Learning how to train your dog to be an emotional support dog can be one of the best things you do for your dog. Your ESA is there to protect you but it is a two-way street though. Train your dog properly and show your dog that you are the boss – just as you were the boss when you were a puppy. Just like little kids, many animals don’t respond well to aggressive and harsh training so be kind and patient with your dog during training. It will pay off in the end.
Most people think that emotional support or service dogs are only used by humans. This is untrue. They serve in a variety of capacities for a variety of reasons. Pet owners who care for ailing, injured or handicapped family members sometimes hire dog training services to give their family member a sense of comfort and assistance during recovery.
People who work in industries that require them to use their legs on a daily basis, such as the construction field, automotive trade or shipping industry may also benefit from having a service dog on their side. In these instances, the dog serves as an extra pair of eyes and ears, a way to distract their fellow workers when things get too hectic. Some dog training services even provide special training for working dog handlers to better handle their special tasks.
If you are considering getting a service dog, it is important to know that personality and temperament play a big role in which type of dog you choose. Working dogs need to be agile, powerful and confident. Family pets on the other hand may need to be petted and cuddled. Working dogs and family pets may need to be trained for agility, obedience, tracking and other sport and duty functions.
When selecting which dog will best fit your lifestyle and your family, consider what characteristics best suit your dog’s temperament and personality. You should look for breeds that are known for being patient, gentle, calm and obedient, have a strong commitment to their owners and have high levels of stamina. Large, powerful dogs that have high levels of energy may not be the best choice for individuals who need a dog that is quiet and low-key. Gentle, calm dogs that love to please may be a better choice. If you are looking for a service animal, temperament and training are key factors to consider.
Because training requires close, personal contact with the dog or dogs, some dog training services may suggest that their clients take part in professional dog training classes instead of trying to teach their dog on their own. Professional dog trainers can help you develop a program of commands and training that will establish and reinforce the correct behavior in your dog. They can also provide assistance with behavior management techniques that will teach your dog to interact properly with other people and animals.
Temperament training, on the other hand, focuses on teaching your dog how to interact properly with other people and with its own breed. It can also include instruction in how to deal with and control aggressive behaviors. Due to the fact that there is not one specific “type” of dog, it is important to understand that there will be special training requirements for each dog. Consult a veterinarian to determine the appropriate special training required for your dog.
Potty training is the most challenging when it comes to puppies and older dogs. It is very important to start potty training early in the life of your dog to ensure that he has a good and safe start. You can begin potty training your puppy immediately after they are weaned or one week after they were born. The sooner you begin potty training your puppy, the more likely your dog will succeed in its potty training. Always remember to take extra care when potty training young puppies so that they do not become nervous or scared of anything.