Author: Cindy Kelly

I'm the owner of Regis Regal German Shepherds, a small family business located in Spring Grove, Illinois. I've been breeding German Shepherds of sound body and mind for over 30 years and specialize in providing families with loving companion dogs, and dogs for emotional support therapy, for veterans suffering PTSD, and for other special needs. I'm trying to share my extensive knowledge on breeding and training the perfect German Shepherd with the wider community.

How to Get a Service Dog for Anxiety

If you suffer from anxiety or an anxiety-related disorder, you likely know that a well-trained, affectionate and happy dog could raise your spirits and shower you with love even on days when the stresses of modern life seem overwhelming. While you could get yourself a dog by taking a trip to the pound or visiting a local pet store, you may be better off seeking out a companion animal that has been bred and trained to help you cope with your condition. 

A specially trained anxiety service dog may be able to recognize the signs of an impending attack, and then it could fetch your medicine or rush to your side to calm you. Dog is God spelled backwards, which is appropriate because they bring a little slice of heaven into your life. 

Choosing Between a Service and Emotional Support Dog 

If you think that an assistance dog could make your life better, the first thing you will need to do is decide whether a service or emotional support dog would be the best fit. You do not need to concern yourself with therapy dogs as these are assistance animals that are trained to bring comfort to groups of people in places like hospitals, mental health facilities and hospices.

An emotional support dog is a regular dog that provides you with comfort and affection. If you already have a pet dog, the doctor who treats your anxiety can write a prescription that will make your pet an emotional support dog. This means that you will be able to take your dog with you when you travel, and landlords will not be able to refuse to rent to you even if they have strict no pet policies.

A service dog is a very different kind of assistance animal. These are dogs that have received special training to help a person with a disability or mental health issue like PTSD or anxiety. The guide dogs used by the blind are the most well-known kind of service dog. The training these dogs receive is intense and can last as long as two years, and only a select few actually make it all the way through. 

Dog owners who want to bring their pets into restaurants or other places that they would not usually be allowed to take them sometimes simply buy a service dog harness, but this is against the law and could get you into big trouble. 

How a Service Dog Could Help You to Cope With Anxiety

Researchers identified what is known as the “pet effect” decades ago, which is why support animals have become so popular with people who sometimes need a little help to get through the day. While any pet can touch your heart and fill your home with life, a trained service dog can do much, much more.

Time to get up: A service dog that has been trained to recognize the symptoms of anxiety or depression will know when you want to stay in bed and avoid the world. When they realize that you need a little nudge, they will gently but persistently nuzzle you to encourage you to get up and face the day. A service dog can also fetch your medicine, bring you a drink and give you deep pressure therapy during an anxiety attack.

I must protect my human: An adorable dog is a major league attention getter, which may not always be a good thing for people with anxiety issues. A service dog will know when you are feeling uncomfortable or overwhelmed, and it will use its body to shield and protect you. However, it is trained to know the difference between discomfort and danger, so it will not growl at or bite somebody who doesn’t pose a legitimate threat.

Cut it out: You may not realize that you are about to have an anxiety attack, but your service dog will. It will be on guard around the clock watching for anxious behavior like nail biting, hair pulling or leg bouncing. When it sees that you are in trouble, your service dog will interrupt the behavior and help you to calm down.

Time to go: Anxiety attacks often happen at the worst possible moments. If you ever run into problems while you are out with your service dog, it will take charge of the situation and guide you to a quiet place so you can relax and gather yourself.

How to Get a Service Dog for Anxiety

There are many ways to get an anxiety service dog. Here is a guide to four main ways people go about it:

  1. Adopt from a Reputable Breeder (The Best Option)

As you can probably tell, a lot goes into breeding and training any service dog. Adopting one from a reputable breeder is the most highly recommended route, and it gives you the best chance of ending up with the best-suited dog for anxiety. Additionally, adopting your canine from someone who lent their expertise in stringently training it to this specialty allows you to control as many of the elements of their upbringing and training as possible.

