, train something. There are some great videos out there. Make sure you pay attention to ONLY positive reinforcement techniques - hitting a dog will only make a bad dog worse.

I'm fading, so if I remember, I'll try to send you some links to get you started if you want.

And one more thing to remember. When learning a technique, you don't HAVE to use the control words or hand signals they tell you. For example, people put their hand down to have their dog give a paw. Me, I just point and say "left front" or "right front". So I use the same techniques, like treats at the right times, just my own words that are easier for ME to remember.

Hope that helps! Let me know if you want me to find a couple of good starter videos, and if you have a preference on what about.

Have a good evening.

Oh, and as for what kind of dog you'd like? That would depend on the size that would fit you best, and when you know that it's good to start searching for other qualities. For example, if you know you want a 30lb dog, I would ask Google "What 30lb dog is smart enough and calm and quiet enough to self-train as a service dog for [type of work]?". Update to whatever other characteristics you need. It's a place to start :)

 

[oliver767]

Any breed can be an ESA as long as it provides emotional support, so it really comes down to choosing a dog that you can care for and connect with.

 

[KA60]

I’ve been dealing with PTSD for a while now, and a bunch of people have suggested I consider getting a dog as an ESA. One of my close friends has anxiety and got an ESA recently, and it’s honestly helped him a lot. He used Fast ESA Letter for his letter and said the process was smooth, plus his landlord accepted it without any issues.

I’m kind of stuck on what breed would be the best for me, or how to even choose the right one. Also wondering, can I get the ESA letter before I actually get the dog? I’d rather have everything in place before I adopt.

If anyone’s been through this and has advice, especially about picking the right breed and using Fast ESA Letter, I’d really appreciate it.

I have 2 dogs both pitbulls who are my ESAs. I cannot advise on breed. I get my behavioral health care provider or primary health care provider to renew my letter yearly. My landlords have always accepted it. I am married again now we own an rv. I got my first dog in my entire life in 2017 . She was a chihuahua. She became my ESA. In MO my pet rent and pet deposit was always waived. I understood though the letter was a privilege. I was and am responsible for the dogs. Leash collar no excessive barking etc. It helped so much with my PTSD to assume responsibikty for another life.