How to Train a Service Dog for Anxiety: A Practical Guide

* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

A dog's companionship can be incredibly comforting, especially when anxiety takes hold. But did you know that this companionship can be honed into targeted support? This guide provides a practical roadmap on how to train a service dog for anxiety. We'll cover key questions to consider, essential qualities to look for in a potential service dog, and the specific training methods to empower your dog to become your trusted anxiety-support partner.

If you struggle with depression, panic attacks, or other forms of anxiety, you might have noticed that being around your dog helps you feel more calm. Just spending time with a friend’s canine companion—or volunteering at a local shelter or rescue—can have an impact on your mental state. A wide range of people report the soothing effects of petting, playing, or simply sitting in the same room as their pets!

Maybe you’ve wondered what it would take to get an official service dog to help treat your anxiety. (You’re in good company: Over 610,000 individuals with disabilities are teamed up with a service dog who helps them navigate public spaces.)

How do you decide if you need a service dog—or if other medical equipment and interventions will fit your lifestyle best? What should you look for in your assistance animal’s temperament? And what’s the process to train specific psychiatric tasks to help your anxiety?

Below we break down everything you need to know to get started.

First things first: Do you need a service dog for anxiety?

Key Takeaways

• Evaluate if a service dog is right for you: Consider the substantial time, financial, and emotional commitment involved in training and caring for a service dog. ESAs may be a better fit for those seeking primarily emotional support.
• Temperament trumps breed: Prioritize a confident, non-reactive dog who is eager to please and enjoys learning. A dog's individual personality is more important than breed when choosing a service dog candidate.
• Seek expert guidance: Even experienced dog owners benefit from professional training support. A certified trainer can offer invaluable advice, assess your dog's suitability, and help troubleshoot challenges throughout the training process.

Anyone with a disability can get a service dog

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), anyone in the United States with a diagnosed disability is eligible for a service dog. The organization defines an individual with a disability as “a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.”

Service dogs can change their handlers’ lives

Training and caring for a service dog can come with a variety of financial, logistical, and emotional costs. Because of this, not everyone who lives with a psychiatric or physical disability is the right fit for an assistance animal—but many people are!

Service dogs have helped millions of people with disabilities manage their medical conditions to achieve greater health, confidence, and freedom in their daily lives.

If you:

1. have a psychiatric or mental health condition like post traumatic stress disorder or depression, and are
2. able to invest the necessary time and energy into caring for a canine

you might be a great candidate for a task-trained service dog.

But a service dog isn't always the right answer

Consider the commitment and potential downsides

Training a service dog for anxiety is a significant commitment. It takes considerable time and effort to train a dog to perform specific tasks that mitigate the effects of a disability. A well-trained service dog can significantly improve the quality of life for someone with anxiety, but it's not a decision to take lightly. Many people find the process rewarding, but it’s important to understand the dedication involved.

While you can technically train a service dog yourself, most experienced owners recommend working with a professional dog trainer. Even if you handle most of the training yourself, a trainer provides invaluable knowledge and guidance. They can advise you on training methods and help ensure your dog is prepared for public access work. Finding a qualified trainer takes time, so factor that into your decision.

Beyond the training itself, caring for a service dog is a significant responsibility. The costs—financial, logistical, and emotional—associated with service dog care can be substantial. This includes regular vet visits, specialized food, and potential professional grooming. You’ll also need to ensure your dog gets adequate exercise and enrichment, even when you might not feel up to it. Honestly assess your capacity to meet these needs before committing to a service dog.

Explore Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) as an alternative

If a service dog feels like too much right now, an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) might be a better fit. ESAs differ from service dogs: service dogs are task-trained to perform specific actions that mitigate a disability, while ESAs provide comfort and emotional support through their presence. This means ESAs don't require the same rigorous training. Providing comfort or emotional support isn't enough to qualify a dog as a service animal under the ADA. ESAs have different legal protections and access rights.

If you’re looking for a companion to provide emotional support and companionship, an ESA might be a good option. You can find resources and information about ESAs online and through your mental health professional. For help finding dog-friendly places to visit with your dog, check out the dog parks on Sniffspot.