Breeders with good reputations make sure any puppy or adult dog that is eligible for adoption has been properly vetted genetically. They will also extensively test their breeding dogs for overall health by the guidelines of the AKC and through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. They also ensure that their litters of pups are thoroughly socialized.

  1. Get One through a Program

The most well known ways for getting an anxiety service dog is through programs that provide fully-trained service dogs to people with disabilities. Unfortunately, there aren’t many of these programs existing for anxiety service dogs. 

Once you go through the vetting process, most programs for psychiatric service dogs are local and have long waitlists; waitlists are often lengthy, too, and you could be waiting up to two years for your dog. Although many of the programs grant dogs to applicants without charge, some can charge up to $10,000. 

  1. Purchase from a Professional Trainer

Another way to get your dog is to purchase one from a professional who trained the dog to help with owner anxiety. Average fees for this route range from $8,000 to $20,000. Although there are some trainers in this market who are legitimate, you will need to be aware of scammers in this market, especially since this is the most expensive option on the list. 

Reputable trainers typically have a Facebook business page with testimonials from former clients and a professional website (said website is not Craigslist, either). Do your due diligence and research with this option so you don’t get ripped off. 

  1. Train Your Own Service Dog

Although it is complicated and challenging, some owners opt to train a service dog for their anxiety themselves. Know this: Breeding a proper service dog is difficult, time-consuming and a big responsibility. Also, consider that you are most likely a novice at understanding the value of good bloodlines and temperament in your dog.

Furthermore, if you adopt from a shelter, the results can be mixed regarding temperament, trainability and more, even for the experts such as the Department of Homeland Security who train their adopted pups to work for law enforcement. That sounds like an awful lot of stress, and isn’t that what you are getting your four-legged companion to help with in the first place?

What Breeds Make Good Service Dogs?

Not every dog has the intelligence, temperament and work ethic needed to be a good service animal. Pure breeds are the best candidates as their personalities and behavioral quirks are quite predictable, but some breeds are more suitable than others.

Labradors: Labs are the most popular service dogs because they usually possess all of the qualities required to make it through the tough training. They are calm, loyal and love to work, and they are possibly the most patient breed of them all.

German Shepherds: While not as popular as Labradors, German Shepherds may be the best service dogs of all. This is why they are chosen for the most demanding law enforcement and military roles. 

However, there is an important caveat to consider. German Shepherds can be anxious themselves, which could be a real problem for somebody that will be in tense situations or needs help coping with stress. This is why the U.S. Army and Marine Corps are very careful about where they get their dogs. Choosing a German Shepherd to help you with your anxiety could be one of the best decisions you ever make, but be sure that you go to a breeder that knows what they are doing and has impeccable references.

Papillons: If you live in a small apartment or do not have the time or energy to give a larger dog the exercise it needs, a papillon could be the perfect choice for you. These little guys are easy to train and want nothing more than to make you happy, but they do have the snappiness that is common to all smaller breeds.

Poodles: These dogs have hair like humans rather than fur, which means that they are ideal service dog choices for people with allergy issues. There are also cross breeds like labradoodles that offer the same benefits.

Choosing the Right Breeder

If you think that a service dog could make your life better, choosing the right breeder will be as important as choosing the right breed. Regis Regal has been breeding German Shepherds for more than 25 years, and we have been named a Breeder of Merit by the American Kennel Club. We are also one of the few breeders that offer West German sieger dogs, which are considered the best German Shepherds for service work. Please call us today at (847) 721-1908  to find out why so many veterans and anxiety sufferers have chosen us to put a little love in their lives.

What to Look for When Choosing a German Shepherd Puppy

Puppies make our hearts melt, especially when it comes to miniature versions of America’s favorite dog, the German Shepherd. They are about the purest things in the world, and it is really entertaining watching these little guys and girls grow into their big, upright ears – not to mention that they also make exceptional pets once they are adults. So if you’ve decided this breed is for you, and everyone involved agrees, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and find your newest family member. For the best outcome, here’s what to look for when choosing a German Shepherd puppy. 

