I want to train my corgis to be effective therapy dogs.
Specifically ESA dogs (Emotional Support Animal). Having them around me in public places makes me feel a lot more secure. Since I have a lovely combination of Asperger's Syndrome, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and panic disorder, going out in public even with family and friends tends to make me feel vulnerable and exposed to the world. I've been especially insecure with being in a weird limbo with transitioning. With summer approaching, I'm still hiding under a black hoodie, thick beanie and jeans wherever I go because I don't feel 'man' enough without them. I don't pass worth a damn, and over 50% of the reason is because my voice gives my original sex away in about 0.0004 seconds when I talk to anyone. Even when I have my hoodie up I still feel like curling in a ball and counting down the minutes to go home.

But with my dogs on the leash, walking them around, people stopping to say how cute they are or just to wave hi to them, I feel great! Like nothing can hurt or bother me. I can feel the same confidence hanging out with a friend, but because I can't expect a friend to hang out in public any time I want, I feel like training my dog Wally will be the next best thing.

The obvious worry is not the training (Wally is easy to train. He'll do anything for a treat and the commands stick), it's more a worry about the people. Understandably, questioning the credibility of someone's need for a dog is common, thanks to jerks just taking their untrained dogs into places (and they make up a disorder) and then the animals make a mess or cause a commotion. Or injure someone! It's shockingly easy to get a hold of a service jacket or a certificate online to wave into anyone's face if they question you.

I do know there is a clear difference in my behavior and mood when I'm out with my dogs vs. out alone. I'm just really scared that because I don't 'LOOK' disabled and talk intelligibly, I'm going to be questioned nine ways to Sunday about why I think it's okay to bring my dog into an ordinarily dog-free business...

I dunno, does anyone else have any experience with therapy dogs and/or training?