What is an anxiety service dog?

A service animal is defined as a dog (or, fun fact of the day, miniature horse) that has been individually trained to help their handler navigate the world. They’re called “service” animals because they provide services—specific tasks—for their disabled owners as part of larger treatment plans.

Psychiatric service dogs are officially considered “medical equipment.” The tasks a service dog performs must be directly related to their handler’s disability in order for them to be protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Because of these stipulations, not all dogs who improve their owners’ quality of life by helping with anxiety symptoms can be considered legal service dogs.

Emotional support animals aren’t service dogs

The ADA says “[we] make a distinction between psychiatric service animals and emotional support animals. If the dog has been trained to sense that an anxiety attack is about to happen and take a specific action to help avoid the attack or lessen its impact, that would qualify as a service animal. However, if the dog’s mere presence provides comfort, that would not be considered a service animal under the ADA.”

What this means is that emotional support, therapy, and companion animals are not protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act. That doesn’t mean they’re not wonderful—they absolutely are! But ESAs and therapy dogs do not have public access rights to visit non-pet-friendly places with their owners, like indoor restaurants and grocery stores. (The only exception is housing: Emotional support animals are allowed to live with their handlers regardless of dog or breed restrictions.)

Emotional support dogs and therapy dogs can become legal service animals if they go through designated task training to help one specific handler, who then becomes a service dog owner. Once their training is complete, they will be welcome in public spaces.

Which Anxiety Conditions Can a Service Dog Help With?

Service dogs work alongside individuals living with a huge range of disabilities. There is no single diagnosis or experience they’re best for! That said, some common conditions you might train a service animal for are:

• Depression
• Panic attacks
• Generalized anxiety
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Does your dog have the right temperament to be a service dog for anxiety?

This might seem counterintuitive, but it’s actually best if your service dog isn’t naturally worried about your anxiety.

While it can be sweet to watch an animal sense your unease and try to make things better, it can also be a sign that they’re uncomfortable! Your service dog will spend hours each day working for you in a range of environments. You want their tasks to be fun and rewarding—not driven by their own worry.

The best service dog candidates are emotionally stable and nonreactive. They shouldn’t be overwhelmed by your panic attacks—they don’t see you as a vulnerable person—and are instead able to eagerly work through a range of situations.

Temperament and Trainability: Key Factors for Success

As mentioned above, the best service dog candidates are emotionally stable and nonreactive. They shouldn’t be overwhelmed by your panic attacks—they don’t see you as a vulnerable person—and are instead able to eagerly work through a range of situations. A dog who is easily startled or reactive to new sights, sounds, and smells will struggle to focus on their tasks. Instead, look for a dog who is curious and confident, and enjoys working closely with you.

Trainability is also key. While some breeds have reputations for being easier to train than others, any dog can learn to be a service dog with the right approach and plenty of patience. Look for a dog who is eager to please and enjoys learning new things. A dog who is food-motivated or toy-motivated can be easier to train, as these rewards can be used to reinforce desired behaviors. If you’re looking for dog name inspiration, check out our handy guide.

Not all dogs are cut out for service work

It's important to remember that not every dog is suited to be a service dog. Some dogs, despite their loving nature and bond with their owner, may not possess the temperament or trainability required for the rigorous demands of service work. This is perfectly okay! A dog can still be a wonderful companion without being a service dog. If you're unsure whether your dog is a good candidate, consult with a professional service dog trainer for an evaluation. They can assess your dog's temperament and provide guidance on whether pursuing service dog training is the right path for you and your furry friend. If you're looking for open spaces to work with your dog, Sniffspot offers a variety of dog-friendly locations.

Health and Physical Considerations

A dog’s physical health is vital, especially for mobility assistance. A vet check, including x-rays, is recommended to ensure good joint health. For service dogs performing tasks related to anxiety or psychiatric conditions, physical health is still important for their overall well-being and ability to perform their duties. A healthy dog is more likely to have the energy and stamina required for service work. Regular vet checkups and preventative care are essential for maintaining a service dog's health throughout their working life. You can find dog-friendly water parks on Sniffspot for fun exercise.