An Overview of Their Temperament

One common hallmark of a well-bred German Shepherd’s temperament is their unwavering loyalty to their owners. And even though they are known for being stoic, this intelligent breed can also be sweet, fun-loving and goofy. 

With some companion dogs, it’s a good idea to adopt from your local shelter. The practice helps keep pets surrendered by their owners find loving homes. However, this can be a misguided sentiment when it comes to the German Shepherd breed. In fact, their even temperament comes from a long line of responsible breeding, and a shelter dog may come from a questionable lineage. Ahead, let’s look at what that means when it comes to adopting a German Shepherd puppy or adult.

Adopting from a Shelter Can Be Risky

Adopting a German Shepherd from an animal shelter can be risky for many reasons. For instance, they will often have health problems inherent to the breed that expert breeders will try to minimize through the maintenance of robust bloodlines and selective breeding. Shepherds adopted from animal shelters will often have an unpredictable temperament for that same reason. Living with an under socialized or jittery GSD can be stressful to the entire household – especially since these dogs can get up to 90 pounds!

Instead, you can avoid these pitfalls by looking to a reputable breeder for an adoptable German Shepherd puppy. Responsible and reputable ones breed healthy, emotionally balanced GSDs. This practice improves the breed’s quality and cuts down on the number of them that wind up in shelters with a host of expensive health problems. 

Where to Find a Reputable Breeder

First off, a reputable person, non-profit or commercial breeder mainly focuses on preserving and maintaining the breed. Furthermore, adopting a German Shepherd from a resonsible breeder is a big step and a process. It takes a certain amount of time and effort on both the owner and breeder’s part, but the results are undoubtedly worth it. 

The fit between you and your dog needs to be excellent all around, and a breeder with a good ‘pedigree’ will have the expertise and skills to match the best pup to your purpose for adopting. Meanwhile, German Shepherds have unique needs so here are some important factors to consider when searching for a reputable breeder: 

  • Health Testing – German Shepherds are prone to health issues such as hip & elbow dysplasia, and responsible breeders will test for these health conditions. Breeders that go above and beyond will test for more health problems than is recommended by the American Kennel Club (AKC). 

The ideal breeder you want to work with to adopt your German Shepherd puppy will be upfront about any health problems inherent in the bloodline. They will also have their vaccination records available.

  • Parents on Premises – To determine what kind of adult dog your cute puppy will grow up to be, it’s an excellent idea to meet their parents or pups from other litters. If possible, try to meet their grandparents. 

While most breeders have at least the mother on the premises, they should, at the very least, demonstrate a sound temperament in both parents and their previous litters. Some will feature stories about where the puppies from previous litters have ended up and offer testimonials about owners’ experiences with their dogs on their websites. 

  • Appearance Matters – Do the looks of your dog matter? Well, the answer to that question is yes and no. When it comes to aesthetics, a dog’s appearance might catch a particular owner’s discerning eye more than their other littermates. That aspect is a matter of preference, but it’s not what is actually the most important. 

German Shepherds come in a variety of coat colors and lengths, but don’t let a desire for a pooch’s particular coloring, hair length, etc., be the only factor you look for in a dog and from a breeder. If you do, you sell both you and these magnificent animals short. On the other hand, some aspects of appearance do matter, which we will discuss in the section about how to pick out a puppy from a litter. 

  • Recommendations – Ask around your community for information about GSD breeders in the Chicago area. Your vet, dog groomer or local humane society might know of a good breeder in the area too. They can also recommend against breeders that regularly produce emotionally unstable or unhealthy German Shepherds. 

You can also check out online reviews and social media to find Chicago German Shepherd breeders with good reputations. 

Warning Signs of a Disreputable Breeder

There is a lot of love, care and hard work that goes into breeding world-class German Shepherd puppies. Unfortunately, some breeders are not up to snuff in this regard. 

