4 Breeds To Consider For Your Psychiatric Service Dog
Posted on: 16 April 2018
Most people experience stress or anxiety at one point in their lives. However, a large number of people suffer from depression and anxiety disorders that affect their ability to live a normal life. While surprising to learn, an estimated 40 million adults in the United States suffer from an anxiety disorder. Prescription medications and counseling sessions are the most common treatments for patients living with depression or anxiety disorders, but other options are available.
Today, many medical providers are approving the use of psychiatric service dogs for helping patients with mental health disorders. These dogs are not only effective for easing a patient's emotions distress, but they can also be trained to remind patients to take their medications. Of course, proper training is key to ensure these dogs offer the most effective service. If you are currently living with depression or an anxiety disorder, consider one of these breeds to train as your psychiatric service dog.
Labrador Retriever
When creating a list of the best breeds, the Labrador retriever will most likely be on it. Because of its intelligence, strength, and appeal, it is easy to see why the lab is one of the most popular breeds in the country.
Labrador retrievers love to please and are friendly, so they are easy to train and great to have in a public environment. If you have children, this breed is a great option because these dogs work well around all age groups.
The lab's easy-going attitude is perfectly suited for anyone who needs emotional support due to their depression and anxiety.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a sporting toy breed that aims to please. The breed's appearance is adorable and its demeanor is cuddly and loving, allowing the dog to be a calming presence for anyone suffering from emotional distress.
Proper training can help your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel become a beneficial part of your family. The dog thrives on praise, so make sure to praise, pet, and give treats to the dog constantly.
If you want a polite, calming, and strong dog that can ease your anxiety while offering continuous love and companionship, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel may be right for you.
German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is another breed that ends up on many lists of best service dogs. Not only is the breed intelligent, but it also thrives in working environments, meaning it wants to please and provide for you and your family.
Many people believe the German Shepherd has humanlike intelligent. This breed will not only sense your emotions and moods changing, but can also help support you through any distress. In many instances, the German shepherd can be trained to remind you to take your medications and even to bring you your prescription medications.
Lhasa Apso
Service dogs should be able to help you when you're out of the home, since you may experience stress and anxiety while out and about in the world. Although possible, maneuvering a larger service dog, such as a lab or German shepherd, can be a bit challenging. Thankfully, good things come in small packages, too.
If you need an emotional support dog that is smaller and easier to transport, consider the Lhasa Apso. With average weights of between 12 and 15 pounds, the Lhasa Apso can be transported in your arms in or pet carrier. You should not let its size fool you, though, because this fierce dog is a loyal guardian of its family. The Lhasa Apso is easily trained with consistency, praise, and socialization. With its enormous intelligence and loving companionship, the Lhasa Apso is a great breed for anyone considering a psychiatric service dog.
Whether living with severe depression, PTDS, or another mental health disorder, help is available. To learn more about psychiatric service dogs, talk to your mental health professional or to a company like USA Service Dogs.
Share