In recent years, emotional support animals have become more and more common.
While it is now increasingly popular to officially designate your pet as a support animal, dog owners have always known that their best friend was awesome for well-being and friendship. But what sets dogs apart in this respect? Here are the characteristics of dogs which make them perfect for emotional support.
What Makes Dogs Perfect for Emotional Support?
- Dogs are Exceedingly Loyal: One of the most disappointing things in life are people who betray, neglect or disappoint you. You will have no such experience with your dog. Dogs are the most loyal animal on the planet – they do not care who you are, or what you represent. They only know that you are their human, and they will love, protect, and worship you without fail. When everyone else lets you down, your dog will never leave your side – and that can be a huge boost to your morale.
- Dogs Only Want to Please You: Sure, there are moments when they choose to chew a slipper, or tear apart the garbage. But for the most part, a dog lives to make you happy. They love getting praise, and they love your approval. Dogs love to make you feel special. Emotionally speaking, there are few things that will lift your spirits more than knowing you dog gets so much pleasure out of making you happy.
- Dogs Love Giving and Getting Affection: Your dog’s love for you is never a question, and there is no other pet that can rival a dog’s desire to cuddle and snuggle with you. If you are looking for unconditional love and acceptance, accompanied by all the affection you can handle – a dog is the answer.
- Dogs are Highly Intelligent: It varies by breed, but for the most part dogs are very intelligent and have a highly developed sixth sense. Every dog owner has stories about how their pet seems to understand when things are going wrong. Whether he rests his head on your knee or snuggles with you on the couch, dogs are intuitive and want to comfort you when you are sad, distressed or worried.
- Petting a Dog is Therapeutic: No one seems to have a scientific explanation for it, but the simple act of petting a dog seems to be highly therapeutic. Dogs are being used everywhere from children’s hospitals to nursing homes to lift spirits and bring joy.
- Dogs Have Enough Love for Everyone: Cats are highly territorial, and fish don’t care at all. But a dog has equal love for everyone in the family. From dad to the new baby, dogs will love and protect their humans. This world needs a lot more unconditional love, and dogs bring it. That fact alone is good for the psyche and brings a sense of well being critical to any emotional support animal.
Anyone who has ever owned a dog knows the level of happiness and excitement they exude. From their loyalty to their sixth-sense, they make perfect emotional support animals. Sometimes, however, your best friend needs a little help to channel his energy and enthusiasm, in order to properly express his own reactions. The experts at Gulf Coast Dog Training are here to help Sarasota, Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch dog owners to teach their dogs the obedience and discipline they need to properly interact with everyone, from members of the family to the mailman. Call us today, no matter the age of your dog. We’d love to help.
