(Everything You Need to Know)

Goldendoodles are one of the most popular breeds for emotional support dogs—and for good reason! Their loving personality, intelligence, and calm nature make them a perfect fit for families and individuals who need comfort and companionship.

At Goldendoodle Kennels, we’ve raised Goldendoodles for years and often get asked: “Can my Goldendoodle become an emotional support dog?” The short answer is yes! With proper training and socialization, your doodle can be a life-changing source of support.

What is an Emotional Support Animal (ESA)?

An emotional support animal provides comfort and companionship to people dealing with emotional or mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, or PTSD. Unlike service dogs, ESAs don’t need to perform specific tasks—but they must have excellent behavior and social skills.

Why Goldendoodles Make Great Emotional Support Dogs

Goldendoodles are naturally:

  • ✅ Gentle and loving – They bond deeply with their families.
  • ✅ Highly intelligent – Easy to train and quick to learn.
  • ✅ Friendly and adaptable – Great in a variety of settings.

These qualities make them ideal candidates for ESA training.

How to Train Your Goldendoodle as an ESA

While there’s no official certification for ESAs, your doodle should be well-behaved and calm in different environments. Here’s how to get started:

1. Begin with Basic Obedience

Your Goldendoodle should know these commands:

  • Sit
  • Stay
  • Come
  • Down
  • Leave it

2. Socialize Early

Expose your puppy to different sounds, people, and places so they learn to stay calm in various settings.

3. Teach Calm Behavior

Your ESA should:

  • Settle quietly on command
  • Walk nicely on a leash
  • Ignore distractions in public

4. Use Positive Reinforcement

Reward good behavior with treats, praise, and playtime. Goldendoodles thrive on encouragement.

5. Practice Comfort Scenarios

Encourage your doodle to sit with you during stressful moments or lay by your side when you need comfort. This helps them understand their role.

What’s Required Legally?

To qualify for an ESA, you need:

  • A letter from a licensed mental health professional confirming that the animal provides emotional support for a diagnosed condition.

ESAs are protected under the Fair Housing Act (for housing), but they do not have the same public access rights as service dogs.

Looking for the Perfect ESA Puppy?

At Goldendoodle Kennels, we raise happy, healthy Goldendoodles that make incredible emotional support companions. Our puppies are:

  • 💛 Well-socialized from an early age
  • 💛 Intelligent and easy to train
  • 💛 Loving and loyal—the perfect emotional companion

👉 Contact us today to learn about available puppies and how we can help you find your ideal ESA companion!