Warning signs to look out for include signs up at a farm that seems to always have plenty of pups up for sale. There is nothing wrong with German Shepherd dogs being bred on farms, which is where we breed our dogs. However, this is where similarities end between us and farms that produce many puppies without regard to their comfort and lineage. 

What’s worse is that these farms can be puppy mills in disguise. If you are unfamiliar with the unethical and heartbreaking practice of puppy mill farming, then you are lucky. What you need to know, though, is that a puppy mill is a commercial dog breeding facility that is often characterized by quick breeding and poor conditions. Often, no more love and care is put into these animals than is put into livestock and crops, and animals there usually lead miserable existences. Also, be aware that puppies at some flea markets and pet stores come from puppy mills. 

Supporting irresponsible breeders perpetuates health problems GSDs face, and if you come across a breeder whose main selling point is that they sell their puppies for less than the other guy, then you should run.  

How to Pick Out a Puppy from a Litter

It can be difficult to choose the best dog from a litter of eager pups with wiggly butts, but you must put a lot of thought into which one is best for you. If it’s possible, also visit the breeder’s facility. The kennel they are kept in should be clean, and all of the litter should appear active and healthy – with documented proof that confirms they are as well. Puppies that appear dirty, weak or skinny are major red flags that indicate that the breeder is not taking proper care of them. 

Once you are matched with a reputable breeder and contact them, they will listen to your purpose in owning a new dog and match you with a bloodline of puppies to choose from. If you are familiar with German Shepherd K-9s or seen one that is a Seeing Eye dog, you may be surprised to know that different bloodlines of this working breed are more suited to their owners’ different purposes. In light of that, the breeder will consider what you want to achieve from your potential companion after a discussion with you. They will then work hard to match you with a puppy from the bloodline that is best suited to you. 

Things to Tell the Breeder

As you can clearly tell by reading, a German Shepherd dog is not a one-size-fits-all breed. And part of owning your new pet is knowing with certainty what qualities you want in them before you contact the breeder. Here are a few things to let the breeder know when you talk to them:

  • What sex you want your pup to be.
  • That you are interested in showing your dog in competitions.
  • You want to breed your GSD later.
  • You have small children or other animals.
  • You want your GSD to be a service animal. 

Information such as this can help the breeder select a German Shepherd puppy from a bloodline they believe will be a good fit for you. For instance, if you are interested in a dog that is a companion to the entire family, they may recommend a pup from the West German bloodline since they make such amazing family companion dogs. Also known as “protection you can hug,” they are also used regularly as therapy and service dogs. 

On the other hand, if you are someone from an organization that needs an excellent police dog, East German Shepherds pups are the ones the breeder will most likely recommend as the dog for you. These K-9s are bred to have high energy and be aggressive. With these characteristics, these GSDs maintain incredible focus on the tasks assigned to them by their handlers. As you can probably tell, the coiled wire energy of this dog breed needs to be unleashed, and its bountiful energy and aggression probably wouldn’t be appreciated in a family setting. 

What to Expect

If you’ve decided to forge ahead and get your new German Shepherd puppy, you can expect it to be thoroughly socialized with the breeder (for about X weeks), and with you, the owner, for about (X weeks). After that, it’s an ongoing process. 

Regis Regal: A Breeder of Merit

If you are looking for a reputable breeder, the AKC named Regis Regal a Breeder of Merit. Additionally, we breed world-class West-German sieger puppies to be companions and protectors of families, as well as therapy and service canines. We are based in Spring Grove, Illinois and serve the surrounding area. 

If you’re not based locally, we offer a private courier service where we can deliver your German Shepherd pup to your home. We like to go the extra mile when it comes to delivering the perfect German Shepherd puppy to your door, and we will take the utmost love and care of your little fella during the journey. Please contact us online or call us at 847-721-1908 if you are interested in any of our upcoming litters.

