Doc wants me to have a ESA

[Newtoitall]

  well My doc wants me to have a esa but I don't know where to go to for good sound facts bout the matter.... I want to do this right so if anyone can point me in the right direction I'd be gratful.

[Kirsten]

You have come to the right place!  And welcome!

Here's our series of articles on ESAs, with information about housing and flying:  http://servicedogcentral.org/content/esa

If you have any further questions, speak right up.

[Newtoitall]

Ok this may sound like a dumb question but what dogs would be good ESA's  I've been told small animals do very but I'm not sure.

[Magesteff]

AN ESA is a pet that a doctor has ordered to help the patient. SInce you do not need a dog that can assist with tasks, smaller dogs can be used. If you live in a rental situation there may be restrictions on breed and size of the pet allowed. The reason a doctor would be involved is if you live in a no-pet housing situation, as the landloard would require a letter from the doctor for you to qualify.

Perhaps your doctor feels that a smaller dog would be easier for you to care for. SMaller dogs can be excersised indoors by throwing toys for the dog to chase and fetch, while a larger animal would need to be taken outside for excersise. SMaller dogs eat less, but still require the same vet care.

Some breeds are high energy and need lots of attention and excersise, for example, as a breed, Jack Russel Terriers are very high energy. You should decide how much energy you have to work with the dog daily, and try to match the dog to your energy level.

However, Dogs are individuals, and as such may not be exactly s the breed standard suggests. It would be better to find an individual dog that matches your needs rather than worrying about a specific breed. FOr example, My dog Max is a Scottish Terrier- miniatrure poodle mix, but he is a meduim energy dog. He likes long walks, but in the house he is calm and would rather cuddle, he is a good match for me. You may want a dog that is more of a couch potato, or a dog that would rather play a lot and need more walks.

[Kirsten]

All else being equal, you are better off with a smaller dog, of a breed known to be good companions.  Why?  Because some landlords will have size restrictions or breed restrictions.  You might or might not be able to negotiate around those restrictions under disability law, but if there is no need to set yourself up for added stress, then why do it?  Dogs under 20 pounds are unlikely to get nearly as much resistance as a German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Doberman, Pit Bull, etc.

Some breeds that tend to make really good companions in my experience include the Boston Terrier and English Toy Spaniel.  But there are many others.  And don't forget the mixes.  I'd go to a shelter or rescue and spend a good amount of time playing with all of the dogs to find the right personality match.  And if I didn't find him the first trip, there will be new dogs in a week and you can try again.

A word about puppies.  Puppies can suck you in like a black hole.  But generally, you are better off getting a young adult dog.  Puppies take a lot of extra care.  You have to get up in the middle of the night to potty them, if you want them reliably house trained.  They chew on things and make messes.  They go through several personality changes due to hormones.  You can guess what kind of dog they'll be when they grow up, but you won't actually know until they've grown up.

With an adult dog, what you see is what you get.  Usually, they're already spayed or neutered.  They're up to date on shots and won't need another for a year (whereas puppies need shots every 3 weeks until 4 months old).  They've already learned the basics of cohabiting with humans peacefully.  Any problems are known up front (if you deal with a good agency).  If at all possible, look for one that will let you foster for a couple of weeks or try out a dog.  It's a life long commitment, so you want to make sure you two get along really well and are right for each other.

[k1maplewd]

Also with puppies socialization is critical for the 1st 6m or so.  This means every single day you have to get the puppy out of the house experiencing new things in a positive, low stress manner.  If you have any kind of social anxiety or agoraphobia, successfully socializing a puppy can make your problems worse and be very difficult for you.  When you have mental health problems having a mentally stable dog is very important, be they a SD or an ESA.  A poorly socialized puppy can easily end up with fear responses to situations, people, other animals, etc which would add to your stress, not help it.   

[Newtoitall]

well.... I'm considering a small to medium sized dog as I do have a two year old and would like to try to get back to walking, jogging, hiking and the like.

[Kirsten]

I agree a dog more medium sized would be more appropriate for a home with a small child.  I don't keep very small dogs myself because I fall a lot and worry about injuring one.  Toddlers fall a lot too and seem always to land on the dog somehow.  I've had several tumble into Cole, but none injured him because he's pretty sturdy.  Long ago I decided that if I needed to downsize to a smaller dog, I'd go with a corgi because they're about 30 pounds, but durable.  They're bred for herding cattle, and cattle can be abusive to a herding dog.  I'm not sure a corgi would generally be a good choice with small children because they may try to herd them.  However, we do have a local girl, about 12, who does competition obedience and agility with her corgi and they are a delightful pair.

I also agree dogs are great companions for walking, jogging, and hiking.  They love it, and their enthusiasm can be contagious.

A mixed breed may be your best choice.  I have a friend with a Jack Russel x pointer who is about 30 pounds but with longer legs than a corgi.  A nice sized dog, and physically active without being Jack Russel hyper.

[Roxie]

A big grin of happiness that you have joined!!!   

I also think a medium sized dog with a toddler is the most durable choice! Plently of options re" breeds and mixes! Also, a medium sized dog will be able to join in family activities and the lifestyle of a growing child!

[Newtoitall]

thank you all for your support.  I'm very happy to have found this place. =D Right now I'm working with a animal adoption agency called the Hannah Society. local here in OR that is helping me decided what temperament and breed and or mix I'll be able to do with out it conflicting with the apt restrictions and such so far all I have to deal with are breed restrictions no weight ones which makes my search a bit easier.

I have another question though

My doc when I get he or she (don't like calling dogs it) is wanting me to take he or she with me to my therapy ( Mental health doc). My doc thinks that it would help me durring my therapy sessions deal with what I'm having to go for. What would I or my doc have to do for me to take the public transit for me to do this or is it possible without having to ask someone to give me a ride.

[Kirsten]

Generally speaking, ESAs would not be permitted on public transport unless the transport authority gives permission.  They don't have to, but they might, if you ask politely and offer a letter from your doctor.  Some cities actually do have policies permitting ESAs on public transport, so it's at least worth asking them.  One thing that might help your case is if you took a CGC test with your dog and earned a certificate showing he/she has basic good manners and temperament.  The group you are working with should be very familiar with the CGC test and should be able to hook you up to take it.  Depending on who offers it, it can cost as little as $5 to take, but I wouldn't expect it to cost more than $20.

Here's a run down on the elements of the test:  http://www.akc.org/events/cgc/training_testing.cfm