Emotional Support Task Animal Training Pathway
Puppy Foundations
- Socialization
- Bonding
- Introduction to touch handling
- Crate training
- Environmental exposure
- Sound desensitization
Emotional Support Task Behaviors
These are NOT “service dog tasks,” but rather:
- Deep pressure comfort (laying across your lap calmly)
- Cuddling on cue
- Providing grounding during emotional episodes
- Panic calming presence
- Staying near the handler consistently
- Soothing routines (nuzzling, staying still, laying near chest)
Public Manners Training
We ensure your animals are calm in:
- Workspaces
- Apartment complexes
- Outdoor patios
- Therapy or support environments
Skills include:
- Loose-leash walking
- Ignoring distractions
- Quiet relaxation
- Calm greeting behavior
Emotional Regulation Skills
These help your ESA provide emotional grounding to its owner:
- Recognizing anxious body language
- Staying calm in tense environments
- Providing consistent presence
- Maintaining focus on their handler
Home Behavior & Support
- Staying near the handler
- Providing calming presence during episodes
- Nighttime comfort
- Routine comforting positions
- Being stable, predictable, loving
Emotional Support Task Animal™ Certification
This certificate represents:
- Completed behavioral pathway
- Verified calming responses
- Reliable emotional grounding skills
- Public manners level
- Home stability behaviors