 

Dangers of Adopting a German Shepherd Dog

First bred in 1899 shortly after an effort was made to standardize breeds, German Shepherds are, without a doubt, one of the most majestic and gorgeous dog breeds in existence. While shepherd dogs look as cuddly as a teddy bear with their beautiful fur and brown eyes, their muscular stature gives them a quiet strength. Those characteristics, combined with their amazing personality, are why they grabbed the # 2 spot on the American Kennel Club’s list of 2020 Most Popular Dog Breeds. They were beat out of the # 1 spot only by the affable Labrador Retriever.

However, being a parent to your own Rin Tin Tin is a massive commitment that you shouldn’t take lightly. If you live in Chicago, IL, and are thinking about acquiring one of these big guys for you and your family, here is how you can adopt your own German Shepherd.

 

Why Adopt a German Shepherd?

Some of the more than 200 dog breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club are more common than others, and the German Shepherd is one of the most popular. That aspect is not surprising as German Shepherds were first bred to be both capable working dogs and devoted family pets. Police departments and militaries choose German Shepherds because of their keen intelligence, fearlessness, trainability and remarkable physical capabilities. Families choose the breed because they know that a German Shepherd will love them dearly and keep them safe.

However, Chicago residents that are thinking of buying or adopting a German Shepherd should bear in mind that doing so involves taking on a significant amount of responsibility. While German Shepherds may seem quite content to sleep or lie around the house for hours on end, they need their daily exercise to maintain optimum health. Dogs that do not get taken on walks or for exercise tend to become hyperactive or destructive, and this is especially true of active breeds like German Shepherds that were bred to work as well as play.

Adopting is not without its risks – many times you simply can’t determine the true health of the dog, or assess its temperament, without help of a professional dog behaviorist, breeder or trainer.

 

COVID-19 Causes Surge in Dog Adoptions

Dog breeders and adoption centers in Chicago and around the country have reported a spike in adoptions and purchases in recent months as the nation copes with the COVID-19 pandemic. This spike has raised concerns among animal rights advocacy groups worried about how these dogs will fare in the long term. When the television show “Game of Thrones” aired in 2011, there was a similar surge in Husky adoptions. Many of the people who adopted Huskies did not understand what they were getting into, which is why many of them wound up being surrendered to shelters or abandoned.

If remaining in place has you climbing the walls and you think bringing a dog into your home will make things better, you should understand that you will be signing up for a 10 to 15-year commitment. While a German Shepherd will fill your home with love and protect you with its life, adopting or buying one will change many parts of your day-to-day routine. Dogs need exercise and discipline as well as affection, and you may want to think twice about getting one if you are not able to care for it in the right way.

 

Adopting a German Shepherd from a Center Can Be Risky

People looking to add a dog to their life can either contact a breeder or visit an adoption center or shelter. While going this route does offer a far less expensive path to dog ownership, doing it is not without its risks. Some of the most common problems pet owners run into with shelter dogs include:

• Behavioral issues: Some people give up their dogs because they are moving into a rental home that does not allow them or they want to take no chances with a new baby. Others bring their pets to shelters because of aggressiveness or destructive behavior. A good shelter dog can be a loyal and loving member of the family for years to come, but a bad one can damage your home or even pose a threat to your safety.

• Health problems: Veterinarian bills can mount quickly when our furry friends get sick, and it is not uncommon for dog owners to surrender their pets because they cannot afford to provide them with the care they need. If you do decide to adopt a German Shepherd from a center or shelter, you should visit a vet for a thorough check-up as soon as possible.

• Trauma: Some shelter dogs suffer from a canine form of PTSD caused by prolonged abuse or neglect. Providing a loving forever home to such a dog can be extremely fulfilling, but getting past an abused dog’s anxiety and fear of people can take months or even years.

 

The Dog Adoption Process

Most German Shepherd owners fondly remember the day they picked up their dogs, and they tend to forget about all of the hoops they had to jump through during the adoption process. The steps taken by breeders, shelters or adoption centers can seem intrusive or overly zealous at first, but they are needed to match dogs with suitable owners and ensure that pets are placed in loving homes. If you decide to buy or adopt a German Shepherd, this is what you can expect.