Age Matters: Is an older dog right for this?

While puppies are adorable and full of potential, they generally aren't suitable for service dog training until they are older and more mature. A 9-10 year old dog is generally considered too old to begin the rigorous training needed for a full service dog that works in public. Adult dogs, on the other hand, often make excellent candidates. They have established temperaments, are typically easier to house train, and can focus for longer periods. If you're considering an older dog, it's important to assess their overall health and energy levels to ensure they can handle the demands of service work. Finding the right dog is a crucial step in the process.

Best Dog Breeds for Anxiety Service Dogs

Any dog breed can be a psychiatric service dog. Since these assistance animals provide tasks to help with mental rather than physical health, there are no stipulations about their size (like there might be for service dogs helping with mobility issues—larger breeds are better able to keep their handlers steady on their feet).

Many individuals with disabilities and professional service dog organizations gravitate towards one of the “Fab Four” breeds: Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Standard Poodles, and Collies. Others love their German Shepherds (they’re known as one of the most versatile dogs for good reason). You should focus more on your service dog candidate’s overall temperament than their breed alone. Whether a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Bichon Frise, the right canine companion will be confident, alert, and eager to work with you.

Make sure your dog is prepared for public access rights

Before training your dog to be an anxiety service animal, you need to make sure they’ll be able to handle a variety of public environments in your everyday lives while paying attention to you. While this article dives into task training (how to teach your dog the specific services they’ll need to perform to mitigate your disability) it’s important to build strong public access skills, too.

Service dogs need to be able to:

• Have strong basic obedience skills to set the foundation for proper behavior in public
• Settle for long periods of time in distracting environments
• Walk on a loose leash or in a tight heel, at your side, through crowds
• Ignore other dogs (even when confronted with excessive barking, lunging, or other instigative behavior)
• Leave dropped food, prey, and other temptations alone
• Be so confident they aren’t bothered by things like sirens and machinery (or at bare minimum recover quickly from startling, potentially traumatic events)
• Keep their attention on you, their handler, at all times

You can train these behaviors on your own or reach out to a professional service dog trainer for expert guidance. (Alternatively, you can apply for a facility dog who has been raised and trained by a service dog organization.)

Know that service dogs are expected to handle a lot—and it’s normal for some canines to struggle with the pressure. Atlas Assistance Dogs reports that more than half of service dog candidates do not complete their training

Choose what tasks you want your dog to perform

You’ve decided you’re a good fit for a service dog. You understand the importance of your working animal having a stable, solid temperament. Now for the details: Let’s take a look at how to choose the tasks you want your dog to perform and what methods you can use to teach them! Here’s to the start of your training journey.

Prioritize what you most need

It’s important to prioritize the services that will have the greatest impact on your life. Everyone’s disability, surrounding environment, and personal preferences differ.

Some common anxiety service dog tasks include:

• Alerting you to an oncoming anxiety attack before it happens by nudging your body, barking, or lying in a specific position
• Preventing self-harm behaviors by pawing or nudging at your own hands
• Providing deep pressure therapy by lying on top of you, a bit like a weighted blanket
• Retrieving objects like medication, water, or your cell phone and bringing them to your hand
• Opening doors and flipping light switches
• Interrupting repetitive behaviors caused by obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Reminding you to take a medication by nudging, pawing, barking, or another signal you’ve chosen
• Circling around you to prevent strangers from approaching (“crowd control”)

If you think of something that isn’t on this list, it can still be a valid service animal task so long as it directly mitigates your psychiatric condition or disability.

Train your service dog’s tasks

Once you’ve decided what tasks you want your service dog to learn, it’s time to start teaching them. You’ll need to put in hours of training to polish their skills (or consider sending them to a designated service dog training program).

