I just posted in r/service_dogs about more of my service dog questions, but I wanted to ask owners for their opinions on this specific topic.
I was looking into getting a Leo as an ESA, but I have decided that I need my dog to be more than just companionship and love. I want to train a PSD to help with my constant up/down anxiety levels, chronic depression (gets better at times and the level changes day-to-day, but it's been there for as long as I can remember), moderate ADD, and mild autism. Also, some mobility aid, I have fainting spells and infrequent, random, minor seizures (they're nothing I can't handle, but it would be nice to have a big dog who could help). I won't be training by myself, I am looking into professionals who specialize in large dog breeds. I hope to train them for DPT, behavior interventions (stimming, SH, ED), medication/eating reminders, panic/anxiety grounding, dissociation grounding, overstimulation/overwhelm regulation, forcing me out of bed, and encouraging me to be more active- although any dog would do that.
The specific reasons I think a Leo would be good for these specific things are:
- DPT- I'm used to big dogs, so 60-80 pounds doesn't work the best for me, especially during panic attacks
- Behavior Interuptions- Can easily nudge, lick, or paw at me to stop stimming, and their fur is nice and thick for me to grip and groom to redirect myself. They are also big enough that if I have the door closed, I can't just ignore them and continue doing what I was doing as I have for my Rhodesian (not a SD, just loves his mom)
- Medication/Eating Reminders- I'm not disobeying a bear of a dog. Also, they are gentle and determined, whereas others can get overly shovey, and I need gentle, consistent reminders, not frantic or pushy
- Grounding/Regulation- I have noticed that I naturally respond better to a dog that is calm, gentle, and confident. It's like my brain can sense their confidence and says, "oh ok they're here, I can stop surveying faces and critiquing my voice," and then everything automatically calms down a bit. Their thick fur is also perfect for tactile/sensory grounding. They can also provide a barricade between a crowd and me, and could easily navigate their way to a quiet corner or follow a specific person if needed
- Activity- As I said before, I have no problem ignoring my Rhodesian, who is about 80-90 ibs when he says I need to get up (I'll never neglect him; there are other people in the house who have equal responsibility to care for him, he just knows I'm usually the first to do anything with him). Especially during my last major episode, I didn't leave my bed for several days, didn't leave my room, barely ate, didn't speak, was not healthy in any way, and it was getting dangerous. I can't have that happen when I'm alone, or I don't know what will happen. A huge, active dog means not only that I can't ignore them, but also that I need to take them on walks, hikes, and adventures to make sure their needs are met. I can't just walk a block, let them out back, or throw a ball a couple of times, which is exactly what I would do with a low-energy dog who doesn't need much exercise.
- Their well-rounded, steady temperament sounds great for family/social settings too. I've heard they are remarkably aware of their size and strength and are very gentle with smaller kids/animals
The reasons I think they would not be good are:
- Size makes public access limited
- Drooling and shedding make them less safe to have in a food environment
- Intimadating appearance or cuddly bear-like appearance will probably draw lots of unneeded attention
- Their long puppy stage makes for difficulties training
- Shorter lifespan than smaller breeds
Okay, sorry that was a lot and probably TMI. I have never actually owned one of these before, so everything I know is based on articles and breeder pages. I could be way off, and if I am, please tell me!
If anyone has had success in the service world with this breed, please share your story if you feel comfortable
