Around the world, dogs – often called man’s best friend – are the most prevalent support animal for emotional and/or practical guidance and assistance.
In Malaysia, the late Lashawn is a stellar example of a good, good boy who served his human well.
Unfortunately, due to restrictions over dogs in public spaces, the presence of service animals is still limited in this country. Nevertheless, as a matter of general interest, here are some basic guidelines on how you can train a guide or emotional support dog.
Potty training
The first step in nurturing any dog is potty training. Potty training affects you, the dog, and others, which is why it is so important.
Dogs are creatures of habit, so you should establish a feeding and bathroom routine. It’s best if you regularly spaced walks after feeding time to condition your dog to relieve themselves at the same time and place.
Offer them treats to reward good behaviour. Praise and a belly rub are also effective positive-reinforcement tools.
You must be patient and consistent before your emotional support dog is entirely potty trained.
Sit and stay training
The next command for your support animal to learn is “sit”. It is relatively easy as this comes naturally for dogs.
Hold a treat for your dog at nose level and gesture to the ground without giving it to them while speaking the command. Use positive reinforcement when they sit, including allowing them to enjoy the treat and giving compliments.
If they don’t follow, repeat the process until they obey.
Staying is another vital skill for a guide dog. You would want your four-legged friend to remain patiently in place while you run errands or tend to other tasks.
While your dog sits, you should gradually step back while presenting them with an open palm. Keep saying “stay” until the dog learns that you don’t wish for them to move, and reward them with a treat.
Walking with you
You often see people walking with their pets. Even with leashes, dogs might run circles around their humans and could even trip them, which will not work with a support dog.
Since you would travel to most places with your support animal, they must learn to walk alongside you. They should keep pace with you and, given that you might need your hands to be free for various tasks, your pet can be on a hands-free leash, which is usually tied around your waist.
Teaching the dog to walk correctly and consistently will require time and patience.
Socialising training
You will spend a lot of time with your guide or emotional support dog, and if you spend lots of time with other humans, your pet will also be there.
Socialising, of course, is good for your mental health. Therefore, you should train your dog to be sociable, which is not always easy.
You can start by taking the dog to the park so they can interact with others at a safe distance. As the dog gets more comfortable with fellow canines and new people, you can introduce them to others in more
intimate spaces.
Travel training
One of the most complex parts of training an emotional support or guide dog revolves around travel. Travelling to new places in strange vehicles can make dogs anxious.
It would be best if you travelled with your support dog as often as possible, starting with short distances like driving to the grocery store. Add more distance until both of you are comfortable commuting together.
For those who are in need of an emotional support or guide dog, trainers or specialised classes can help your pet to be of terrific service to you. Your life will be fantastic if you have a well-trained support animal.
Dennis Relojo-Howell is the managing director of Psychreg and host of ‘The DRH Show’. Connect with him on Twitter @dennisr_howell.