Emotional support animals (ESAs) are pets that provide emotional comfort to their owners. Unlike service animals, they don’t need any training to be legally recognized as ESAs. This means that it is possible for emotional support dogs to bark, but it largely depends on things like how they’ve been raised, their breed, and individual temperament.

In this article, we’ll explain in detail if emotional support dogs bark and what you can do to manage their behavior. However, to understand whether ESA dogs bark, it’s important to first know what ESAs are.

What Is an ESA?

As the name indicates, an ESA is an animal that provides emotional support and comfort to its owner through companionship and affection. They don’t require any training to be considered ESAs. As long as their presence helps the owner feel at ease, the animal is thought to be doing its job.

However, you do need an “ESA letter” from a certified mental health professional for your dog to get legal recognition as an ESA. This letter grants ESAs certain privileges, such as the ability to live with their owner in housing that has a no-pets policy and to travel with them on flights without extra fees (though recent changes in airline policies mean that this is now less common and varies by airline).

What’s the Difference Between ESAs and Service Animals?

Service animals are trained to perform specific tasks for people with disabilities, such as guiding the visually impaired or alerting the handler to medical conditions. ESAs, on the other hand, provide emotional support without any specialized training for specific tasks.

This means that an ESA can be any animal as long as it provides emotional comfort. A service animal, however, is almost always a dog.

It is only after they’ve undergone specialized training that service animals are able to perform their specific roles effectively. Without this service dog training, animals do not classify as service animals and, therefore, cannot take advantage of the legal protections and privileges, such as access to public places and certain housing accommodations, that service animals are granted.

Why Do Emotional Support Dogs Bark?

Emotional support dogs are like any other pet. Without specialized training, they may bark just as any other dog would. Their barking habits also vary by breed, as some breeds are naturally more prone to barking than others. For example, beagles are known for being vocal, while greyhounds are less likely to bark.

Barking in emotional support dogs can be an issue because it disrupts not only your peace but also that of those around you. Even with housing privileges, landlords may ask you to remove your ESA if excessive barking bothers other tenants.

This is why it’s so important to train your ESA, even if it’s not legally required. Your ESA dog is very likely going to go everywhere with you, including cafes and university dorm rooms. Proper training makes sure that your dog behaves well in various settings, which can help prevent disruptive behavior like excessive barking.

How to Reduce Your ESA’s Barking

Here are some things you can do to manage your emotional support dog’s barking habits:

1. Train Your Dog – Teach your dog basic commands like “sit” and “quiet” so you can keep them under control when they start barking. You’ll find lots of online videos showing you how to do these.
   
   
2. Hire a Professional Trainer – If you’ve tried training your dog yourself and it didn’t work, then perhaps it’s time to hire a professional trainer. Let them know about your dog’s specific barking issues and any training you’ve already done.
   
   
3. Keep Your Dog Busy – Many dogs bark out of boredom or stress, so keeping them occupied can help reduce it. To distract them, keep them engaged with toys, puzzles, or activities.
   
   
4. Stick to a Consistent Schedule – If your dog knows that you’re going to take it for a walk at 5 PM, then it’s less likely to feel stressed or bored. Consistent routines help your dog feel secure and less anxious, which can reduce barking caused by uncertainty or frustration.
   
   
5. Create a Peaceful Environment – The more peaceful a dog’s environment is, the less likely it is to bark out of stress or anxiety. Make sure your home is calm and quiet, with a comfortable space for your dog to relax.

Keep Your ESA Dog Well-Behaved

An ESA letter might let you keep your dog in your apartment, but it’s your responsibility to make sure it doesn’t disturb other tenants. Emotional support dogs don’t require specialized training like service animals, so it’s very common for them to bark. That’s why you have to train them and teach them basic commands like “quiet” and “sit” so you can manage their behavior and make sure they fit well into shared living spaces.

A well-behaved dog that doesn’t bark constantly will not only support your emotional well-being but also help maintain a positive relationship with your neighbors.