{"id":27943,"date":"2021-06-16T10:36:20","date_gmt":"2021-06-16T09:36:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stonebridge-blog.positive-dedicated.net\/?p=27943"},"modified":"2021-06-16T11:49:38","modified_gmt":"2021-06-16T10:49:38","slug":"which-is-the-best-breed-of-dog-for-emotional-support","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/animal-care\/support-animals\/which-is-the-best-breed-of-dog-for-emotional-support\/","title":{"rendered":"Which is the Best Breed of Dog for Emotional Support?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Dogs are known for naturally being in tune with human emotions. Some have even been able to pick up on behavioural changes, health fluctuations and mental health episodes without training. This intuition can help raise the alarm to their owners deteriorating health. Or provide anxiety relief and a feeling of comfort in social situations that helps them to manage their challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With training, dogs can provide even higher levels of support. Trained assistance dogs support individuals with a physical or learning disability, medical condition or enduring mental health issues lead independent lives. Whereas dogs trained to provide animal assisted intervention can improve an individual\u2019s social, emotional, or cognitive functioning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But determining which is the best breed of dog for emotional support depends on a number of factors. Some breeds have characteristics that align them better with emotional support. But the specific emotional needs need to be taken into account. As well as which dog is best suited to the person’s situation and lifestyle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Larger dog breeds can be calm and docile, which can have a soothing effect on the owner. However, that person may not be suited to provide the physical exercise or have space for a dog of that size.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Find out more about the desirable characteristics for emotional support dogs, as well as the different breeds commonly used below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Desired Characteristics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Most dogs can offer support to humans, but some breeds naturally display traits that are suited for emotional support. These are typically breeds that are gentle, laid-back and sociable. They are also ones that enjoy being trained and thrive on pleasing their humans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another key requirement is dog breeds that establish a quick bond with their humans. Having a strong connection is imperative for the dog to maintain the concentration it needs to pick up on the changing condition\/needs of its carer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This would be opposed to breeds that are more aloof and independent. As they would be unlikely to give the level of attention needed for emotional support tasks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ideal dogs are intelligent and need to respond well to training but not require a high amount of mental and physical stimulation. They also need to be confident, without being aggressive or headstrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Supporting Breeds<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are a number of dog breeds that tick the boxes for emotional and physical support. Providing their owners with the assistance they need in certain situations and getting enjoyment and stimulation out of doing so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The below dog breeds are well aligned with providing support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Border Collie<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A natural herding breed, Collies are considered to be one of the smartest dog breeds around. They\u2019re predictable, rarely aggressive and enjoy play and training. They provide great emotional support for people experiencing depression. As well as anyone who needs to gain more activity and exercise to help their condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, people requiring emotional support who can\u2019t provide much exercise or mental stimulation wouldn\u2019t be suited to this breed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cavalier King Charles is a well-known affectionate breed. It\u2019s smaller, calm, gentle and enjoys lots of physical contact and cuddles. It also doesn\u2019t require much exercise which makes it ideal for first-time dog carers and people with limited capacity or ability. This laid back, loving nature is excellent for anyone who needs a dog to comfort and calm them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Corgi<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Much more than just the favoured dog of the Queen, the Corgi is a great candidate for emotional support. They can be quite energetic though. So, ideally, they will suit someone who enjoys getting out or wants to be more social. But being small, affectionate and intelligent means they are easy to handle and will excel in training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Golden Retriever<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the most popular family pets, Golden Retrievers are an ideal emotional and physical support breed for the disabled and the blind. They are friendly, calm and patient. Establishing a quick and caring bond with their owners and enjoying their company. They are even tempered and predictable, and they require a moderate level of exercise and maintenance. This and the fact they are highly trainable means they have many of the characteristics required for emotional support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

German Shepherd<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A dog that likes having a job to do, German Shepherds are a loyal and devoted breed. Highly intelligent and eager to please, they are a good option for emotional and physical support for those who can handle a larger dog. Their strength and size often lending themselves to people who require a dog that can also provide physical support. But being naturally protective, and with heightened senses, they need sufficient training to make sure they don\u2019t take their duties too far.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Labrador Retriever<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Gentle and friendly, Labs are frequently on the \u2018best dogs for\u2019 lists for most reasons. They\u2019re smart, obedient and calm, so they can be very popular for people who are hyper or otherwise need calming. They also have a strong desire to please so will be happy with most activities their owners want to do. But they are energetic with a natural desire to find things and bring them to you. So you\u2019ll need to indulge their needs too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rottweiler<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Often thought of as an aggressive breed, the Rottie is the furthest thing from it. They are strong and natural protectors, which means they strike up a deep bond with their owners. They\u2019ve also got a great disposition and temperament, are friendly, patient and relaxed in most situations. Which helps calm people who would otherwise be nervous or anxious. And their affectionate, cuddling nature means you\u2019ll get both emotional and physical comfort from them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Work with Support Dogs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you like the idea of working with dogs aligned for support work, you can do so in different capacities. Professionals who help train these skilled and comforting breeds can positively affect the lives of many people with differing needs. But to do so, you yourself will need to complete specific training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You could work with dogs that provide animal assisted intervention therapy. Recognising desirable behaviours and identifying dogs suitable to provide intervention therapy. An Animal Assisted Intervention Diploma (RQF) Level 3<\/strong><\/a> allows you to explore and study this subject and learn about the connection animals have with humans.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Teaching you how they can support individuals with specific challenges through specialist training. And how you can teach the dogs to understand the needs of people with physical disabilities, special educational needs or emotional issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alternatively, you could study an Assistance Dog Training Level 3 Diploma (RQF)<\/strong><\/a>. <\/strong>This would qualify you to train assistance dogs and make a difference in the lives of people living with physical disabilities. Throughout your course, you\u2019ll learn to motivate dogs in their training. Explore how canine behaviours and training can support us and learn the types of human disabilities relevant to Assistance Dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both careers can be highly rewarding for anyone with an affinity for animals, and a particular fondness for dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stonebridge Associated Colleges<\/strong><\/a> is one of the leading UK distance learning providers. With many online courses to help you start a career working with animals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Find out more about how you can gain qualifications to work with dogs in an emotional support capacity below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Dogs are known for naturally being in tune with human emotions. Some have even been able to pick up on behavioural changes, health fluctuations and mental health episodes without training. This intuition can help raise the alarm to their owners deteriorating health. Or provide anxiety relief and a feeling of comfort in social situations that […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":33,"featured_media":27945,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1433],"tags":[1431,1429],"class_list":["post-27943","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-support-animals","tag-emotional-support-animals","tag-emotional-support-dogs"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27943","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/33"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=27943"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27943\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":27957,"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27943\/revisions\/27957"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/27945"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27943"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=27943"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=27943"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}