Dogs are more than just furry guardians, energetic playmates, and sweet cuddles. These fascinating animals can provide support to humans dealing with certain mental health issues.
Emotional support dogs and psychiatric service dogs are often recommended by licensed therapists to help people deal with debilitating anxiety disorders, depression, ADHD, and other psychiatric problems.
Emotional Support Animals: ESAs are not service dogs and mainly function as pets and companions. They don’t go through much training compared to the psychiatric service dogs. Emotional support dogs are prescribed to people with mental conditions to offer soothing companionship, as per the AKC.
Psychiatric Service Dogs: These dogs are trained to perform certain tasks to help alleviate the symptoms of mental health conditions. For example, from reminding you to take medication to recognizing when you’re having a panic or anxiety attack, these dogs are all about keeping you safe.
These 7 dog breeds are some of the best ESAs that can be trained to recognize and predict panic attacks.
Dogs For People with Mental Health Issues
1. Boxer
Boxers are confident and intelligent dogs that can be trained to provide support with certain issues like severe anxiety and panic attacks. They are high-energy dogs and were used to hunt big game like wild boar, and have amazing instincts.
According to Britannica, Boxers have an impressive, athletic build and stand 21.5-25 inches tall. Their weight can range between 50-80 pounds. They’re well-suited for owners who can provide them with enough fenced space to burn off their energies.
As psychiatric service dogs, Boxers become a priceless asset and are great at picking up signs of anxiety and panic attacks. When it comes to learning commands that help them perform certain tasks for their human companions, they’re more than capable.
2. Doberman Pinschers
Doberman Pinschers look regal with their sleek build and gorgeous black coats, and often have rust markings. They are fierce protectors as guard dogs and, with specialized training, channel their instincts to lead anxiety sufferers to safety.
Dobies can grow 24-28 inches tall and can weigh between 60-100 pounds. Their long heads and perky ears offer a view of an alert and confident dog always ready to get the job done. They’re also used on border patrol and search and rescue missions due to their spectacular ability to learn cues and commands.
If you suffer from anxiety, ADHD, or PTSD, this powerful dog can be trained to remind you to take medicine and help alleviate the symptoms of panic attacks.
3. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are a popular breed that all dog lovers know and trust. They’re not just versatile working dogs, but also make amazing pet dogs and great companions for people who love outdoor activities.
Germans have a height of 22-26 inches, and their weights can go up to 90 pounds. These herding dogs are one of the most alert, agile, and powerful members of the Dog Kingdom. As emotional support dogs, they provide their humans with gentle and empathetic company.
German Shepherds have high intelligence and emotional IQ. They’re often trained as therapy dogs and have been helping people with PTSD and other psychiatric disorders.
With their watchful nature, they’ll know your likelihood of having a PTSD episode and are well-trained to cooperate with you in emergency measures.
4. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are beautiful dogs that can heal any soul with just their presence. Their gorgeous, silky golden coats and gentle expressions make them one of the most loved family dogs. As ESAs, they’ll be your patient furry friends and help you cope with stress and depression.
Golden Retrievers can have a height of 21.5-24 inches and can grow 55-75 pounds. These friendly dogs can adapt to most living conditions if they’re being given proper playtime and physical exercise.
Golden Retrievers are built to cooperate with humans due to their retrieving background. With a charming personality and tendency to bond with their favorite person, these pups make perfect allies. If you need a therapy dog, this is one of the most reliable breeds.
When it comes to helping you during an anxiety attack or episode of depression, Goldens excel at the specialized training.
5. Poodle
While Poodles look like they’re just bundles of cuteness and all about fun and games, these intelligent pups also make amazing companions for people with panic disorders. These curly-coated, bouncy pups have a way of filling your house with laughter and keeping all family members happy.
Poodles come in three size types:
Standard Poodles: 18-24 inches and 40-70 pounds.
Miniature Poodles: 10-15 inches, 10-15 pounds.
Toy Poodles: Under 10 inches and 10-18 pounds.
Poodles are all-purpose pets with spectacular intelligence. These water dogs are not just loving lap dogs; they’re also great partners for outdoor fun like picnics. They’re also an amazing choice for people with allergies who also need an ESA or therapy dog, due to their low-shedding, hypoallergenic coats.
PetMD recommends a trim for their curly coats every 4-6 weeks. As smart dogs, they learn to be service dogs fabulously. They can be well-trained to perform certain actions like helping you away from a crowded space and catching signs of panic attacks.
6. Border Collie
Border Collies are one of the most companionable breeds in the world. They’re highly adaptable, from calm and supportive friends to capable service dogs; their intelligence and trainability help them accomplish complex tasks.
Border Collies stand 18-22 inches tall and weigh between 30-50 pounds. They’re one of the smartest dog breeds in the world, and learning complex commands and cues is one of their strengths. Not all dogs are as versatile as Border Collies.
Collies excel at obedience, agility, and brain games like puzzle toys. Despite their fun-loving and sometimes mischievous nature, they mean business when it comes to helping anxiety and PTSD sufferers.
7. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are everybody’s favorite breed with playful presence and loving temperament. Labs have a background as capable retrievers and have worked with hunters as fearless companions.
Labs stand 21.5-24.5 inches tall with a 55-80 pounds weight range. They’re energetic and highly trainable dogs and can be trained to help people with mental health issues and certain disabilities associated with them.
Labs are always there for you with their biddable nature and love for forming attachments with their humans. From obedience training to being able to accomplish tasks to help with panic disorders and attacks, Labs excel at all aspects of being psychiatric service dogs.
Conclusion
Mental health issues are becoming more and more prevalent and have a significant impact on people’s quality of life. If you have received your diagnosis, other than formal treatment, considering an ESA or psychiatric service dog can help you cope and perform daily tasks better.
Talk to your licensed therapist if you desire a furry friend to keep you safe during panic attacks. These emotional support dogs are great at forming strong, loving bonds with their owners.
