I have a poodle. He hasn't been trained to be a service dog but he has picked up on my needs. Yes, he is smart, hypoallergenic, doesn't shed, trained with outside or puppy pad. He is very protective of my family.
When I am crying, his little legs and paws goes around my neck to comfort me.He will keep kissing till you quit drying.

If someone else his bothering me and I don't like it, he won't let them next to me, unless I let him

I have an ESA and I got a letter from my therapist stating I needed one. By law you don't have to explain why you have an ESA or what your medical condition are to any rentor. Do some research on American with Disabilities Act (ADA). I hope this helps you out.

Federally if you have a letter from your doctor stating that you would benefit from having an ESA your landlord cannot charge you or stop you from having your animal.