In the early stages, this process will look a lot like teaching your pet any other basic cue:

• You’ll need a reinforcer (like high value treats or a favorite toy), a reward marker (often a clicker), and some patience.
• You can lure your dog into the correct action, shape, or capture behaviors they’re already offering. For example: Pawing and nudging are great candidates for luring—while barking or retrieving objects might be better taught through shaping or capturing.
• Once your dog can reliably perform the chosen skill, you’ll associate a visual and/or verbal cue (like a hand signal or word) that lets them know it’s time to do the behavior.

Specific Training Methods

Association with Anxiety: Rewarding during anxious episodes

This method involves associating positive reinforcement (treats, toys, etc.) with your anxiety. Your dog learns to connect your anxious state with good things. First, identify a desired behavior from your dog (licking, nudging, etc.) that helps calm your anxiety. Train this behavior separately before associating it with your anxiety. For example, if a gentle nudge helps ground you, teach your dog the “nudge” cue on its own first. Then incorporate it into anxiety response training.

Next, start rewarding your dog for the desired behavior during your anxiety episodes. Over time, your dog learns to anticipate and respond to even subtle signs of your anxiety. This process can take several months. Keep a training log to track your dog's behavior and your anxiety levels. This will help you identify any lag time between your dog's response and the onset of your anxiety.

Responding to Tells: Reacting to specific cues

This method uses a visible or audible “tell”—a behavior you exhibit when anxious (e.g., rubbing your legs, a specific breathing pattern)—as a cue for your dog. Train your dog to associate the “tell” with a specific behavior. For example, if having your dog jump on your chest for comfort is helpful, that could be the associated behavior. This method is useful if the “Association with Anxiety” method isn’t working, or if your dog needs to respond to you from across a room. Learn more about this and other service dog training methods.

Keep Detailed Training Logs

Track progress and identify patterns

Keeping a training log is crucial for tracking your service dog’s progress and identifying patterns in both your and your dog’s behavior. Detailed records can help you pinpoint what’s working, what’s not, and any potential triggers for your anxiety. This information is invaluable as you refine your training approach and ensure your service dog’s responses are consistent and effective.

Pair your service dog’s tasks with your anxiety symptoms

When your dog consistently does their tasks on your visual or verbal cue, it’s time to associate those behaviors with your anxiety symptoms! It’s great for your pet to be able to listen to what you say—simply having a “nudge” or “light switch” verbal cue can be a great help—but in the middle of a panic attack, you won’t be able to give them direction. It’s important your service dog can act on their own when needed to keep you safe.

This all might sound complicated, but don’t worry. It’s essentially the same process as adding a new verbal cue to a behavior your dog already knows! Instead of associating your dog’s task with a specific word, though, you’re now going to associate it with a certain anxiety symptom.

These symptoms might include:

• Fidgeting (like picking at your hands, face, or other objects)
• Increased heart rate
• Heavy breathing

And so on. Pick the things you struggle with most—through these daily tasks, your service dog will have the biggest impact on your life.

How to associate your anxiety signals with your service dog’s tasks

Follow these steps to pair your new learned behavior stimulus (whatever anxiety symptom you’ve chosen) with your dog’s already-known hand or verbal signal.

• Manifest your chosen anxiety symptom. Some are easy to perform on demand, like fidgeting or heavy breathing. Others, such as an increased heart rate, might require more creativity on your end.
• Pause for just a breath. Then immediately give your visual or verbal cue for the task you want your dog to perform.
• If your dog responds, mark and reward them with treats or a toy!
• Repeat this several times. Keep your sessions short and upbeat.
• Eventually your dog should start to perform their service at the onset of your anxiety symptom instead of waiting for the visual or verbal signal.

Practice and proof in a variety of environments

Dogs often struggle to generalize behaviors. This means they might be able to follow cues in a familiar environment but still struggle to perform out and about.

Since your service dog needs to work in every environment you visit, however, it’s imperative that you spend time proofing their variety of tasks. Here are some tips:

• The first time you ask your service dog to perform a task in a new context, take a few steps back in your training process to make it easier for them. Use your hand signal (or even your lure) along with your verbal cue to set them up for success.
• Make things more difficult slowly so your dog doesn’t get discouraged. You want to end your training sessions on a positive note, not with frustration!
• Make sure you always use the same visual, verbal cues, and anxiety symptom cues.
• Be aware of other subtle body movements that might confuse your dog, especially in the early stages of training.
• Video your sessions so you can evaluate your marker and reward timing.
• Make sure you aren’t asking your dog to perform in unfamiliar environments or situations before they’re ready.

