Top 8 Best Emotional Support Dog Breeds for PTSD

Living with PTSD is not easy. The debilitating symptoms can take a heavy toll on your well-being, relationships, and quality of life. Fortunately, studies show that the presence of a dog can have a healing effect on people struggling with PTSD.

The unconditional love of emotional dog breeds can do more than keep you company. The best therapy dog breeds can help ease loneliness, anxiety and provide a sense of calmness, helping you better cope with stressful situations.

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However, not all breeds can act as emotional support dogs for PTSD. In this article, we’re going to look at some of the best emotional support dog breeds for people struggling with PTSD. Here are some of the best breeds:

1. Labrador Retriever

Labradors are not only one of the most popular dog breeds but also the gentlest breeds around. They are also highly intelligent, incredibly loyal, and food-oriented, which makes them easy to train. In addition, due to their joyous and outgoing nature, Labrador will cheer you up even at your lowest.

These emotional support dog breeds are always eager to please and know exactly when you need some cuddling the most. Labrador Retrievers will provide you with unconditional love and companionship, helping make your PTSD easier to manage.

2. Golden Retriever

Coming second on our list of the best dog breeds for emotional support is the Golden Retriever. Just like Labradors, Golden Retrievers are some of the best therapy dog breeds for PTSD due to their affectionate, comforting, and high-spirited nature. They are emotionally intelligent and loving and will often snuggle up with you when they sense you need some cheering up.

Golden Retrievers are easy to train since they are fast learners. Despite their big size, Golden Retrievers are friendly and non-intimidating and usually get along well with kids and other dogs.

Emotional Support Dogs

3. Poodle

Poodles make some of the best therapy dog breeds. This is mainly because they are genius and will react sensibly in different situations. For example, poodles will play around or snuggle up with you just to make you smile. In addition, they are hardworking, super obedient, and always willing to learn complex tasks. This means you can easily train them, which makes for a less stressful experience.

4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Next on our list is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, which stands out for its floppy-eared good looks and strong desire to provide emotional support. They love cuddling and are incredibly affectionate, making them some of the best emotional support dog breeds, especially if you’re struggling with depression that limits your activities.

These emotional support dog breeds also have great character and are always eager to please, so you can easily create strong bonds and companionships with them. They also make some of the best therapy dogs for anxiety.

5. Pug

Pugs are friendly, brilliant, and great at tuning into your emotions. They can sense your mood and touch your place of happiness and positivity with their cute mannerism and cheeky behaviors. Besides their adorable puppy-dog eyes, these emotional support dog breeds usually have a strong desire to please, which can make you feel better even at your lowest. They get along with people of all ages and are super energetic.

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6. German Shepherd

The German Shepherd ranks top among the best therapy dog breeds for PTSD. A German Shepherd will stay calm and respond appropriately even during massive PTSD attacks. They are well-tempered and have the patience to provide you with emotional support under pressure.

Another thing that makes them some of the best emotional support dog breeds for PTSD is that they are intelligent, quick learners, and can develop strong emotional bonds with their owners. You may also love that they have a keen sense of smell, which can help track your blood sugar levels.

7. Doberman Pinscher

Another emotional support dog breed to consider for PTSD assistance is the Doberman Pinscher. They are a hardworking breed that loves completing different tasks. They are instinctively protective, love being close to their owner, and have a knack for recognizing a seizure before it occurs. If you want a dog to become your closest companion, a Doberman Pinscher is a perfect choice. This dog breed is loyal and can provide you with affection and attention as your emotional support dog.

8. Lhasa Apso

Lhasa Apso is another extremely loyal dog breed to its owner. This tiny, fuzzy pooch can be remarkably supportive and an invaluable companion, especially if you have PTSD. They are cheerful by nature, making it easy for them to put a smile on your face even during the most challenging moments.

You can train this dog breed to identify the different feelings and react appropriately in certain triggering situations.

Can you get an emotional support animal for PTSD?

Yes, you can get an emotional support animal for PTSD, but a qualified therapist must recommend you.

What breed of dog is suitable for PTSD?

All the dogs mentioned above are some of the best emotional support dog breeds for PTSD. However, the best therapy dog breeds for PTSD should be friendly by nature, have a strong desire to help, have a calm behavior, and be able to bond with you emotionally.

How can I get a PTSD dog?

There are many steps to follow and specific requirements to be met before getting an emotional support dog for PTSD. First, your therapist or counselor needs to assess your situation to certify that you are eligible for a service dog.

Once they’ve determined an ESA is right for you, you will be matched with an appropriate emotional support dog breed based on your personality and needs. Then, you’ll choose a provider that will help with training both you and your dog. And finally, you apply for an ESA certification to allow you to live and move freely with your dog.

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Conclusion

If you have PTSD and it is taking a toll on your emotions, relationships, and overall quality of life, consider getting an emotional support dog to help.

The best breeds for emotional support dogs will treat you with patience, shower you with unconditional love and affection to lighten you up, and engage you in a more interactive lifestyle. However, always seek help from your therapist where your emotional support dog can’t help.

Looking to get an emotional support dog to help alleviate the debilitating symptoms associated with PTSD? At EsaCare, we’re ready to help you obtain the required certifications to allow you to live and move freely with your emotional support dog.

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