English Mastiff - Emotional Support Dog

[MonicaIrby]

I'm waiting for the delivery of my new English Mastiff puppy. In time she will be an Emotional Support dog for me. Has anybody had experience with having an English Mastiff as an Emotional Support dog? I'm just curious as to how we're going to do navigating public spaces and when I should start her duties.I'm very exciting to be the mother of a giant breed dog. I'm reading all I can so that I can give her the best life possible. I'm happy to be part of your forum.

 

[EverythingEnglishMastiff]

Welcome to the forum! Sounds like you are very enthusiastic that's great! I love my EM's. I'll never be without one for as long as I live. I'm not sure how the Emotional Support dogs works. There are a few people that have therapy dogs here that might be able to answer your questions. I'm sure they'll chime in when they come across this thread. We love photo's around here so when you get some feel free to share!

 

[Max's mom]

I am only beginning with Max as therapy dog. He's not certified yet, but we have begun our supervised visits, so he needs the final evaluation to be completed. I would recommend that you start at the beginning working with a trainer as he will need to be able to go anywhere you go. They can be big and stubborn and have a lot of qwerks...but I wouldn't trade mine for anything! He's good emotional support for me and I love to watch stress melt away on others when they have a few minutes with Max. Good luck!

 

[karennj]

Just be aware that public and private facilities can refuse your dog access. Because it is a emotional support dog and not a service dog they are not required to allow them in. If they ask you will need to be clear as some states now have hefty fines (and possible jail time) for misrepresenting what the dog is needed for. As far as training, obedience will need to be solid. I would recommend private and then group classes. I would do as many levels as you can as well as get a CGC and the new urban CGC certificate.

 

[Harrygto]

welcome to the site

 

[EverythingEnglishMastiff]

So I was actually looking into the some of the laws surrounding this topic. Seems very lax and not that well defined. The only deifference legally that I can tell so far between and Emotional Support Animal (ESA) and a Service dog is : A service dog is trained to do a specific task(s) to help the handler with their disability, whereas an ESA is doesn't have any specific training.:::From what I've read, a business can absolutely NOT refuse you service or charge you extra for/because of your dog. Infact, they are only allowed to ask you 2 questions. 1- Is your dog a service dog? 2- What specific task does your dog perform to help with your disability. This is an affiliate link just so you know...http://amzn.to/1GwbCn8...This is actually a pack of 50 cards that states what I've said and a little more regarding your rights as a service animal handler. You can also find a little more information here...Service Dog Vest Emotional Dog Vest Therapy Dog Vest And ID Card kits... The only instance I've been able to find where you actually need PROOF of your disability and need for a service dog is when you are flying with your service dog or when you are renting property and not being charged extra or they have pet restrictions. In which case you would need a letter prescribing your service dog from a Licensed Medical Health Professional.

 

[karennj]

Correct, they can only ask the two questions but those 2 questions identify if the dog is a service dog vs. a ESA dog. As I understand it if your dog is NOT a service dog it can be refused on public or private property with only 2 exceptions (airplanes and pet free housing). In those 2 situations they are not allowed to refuse the dog. A ESA is not a service dog so if you have a ESA and are asked if it is a service dog you should say no.