Emotional Support Dog Training Everything You Should Know (article by Dr. Gaffud for Certapet.com)
- Dr. Gaffud

- Aug 23
- 1 min read

Proper emotional support dog training plays a pivotal role in ensuring that an emotional support animal (ESA) offers the needed support to its owner.
Training begins with establishing basic obedience and progresses to include socialization and calm behavior, crucial for interacting in various settings.
Using positive reinforcement techniques and desensitization ensures that the dog responds to stressors in a manner that benefits both the animal and its owner.
Understanding the process of ESA dog training helps owners ensure that their pets meet the emotional and behavioral expectations associated with ESA certification.
Additionally, selecting the right dog breed for an ESA, focusing on traits such as adaptability and temperament, enhances the experience for both the animal and its owner.
With a clear training plan and commitment to ESA care, the emotional bond between owner and animal deepens, contributing to better mental health outcomes.
For more information, read Dr. Gaffud's article at Certapet: Emotional Support Dog Training: Everything You Should Know.


Love how this focuses on emotional connection as well as discipline. Training with empathy really makes all the difference.