would a husky make a good "emotional support animal"?

I was thinking about getting Colby certified because of my frequent panic/anxiety attacks.

As long as Colby is good in public absolutely. We have a couple of members on here with service dogs, and we are trying to get Ghost therapy certified. The big thing I'd recommend, and as far as I can tell its not required for service dogs, is to get her Canine Good Citizen. It's great training, and really sets them up for success in public.

thanks i'll def look into that.

her only real problem is wanting to go up to every dog.

The CGC test will address that. I'm getting ready to start a meeting now, but I can talk to you more about it later.

Kya is my service dog. I have had to do EXTENSIVE training with her, (and I have not gotten rid of a lot of her bad habits, like begging) and it is an ongoing process. She is a great service animal, but just so that you know, not all pets can make that transition.

I would ask you this question, does she do anything, without training, that leads you to believe that she would be a good support dog?

Also, please be aware that emotional support dogs are NOT protected under the ADA service animal act.

EDITED to add: There is also no registry for Service Dogs. (Ceara taught me that, because I would have been duped) There is no "certification" for them. For an ESA though, while you its not recognized as "protected" under the ADA act, you do need a letter from your psychiatrist, like the letter from your regular MD for need for the animal. Even though it's not protected, a lot of places will still allow that type of service dog in.

I would get the letter, because that will keep her safe from landlords, and other entities of sorts.

I completely confused myself and wrote bad info so just refer to Tiff, hahah

I don't know if STATES have different rules, but by ADA law, you don't have to be tested or go through an organization like TDI. Since its different than SD. From my understanding, through talking to a few people, TDI is for therapy dogs, not Service Dogs.

ADA evaluators can ask to see what your dog does, but that is only if your dog has had complaints, and I really don't know HOW that complaint process works. But, but ADA law, there is no training certification, or "program" for SDs.

If you want to get her trained well, I would look up a SD breeder in your area. That was suggested to me, and it has helped.

I know, in Texas at least, there is no registry, and I just got her a tag, through the city, that she is a registered dog, with SD abilities. She has not been tested, or registered. BUT, my doctor has made sure that she can perform services that I need, like balance, pace setting, and including warnings of passing out from my heart.

This is the actual ADA requirements of a SD, and it does clearly state in the requirements that ESAs are not protected.

http://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm


It also specifically says that TDI can't register Service Dogs:

http://www.tdi-dog.org/HowToJoin.aspx?Page=Testing+Requirements

thank you everyone for all that info.

what makes me think colby would be a good emotion support dog is that she is so blasé about EVERYTHING [except other dogs]. i have very frequent panic/anxiety attacks at work and since i got her, i haven't had many [if any] in my home setting. if i get overwhelmed, shes usually right there and i calm down as i pet her.

i pulled up a lot of info on CGC and CGC training. im thinking of getting them both through that training. and colby would pass 9 out of 10 tasks already.

i forgot to mention i already got the "ok" from my job as long as shes trained well enough and has a some sort of paper work showing shes an actual support dog.

I hear you with the panic attacks. I suffered for years with them (still do) but haven't had a major attack in awhile. No one can quite really imagine how awful they are unless you have experienced one yourself. I think it's a great idea if she can handle it. Good luck with it and if you ever need to talk to someone feel free to PM me

thanks

Just remember there is a difference between service and emotional support dogs. usually emotional support dogs aren't granted access like service dogs are.

the only place i will really need her is when im at work. thats where the majority occur

I would like to have trillion trained to be a psychiatric service dog. or at least an ETA, but at this point with her leg injury i don't know if that's a good idea.

She's brilliant and she is able to do a lot alright on instinct, but there are a few things id like to teach her, rather i do or don't go the psd/eta route.