• Initial application or questionnaire: The first step in the dog adoption process is filling out an application or answering a list of questions. You can expect to be asked about your home, schedule, the ages of your children and whether or not you have other pets.

• Interview: Once you have filled out the paperwork to get the process started, the breeder or a shelter representative will interview you. This interview serves to ensure that the breed you have chosen will thrive in its new environment and ensure that you understand what owning and caring for a dog involves.

• Home visit: Many breeders and shelters will not place a dog until they have visited the house or apartment where it will live. This visit serves two primary purposes. A home visit can prevent dogs from being placed in dangerous situations, and it also allows breeders or shelter representatives to give helpful advice. Common suggestions include fencing in back yards and moving tempting items out of reach.

• Adoption fee: Most shelters and adoption centers charge a small fee. The money raised is usually used to provide care and medical treatment. The cost may be higher if the adoption center has spayed or neutered the dog.

• Follow-up visit: You may get a second visit after your adopted dog has settled in. This visit is structured to address any adjustment problems and make sure that your dog is happy in its new home.

 

Dog Adoption Centers in the Chicago Area

If you’re still keen to adopt a German Shepherd we’ve detailed some of the bigger dog rescue centers located not far from us in the Chicago area in a handy list below. If you know of any other dog rescue or adoption centers in the area then please reach out and let me know, and I’ll include them on the list below:

Chicago Canine Rescue
5272 N Elston Ave,
Chicago, IL 60630
(773) 697-8848
Chicago Canine Rescue website

 

PAWS Chicago
1997 N Clybourn Ave,
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 935-7297
PAWS Chicago website

 

One Tail at a Time
2144 N Wood St,
Chicago, IL 60614
(866) 515-6828
One Tail at a Time website

 

Alive Rescue
1214 W Monroe St,
Chicago, IL 60607
(773) 913-8100
Alive Rescue website

 

Lake Shore Animal Shelter
PO Box 40,
Park Ridge IL 60068
(312) 409-1162
Lake Shore Animal Shelter website

 

The Benefits of Adopting from Professional German Shepherd Breeders

Visiting and adopting from a professional German Shepherd breeder with years of experience can avoid the pitfalls of visiting an adoption center. However, some breeders are more professional than others.

Regis Regal has been named a Breeder of Merit by the American Kennel Club and has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Our dogs are bred to become affectionate household pets and staunch family protectors, as well as service and therapy dogs. We keep a comprehensive history of bloodlines to ensure that our German Shepherds do not develop any of the health problems active breeds have become known for. That’s how we’re able to include full lifetime guarantees on our puppies health, plus the first year of their vaccines within the prices of our puppies – as well as a comprehensive training program.

We like to go the extra mile when it comes to delivering the perfect German Shepherd puppy, in every sense!

Can I walk my dog during the Covid-19 lockdown in Illinois?

Social distancing and self-quarantine rules are not just hard on humans — it’s tough on our dogs as well. As naturally social animals, dogs love playing with other people and dogs alike. They love being able to explore new places, take in all the smells, and get attention from friendly strangers.

With stay-at-home orders in place throughout the country, dog owners all have a common question: Can I still walk my dog during lockdown? In nutshell, yes. But let’s dive into more details.  

If you live in Illinois, then you’re probably familiar that Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said she expects the statewide stay-at-home order to be extended into May, though Governor Pritzker said he doesn’t have a date in mind yet, and it’s too early to tell. Regardless of how long the stay-at-home order lasts, dog owners need to be educated on how to safely walk and exercise their dogs.

 

How to Safely Walk Your Dog in Illinois During COVID-19

The order states that residents are still allowed to go outside to exercise or walk their pets. However, walks should not be in groups and should steer clear of dogs parks, just to maintain safety. Just as you’re only supposed to self-quarantine with people you live with, dog walks should also only take place with people who live with the dog, and also be respectful of others on the street. This isn’t the time to let dogs be extra friendly to strangers and other dogs they pass on the street. While it’s definitely hard to deny them more head pats and a friend to bounce around with, it’s better to maintain distance for everyone’s safety. Plus, dogs can pick up germs while outside, so having extra hands on them at this time is not advised. 