When in doubt, seek professional training guidance!

Service dog training can be overwhelming, especially if you’re trying to do it all on your own. Feeling stuck? Not sure how to troubleshoot new issues that are cropping up? Don’t worry: A professional trainer can make a world of difference!

Some canine professionals and training organizations even specialize in assistance animals. Many of these coaches are also service dog owners themselves, so they understand details from both a trainer and handler perspective. That means they can provide feedback on everything from public access behavior to specific tasks!

Professional training lessons can get expensive—but it’s a worthy investment to make sure your service dog is ready to act as medical equipment out in the world. If the cost of in-person private training is prohibitive, you might consider group classes, virtual sessions, or online content as well.

Professional Guidance is Essential

Even with self-training, a trainer can make all the difference

While it’s absolutely possible to train your own service dog, having a professional trainer’s guidance can be invaluable. Even if you plan to handle the day-to-day training yourself, a trainer can provide expert advice on training methods, assess your dog's suitability for service work, and help you prepare your dog for public access. They can also help you troubleshoot any challenges you encounter along the way. Think of them as your personal service dog training consultant! Finding a qualified trainer experienced with service dog training is a great first step.

Understanding the Training Timeline

It's a two-year commitment (generally)

Training a service dog is a significant time commitment, often taking between one and two years. This timeframe includes building a solid foundation in basic obedience, teaching specific tasks related to your disability, and extensive public access training. It's a marathon, not a sprint, so be prepared for the long haul. Resources like PsychDogPartners offer valuable insights into the training process.

Phased Approach: From basic obedience to specialized tasks

A phased approach is crucial for effective service dog training. Start with basic obedience commands like sit, stay, down, and come. Then, progress to leash training, focusing on polite leash manners. Once your dog has mastered these fundamentals, gradually introduce them to various public settings, like safe and controlled environments found on Sniffspot. Finally, begin teaching the specific tasks that will directly address your anxiety needs. This structured approach ensures a well-rounded and reliable service dog. You can find more tips on online forums dedicated to service dog training.

The Real Cost of Training a Service Dog

Owner-training costs: More than you might think

Even if you choose to owner-train your service dog, there will still be costs involved. These can include training equipment, books, online resources, and potentially consultations with professional trainers. While owner-training can be more affordable than sending your dog to a professional program, it's important to budget realistically and be prepared for unexpected expenses. Learn more about the potential costs involved in service dog training.

Prioritize suitability over initial cost savings

When selecting a dog for service work, prioritize their suitability for the job over potential initial cost savings. A dog with the right temperament and aptitude for service work will ultimately be a better investment, even if they come with a higher initial price tag. Choosing a dog that isn't a good fit can lead to frustration, wasted time, and ultimately, the dog "washing out" of the program. PsychDogPartners emphasizes the importance of choosing the right dog for the job.

"Washing Out": When a dog isn't cut out for the job

Reasons for removal and what it means

Sometimes, despite everyone's best efforts, a dog may not be suitable for service work. This is often referred to as "washing out." Reasons for removal can include medical issues, aggression, or persistent nervousness or anxiety in public settings. It's important to recognize that washing out isn't a failure on your part or the dog's. It simply means the dog isn't the right fit for this demanding role. A washed-out dog can still be a wonderful companion animal. Understanding the reasons for washing out can help you make informed decisions throughout the training process.

Public Access Tests and Evaluations

Preparing your dog for the real world

Public access training is a critical component of service dog training. Your dog needs to be able to behave appropriately in a variety of real-world environments, including stores, restaurants, and public transportation. This involves desensitizing them to distractions, teaching them to ignore other dogs and people, and ensuring they can remain focused on you and their tasks. Practicing in different locations, like the dog-friendly spaces listed on Sniffspot, can be incredibly helpful for this type of training. This article on training a service dog for anxiety offers additional guidance on public access training.

