How to Train Your Emotional Support Dog for Basic Commands

While emotional support animals (ESAs) don't require the same specialized training as service dogs, teaching them basic commands is essential to make them well-behaved, responsive, and able to thrive in your daily routine.

Whether you’re starting with a new puppy or adopting a calm adult breed, this guide will walk you through how to train your emotional support dog using positive reinforcement, consistency, and patience.

Before diving into training, it’s essential to understand that not every pet qualifies as an emotional support animal automatically. To officially designate your dog as an ESA, you’ll need a legitimate emotional support animal letter issued by a licensed mental health professional.

An ESA letter confirms that you have a mental or emotional condition that benefits from the support of an animal. This letter gives you rights under the Fair Housing Act, meaning your ESA can live with you even in "no pets allowed" housing.

Without an ESA letter, your dog is just a pet in the eyes of landlords and property managers—regardless of how well-trained they are.

Learn more from sources like NAMI and ADA.gov about your rights and the documentation required.

Why Train an Emotional Support Dog?

An emotional support animal (ESA) provides therapeutic benefits to individuals struggling with mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, PTSD, and more.

While emotional support dogs don’t need certification for specific tasks, basic obedience training ensures they behave well in various environments, especially when traveling or living in housing with ESA accommodations.

Choosing the Right Dog for Emotional Support and Trainability

Some dog breeds are naturally suited for emotional support due to their temperament. Let’s take a quick look at dog breeds commonly chosen as emotional support animals and how trainable they are:

🐶 Labrador Retrievers

Known for: Friendliness, intelligence, eagerness to please.

Best for: First-time ESA owners needing a loyal and responsive companion.

Training: Labs respond exceptionally well to basic command training using treats and praise.

🐶 Golden Retrievers

Known for: Calm demeanor and gentleness.

Best for: Individuals with anxiety and depression.

Training: Easily trainable due to high emotional intelligence.

🐶 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Known for: Affectionate behavior and small size.

Best for: Apartment dwellers or individuals with limited mobility.

Training: Requires gentle, repetitive training for commands like “sit” and “stay.”

🐶 Poodles (Standard or Miniature)

Known for: Hypoallergenic coat and intelligence.

Best for: People with allergies seeking a smart ESA dog.

Training: Highly trainable; excels in basic and advanced obedience.

Training an emotional support dog isn't just about behavior—it’s about trust, communication, and creating a stable, supportive presence for someone dealing with emotional or psychological challenges.

While ESAs aren’t required by law to undergo formal training like service dogs, basic obedience ensures your dog is calm, reliable, and welcome in more environments.

🐾 Core and Intermediate Commands Every ESA Dog Should Learn

Mastering these foundational and slightly advanced commands can make your dog not only more responsive but also better equipped to provide consistent emotional support.

1. Sit

Purpose: Foundational for all other training; promotes calm behavior.

Pro Tip: Use treats, eye contact, and a firm but gentle tone. Repeat in various rooms to generalize the command.

2. Stay

Purpose: Prevents impulsive movements, keeps your dog grounded during tense moments.

Advanced tip: Gradually increase duration and add distractions to mimic real-life scenarios (e.g., a doorbell ringing or a child walking by).

3. Come (Recall)

Purpose: Critical for safety and responsiveness during emergencies.

Practice idea: Use a long leash at the park or backyard, call out “Come!” and reward with a high-value treat when your dog responds quickly.

4. Down

Purpose: Promotes relaxation, helps in busy areas like cafes or offices.

Training approach: Start from a sitting position. Lower a treat to the floor and slowly move it forward. Say “Down” as your dog lies down.

5. Leave It

Purpose: Keeps your dog from eating harmful items or getting distracted.

Scenario use: Encountering discarded food, aggressive dogs, or small animals on walks.

6. Heel

Purpose: Teaches your dog to walk calmly beside you on a leash—no pulling, lunging, or distractions.

Ideal for: ESA owners who need stability and less chaos during outdoor walks.

7. Watch Me / Look

Purpose: Builds focus and improves attention span.

Why it's helpful: Helps redirect a dog’s attention when you’re experiencing emotional distress and need grounding.

8. Place / Bed

Purpose: Directs your dog to a designated area (like a bed or mat).

Mental health tip: During a panic attack or episode, having your ESA go to a specific place allows space while still offering presence.

🧠 Pro Tips for Training Your Emotional Support Dog

Let’s get into more in-depth advice to help your ESA dog become a calming influence in your daily life.

✅ 1. Use High-Value Rewards

Don’t skimp on rewards—especially during early training. Use boiled chicken bits, freeze-dried liver, or a favorite chew toy. Emotional support dogs need strong motivation, especially in new or stressful settings.

✅ 2. Keep Sessions Short but Impactful

Dogs—especially puppies or small breeds—have short attention spans. Stick to 5–10 minute sessions, 2–3 times a day. End on a high note to keep training associated with positivity.

✅ 3. Start in a Distraction-Free Zone

Begin indoors where it’s quiet and familiar. Once your dog is confident, move to increasingly distracting environments—your backyard, then a quiet street, then a park. This teaches adaptability, which is vital for ESAs.

✅ 4. Socialize Early and Often

If your emotional support dog will accompany you in public (housing complexes, outdoor cafes, college campuses), they need to be socialized with people and other animals. This isn’t formal training, but regular exposure to diverse situations builds confidence.

✅ 5. Use Marker Words or Clickers

A marker word like “Yes!” or the sound of a clicker can be more consistent than your voice tone. Mark good behavior the moment it happens, then reward. Over time, the marker itself becomes motivating.

✅ 6. Manage Your Own Energy

Dogs are highly intuitive—especially emotional support dogs. If you're anxious or frustrated during training, your dog may mirror that stress. Stay calm, take deep breaths, and pause if needed.

✅ 7. Repetition = Reinforcement

Don’t assume your ESA “knows” a command after a day. Repeat training often, and in different environments, so commands are generalized—not location-specific.

✅ 8. Train for Quiet Time

Many ESAs need to lie quietly during therapy sessions, flights, or long work days. Use the “Settle” or “Place” command and reinforce with calm praise. A stuffed Kong or chew toy can help during this phase.

🦴 Bonus: Train for Emotional Cues

While ESAs aren’t service animals, many owners train them to recognize emotional distress signals, such as crying, heavy breathing, or tapping feet. These cues can become triggers for the dog to nudge, cuddle, or lay a paw on their person.

Start by pairing emotional cues with a desired behavior—like cuddling when you’re crying. Reward generously. Over time, the dog learns this is an expected and comforting action.

Studies like this one from Harvard Health support the idea that the presence of animals, especially dogs, can reduce cortisol and increase oxytocin—making the bond even more essential for people with mental health needs.

Wrapping It Up

Training your emotional support dog in basic commands is not a luxury—it’s a necessity for a peaceful, supportive bond. From core commands like “Sit” and “Stay” to deeper ones like “Watch Me” and “Settle,” you’re setting the foundation for a well-adjusted pet who knows how to be present during your ups and downs.

Remember, the best ESA is not just emotionally in tune but also calm, obedient, and confident.