If you normally walk your dog with a friend or in a pack, you might want to use this time to enjoy solo walks with your four-legged friend, or, try a socially distant walk, staying at least 6-feet away from each other and wearing face coverings for extra protection. However, enjoying solo walks with your dog creates a deep bond and also gives you time to work on leash training or other training that is harder to focus on when in a group. Keeping your pup mentally working will tire them out and help their behavior during these longer stretches of time inside. 

At Regis Regal German Shepherds we’re based in Spring Grove, a fairly small village in Illinois. Although there are a few decent parks that we normally like to take our German Shepherds out to (such as the Lyle C. Thomas Memorial Park) so they can get a good run around, we’re lucky to have plenty of space on our property so they can burn off some energy. It’s still good to take them out around the block though to give yourself a break and so they can explore all the latest scents outside the yard.

 

Minimizing the Spread of Germs

Since dogs are walking around outside and then coming back into your home, it’s not a bad idea to take some extra precautions during this time to minimize the passing of germs. Most dog owners kiss, cuddle, and even let their dogs in bed with them — it’s hard not to!

Since staying healthy is of high-priority right now, ensure you’re thoroughly wiping your dog’s paws when you come inside from walks, and give them more frequent baths too. And whilst it’s very unlikely you will catch coronavirus from your dog (although this has happened in Hong Kong),  you might want to avoid cuddling and kissing your dog for the time being, just to be safe.

Remember, dogs love being with their families, and probably aren’t missing the park of their dog friends as much as you think. Spending time with you is always their favorite thing, so finding ways to continue to bond during this time will help you grow closer and make these next few weeks pass a little easier. 

Note: This article was published 16th April 2020. Advice may have changed since publication so you should follow the latest Chicago and Illinois news updates on Covid-19 to ensure it’s still OK to walk your dog in Illinois.

 

Don’t forget that if you’re having issues with your dogs behavior, or you’ve just taken on a new puppy and you want some advice from a dog trainer, we’re offering our own virtual dog training service. You can sign up for a session and get my complete attention so I can discuss any issues you may be having and see what advice I can give – and these sessions are normally held through a Zoom or Facebook video call so I can see you (and your dog!) during the consultation.

 

How to get an Emotional Support Dog

People who suffer from a disability in the form of a mental illness have found that the presence of a devoted dog companion can help them navigate through the struggles that arise from the condition.

If you have an emotional disability, you can legally qualify for an ESA, which stands for Emotional Support Animal. You must be certified as emotionally disabled by a psychologist, therapist, psychiatrist, or other duly-licensed and certified mental health professional. The certification needs to be a formal and appropriately formatted letter, known as an ESA Letter.

Any other kind of doctor — such as a cardiologist, for example — does not qualify as a mental health professional because unlike a psychiatrist, other medical doctors are not specialists in mental health. Some property managers and airlines carriers do however accept verification forms filled out by a family physician, if they are treating you for a mental illness. Ensure that you have the correct authority create the letter for you.

To qualify for an Emotional Support Animal, the ESA letter must be written on the mental health professional’s letterhead, and it must include his or her license type, date of license, license number, and the state which issued the license. Plus, it should have the date when it was written. 

German Shepherds make an excellent choice as an ESA - only if they've been bred (and trained!) the right way

What an ESA Letter Must Contain

An ESA letter must contain certain details which will inform the necessary people that you are:

 

  • A current patient of the mental health professional writing the letter.
  • Substantially limited in performing or participating in at least one of life’s major activities because of your disability.
  • Having an Emotional Support Animal is an integral part for the treatment of your current condition.
  • The ESA letter must be dated no later than a year from the date of your departure if it is for air travel.
Example of an ESA letter as supplied by a certified mental health professional (source: Barka)

What Disorders Qualify You as An Emotional Support Animal Owner

Below is a list of some of the disorders listed in the previously mentioned DSM-V:

  • Learning disorders
  • Attention Deficit Disorder also known as ADD
  • Sexual disorders
  • Mental retardation
  • Tic disorders
  • Motor skills disorders
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Gender identity
  • Substance-related disorder (alcohol and/or drugs, among others)
  • Cognitive disorders

Getting an Emotional Support Dog

An Emotional Support Animal is mostly commonly a dog, and can be any breed of canine that helps alleviate symptoms of mental illness or emotional distress. An ESD can give its owner the confidence and support they need to live a normal and productive life.

