Do you suffer from panic attacks, depression, or anxiety and think that you need a dog that can act as emotional support? Maybe you’re thinking of getting a Shiba Inu but wondering if it could provide excellent emotional therapy.
You’ve probably heard Shiba Inus say that this breed is friendly, cuddly, and energetic and thought it is a good idea to get one.
But can Shiba Inu be an emotional support dog?
With superb training, any breed can be an emotional support dog. So, you can register a Shiba as an emotional support dog. Shiba Inus are great Post Traumatic Stress Disorder dogs. They have a history of being great Disability Assist dogs; thus, they offer superb emotional and physical as well as mental support. Shibas are good for depression patients, too.
What’s An Emotional Support Shiba Inu?
A pet specifically meant to offer comfort to people with an emotional disorder is known as an Emotional Support Animal (abbreviated as ESA).
An ESA offers comfort or support to a person by being affectionate or merely a companion. They offer unconditional positive affection to specific persons.
However, in some countries, such as the United States of America, this animal must not always be a pet. Also, there are no restrictions on the species.
Unlike Service animals, emotional support Shibas don’t need any training. Just to mention, Service Shibas are trained to assist disabled persons. Such may include guiding blind persons and the deaf and hard of hearing persons.
Emotional Shiba Inus, on the other hand, offer support to people with:
- Depression
- Autism
- Learning disorders
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Attention Deficit Disorder
- Gender identity
- Extreme or general anxiety
- Panic attack
- Bipolar
- Cognitive disorders
Can Any Breed Be An Emotional Support Dog?
Whether you own a Shiba, a German shepherd, or any other breed, it doesn’t matter. Any breed, regardless of its species, size, and intelligence, can offer emotional support.
There are no specific restrictions attached to emotional dogs. Besides, if your therapist recommends having more than one emotional dog, then you can go for them.
What’s the conclusion of the matter? Any animal can be registered as emotional support as long as the law of your country allows.
So…
Can Shiba Inu Be an Emotional Support Dog?
Shibas can be emotional support animals, though not always!
Usually, it depends on so many factors. For example, how he was raised, how he was treated when he was young, and how he associates with his owner.
A Shiba that was brought up under cruel circumstances where he was always scolded cannot be a good emotional support animal. He is likely to be emotional, too, and needs help. He may be living in fear all the time since he is not sure what his caretaker will do next.
A Shiba Inu that is trained to take care of people, such as toddlers, maybe a good emotional support animal.
Shibas, brought up with love and good socialization, make great emotional support dogs, too.
So, yes, well-trained or socialized Shibas can be emotional support animals.
Even so, training a Shiba Inus to be an emotional support dog can be equaled to rounding off the sharp corners of a circle!
You heard that right, and here’s why:
Shibas are masters of themselves and may not be easy to train. So, while you may want your Shiba to offer emotional, physical, or psychological support, he may not be the best breed to do so.
If he wants to focus on his business, then there’s nothing more you can demand from him. This might cause more harm than good, especially if you’re dealing with depression or panic attacks.
Are Shiba Inus Good for Depression?
Depressed people feel better when they laugh or when others smile back at them. Shibas are good at laughing and smiling.
Hence, Shibas can be suitable for depressed persons.
Even so, it’s not always the same with Shibas. Sometimes they’re aggressive and stubborn and may not want anything to do with the depressed person.
Therefore, it is good to get another dog alongside a Shiba to offer emotional support to a depressed individual.
Besides, though Shibas are stubborn at times, they are also friendly and royal and will definitely make a depressed person feel loved, treasured, and happy.
Why?
When a depressed person cuddles with a Shiba Inu, they release Serotonin hormones. Consequently, ‘feel-good’ hence forget what they’re currently battling and ‘relax.’
Anxiety ceases, and the person becomes happy and cheerful.
Our Verdict
Every breed can offer emotional support, and so is a Shiba Inu. However, though Shibas can be emotional support dogs, they may not be the best breeds.
Before adopting or buying a Shiba to be an emotional support dog, consider how he was brought up, his ability to socialize with other dogs and his intelligence.
If he passes all of the above, definitely, you’ll have a good emotional support system in him.
