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What is the Best Emotional Support Dog?

Man leaning over hugging a chocolate Labrador Retriever

Dogs are considered to be man’s best friend, and many of our animal friends and family have a strong link with humans. Breeds of dogs with specific abilities or traits make excellent emotional support animals. The best therapy dogs include labrador, golden retrievers, pugs, and poodles. Keep reading to know about the best emotional support dog and learn some key characteristics of these pups.

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Important Characteristics of an Emotional Support Dog

The kind of animals that can be used as emotional support dogs is not restricted. Most individuals choose dogs because of their well-documented advantages. A competent emotional support animal should, in general, be able to recognize its owner’s distress and uplift him. The animal’s ability to discern the emotions of its handler and respond appropriately is crucial. The qualities a dog must possess to qualify as an emotional support dog are listed below.

Loving Nature

Woman and white dog sitting on a dock with the dog leaning its head over on her shoulder

A dog should be loving by nature to adore his owner without conditions. This is crucial because the animal and its owner can establish a close bond. The greater the link, the better the dog can discern changes in their handler’s emotional moods. Because of their loving nature, dogs can sense their owners’ emotions and respond in ways that uplift them.

An emotional support dog must be committed to his owner to help him/her during difficult times. Interacting with a dog regularly and seeing their unconditional affection may be very therapeutic to persons suffering from mental health conditions. That is why some doctors may prescribe an emotional support animal to their patients.

Obedience

Brown and white puppy on a leash outdoors on brick pavers

An excellent emotional support dog should be well-mannered and easy to train. An emotional support dog should be able to use the many tactics and strategies available for emotional support as appropriate. When an emotional issue emerges, quick reactions are crucial.

A dog with a good match will be obedient and fast to pick up new skills, enabling him to comprehend his owner’s actions in many scenarios. A sensitive dog will always be able to sense when his owner isn’t feeling well at all and will respond appropriately to restore his owner’s happiness.

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Easy Going

close up of a long haired tan dog laying next to a persons leg

Your emotional support dog may need to act appropriately among unusual people if you want it to be at your side in public. An emotionally stable dog will be able to adapt to various social settings and get along with a variety of people, allowing you to bring your pet everywhere you go.

The best breeds and sizes for emotional support dogs are debatable, just like service dogs. The size of the home or apartment, the handler’s lifestyle, personality, and specific needs are all necessary considerations. While selecting the appropriate breed for an emotional support dog might be difficult for some individuals, Labradors, golden retrievers, and poodles are among the finest canines that are easy to train and socialize.

Intelligence

Border collie giving a person high five

When the owner is happy or upset about anything, a canine companion will always be able to tell. The owner must not be overjoyed today and must not be coming over to play and cuddle with the emotional support dog. Therefore, the dog must be knowledgeable enough to understand this. Training an intelligent animal is less complicated. It would also be able to act in a way that is suitable by better anticipating the emotions and behavior of its owner.

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Loyalty

Jack Russel Terrier shaking a persons hand

Emotional Support Dog is devoted to his owner and is always at his side. Pet owners have a reduced risk of depression, and studies suggest that people have fewer symptoms of depression when they have a pet in the house. Pets’ relaxing presence and social bonding may be quite strong. Animals provide something to focus on instead of the negative thoughts that a depressed person is prone to have. When a pet pays attention to you, they are showing you unconditional love and acceptance.

What Pet Is Best for Anxiety?

Small tan Chihuahua laying in a dog bed

The adorable Chihuahua may be among the tiniest dogs in the world, but when it comes to their particular person, they have the biggest love eyes and frequently follow them around the house, functioning as a second shadow.

This independent and spirited little breed is sometimes erroneously portrayed as prissy, yappy, and hostile toward people. However, nothing could be more than the truth when it comes to their families.

Because they aren’t ashamed of their love of cuddling, these dogs are becoming more and more frequently utilized as therapy dogs because they are obedient, self-assured, faithful, and fearless. The Chihuahua is a good choice if you’re seeking a real best friend that will stick by your side constantly.

What is the Most Empathetic Dog Breed?

White lab giving a woman high five outdoors in front of a railing

Labrador is the most empathetic dog breed. Labradors make loyal and adaptable pets. Due to their versatility and amiable disposition, they make excellent emotional support dogs for adults or children and are also suitable as guide and therapy dogs. They are known for being amiable, trustworthy, and fantastic with people of all ages. For this reason, they have long been one of the most popular breeds for therapy dogs.

Labradors are well renowned for having a calming impact on those experiencing stress, anxiety, or depression. They are intelligent and simple to teach and have very peaceful dispositions. They are gregarious and even-tempered, so they can blend in with any family or social group.

This highly active breed requires daily exercise that includes both land- and water-based activities. Make sure they receive at least 90 minutes a day because they tend to become hyperactive and disruptive when their energy isn’t used.

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