You might recall that people were using all kinds of animals as an ESA - from Horses to Peacocks, going as far as taking them on airplanes during travel trips. This practice was stopped at the end of 2020 by the US transportation department.

Any breed of dog can make a great Emotional Support Dog, including the beloved German Shepherd. Dogs can be found in shelters and rescues that could potentially become ESD’s. You can qualify for an ESA letter before or after adopting a dog. Unlike a Service Dog, Emotional Support Dogs do not need to be specially trained to perform tasks for their owners; they are intended instead to provide comfort and support through their companionship.

Any breed can be an Emotional Support Dog, but when searching for the right fit for your needs, be sure to look for a dog that is manageable and won’t cause added stress. For example, if you live in an apartment, a small dog may be easier to handle versus a large dog that might need greater amounts of exercise and room to roam.

You should also consider how the dog may affect your mental health. For example, if you have severe anxiety, a dog that is hyperactive may not be the best fit, and you should instead look for a dog that has more of a calming influence. Visit a number of dogs and ask questions about the different breeds until you find one that is right for you. 

Here at Regis Regal German Shepherds we can help you through the process of getting your dog trained up to become an ESA - just get in touch if you want to discuss this further.

What does an Emotional Support Dog do?

Emotional Support Dogs aren’t limited to living and assisting individuals in their homes - many emotional support dogs, or therapy dogs, are handled by other professionals who use them in their day to day life to provide therapy for others. This could be from a healthcare worker that takes them to a daycare centre to provide therapy to elderly patients (who doesn’t love the visit of a loveable dog?!) to visiting hospices, schools, mental health organizations, anywhere that they can provide some form of relief to others. 

With the above in mind, ESA’s need to be well trained to be comfortable in all kinds of situations and to be handled by all kinds of people. Whilst clearly the training behind a therapy dog might not be as intense as the requirements for a service dog, there still needs to be a lot of effort put into getting a dog ready to be used as an ESA.

Here at Regis Regal German Shepherds we’ve got over 30 years experience of breeding dogs that go on to become Emotional Support Animals and Service Dogs. Training one of our German Shepherd puppies to go on and become a therapy dog requires a lot of time, effort and attention. Whilst it’s not for everyone, it’s a service we’re been providing for many years here in Spring Grove, Illinois.

We sell German Shepherds as puppies that can be trained to become emotional support dogs - so you can be confident that after your additional therapy training with us has been completed, your dog will make the ideal therapy dog!

How Do I Certify My Emotional Support Dog?

You do not actually “certify” an Emotional Support Dog — certifications are meaningless when it comes to qualifying your dog as an ESD. This is a common mistake and there is a very important distinction between “certifying” a dog and obtaining an ESA letter.

There is no such thing as a certificate or a certification program that officially qualifies a dog as an emotional support animal under any law. The only correct way to qualify your dog as an Emotional Support Animal is by obtaining a recommendation letter from a licensed mental health professional. If you do not have a therapist or are having trouble finding one, you can connect with a mental health professional through an online platform.

Anyone who asks for a registration number, certificate or ID proving your dog is an emotional support animal, such as a landlord, is misinformed. The only proof you need is the ESA letter written by a licensed professional stating your need for an emotional support dog.

The Fair Housing and Air Carrier Access Act rules do not recognize certifications or registrations of emotional support animals.

Get in touch with us about our therapy dogs service, or take a look at our therapy and service dogs page.