Legal Aspects and ADA Compliance: Know Your Rights and Responsibilities

Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is essential for service dog owners. The ADA defines service animals and outlines the rights and responsibilities of both handlers and businesses. Familiarize yourself with the ADA regulations to ensure you're aware of your rights and can advocate for yourself and your service dog. You can find more information about the ADA and service animals on the ADA website. This Sniffspot article also provides a helpful overview of the legal aspects of service dog ownership.

Trainer Review

There is so much misinformation out there, we want to make sure we only provide the highest quality information to our community. We have all of our articles reviewed by qualified, positive-only trainers.  

This is the trainer that reviewed this article:

Brittany L. Fulton, CTC
Founder and Trainer, Dances with Dogs, Silver Spring, MD, www.dancesdogs.com – Certified in Training and Counseling (CTC), The Academy for Dog Trainers

Finding the Right Trainer for You and Your Dog

While you can absolutely teach your dog basic cues and even some service dog tasks on your own, most experienced owners and professional trainers strongly recommend working with a certified professional. Even if you’re doing the bulk of the training yourself, a trainer can provide crucial knowledge and guidance on appropriate training methods, and help ensure your dog is properly prepared for public access. This extra support can make a real difference in your dog's development and your overall peace of mind.

Some canine professionals and training organizations even specialize in assistance animals. Many of these coaches are also service dog owners themselves, giving them valuable insight from both the trainer and handler perspective. This means they can offer well-rounded feedback on everything from public access behavior to specific tasks, tailoring their approach to your unique situation.

Professional training lessons can be an investment, but they're worthwhile to ensure your service dog is fully prepared for the demands of working in public. Think of it as equipping your dog with the skills they need to be your reliable partner. If private training isn't feasible, consider group classes, virtual sessions, or online resources to supplement your training efforts. Prioritizing the services that will have the greatest impact on your life is key, as everyone's disability, environment, and personal needs are different.

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• How to Train a Service Dog for Anxiety | Psychiatric Tasks
• Dog Anxiety Causes and Treatment | Sniffspot
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• How Much Does it Cost to Train a Service Dog? | Sniffspot

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a service dog right for my anxiety? A service dog can be life-changing for someone with anxiety, but it's a big decision. Consider the substantial time commitment for training and the ongoing responsibility of daily care. If you're unsure, an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) might be a better fit for now. ESAs offer comfort and companionship without the rigorous training demands of a service dog, though they don't have the same public access rights. Explore both options to see which best suits your current lifestyle and needs.

My dog helps me when I'm anxious. Does that mean they're a service dog? Not necessarily. While your dog's presence might offer comfort, a service dog is specifically trained to perform tasks that directly mitigate your disability. The ADA distinguishes between the comforting presence of an ESA and the trained tasks of a service dog. An ESA doesn't have the same public access rights as a service dog. However, with proper training, an ESA can become a service dog.

What kind of tasks can an anxiety service dog perform? Anxiety service dogs can be trained for a variety of tasks tailored to your specific needs. These can include alerting you to an oncoming anxiety attack, interrupting repetitive behaviors, retrieving medication, providing deep pressure therapy, or creating personal space in crowds. The key is to choose tasks that directly address your most challenging anxiety symptoms.

What temperament should I look for in a potential service dog? Look for a dog who is confident, curious, and enjoys working closely with you. Emotional stability and non-reactivity are crucial. Your dog shouldn't mirror your anxiety but rather remain calm and focused on their tasks, even in stimulating environments. Trainability is also important, so choose a dog eager to please and learn. While breed can be a factor, focus primarily on individual temperament.

I'm feeling overwhelmed by the idea of service dog training. What are my options? Don't worry, it's completely normal to feel overwhelmed! While you can train a service dog yourself, professional guidance is highly recommended. A trainer can provide expert advice, assess your dog's suitability, and help troubleshoot any challenges. Even a few sessions can make a big difference. If cost is a concern, explore options like group classes, virtual sessions, or online resources.

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