Autism and dogs
You are good kindly souls who have my best interest at heart and , without doubt, are much more expert than me.
A few weeks ago we (my wife and I) decided to throw caution to the wind and get a dog. Mainly because our children want one and we have been told that animals are great for children with autism. For those of you reading this blog for the first time I should mention we have a seven year old boy with ASD.
Now so far so good. However we are now stuck with a problem what sort of dog works well in our circumstance?
I’m not a dog person so I’ll confess I’m utterly ignorant about breeds or so forth. So my first question to you is what sort of breeds are suitable to children with autism.
Secondly we live in a small house in London. Our garden is about 180 sq yards. But we do have lots of parks near by. Does this change matters at all?
Thirdly what do you do when you go on holiday?
Please can you share your advice, tips and knowledge in the comments section below?
Many thanks in advance.
PS I think the picture which illustrates this blog show how much our children would love a dog. Don’t you?
Personally I do not think breeds are all that important. Your family consists of individuals. Maybe the english mastiff that works so well for me is a breed which could never keep up with your sporty lifestyle and you like the couch to yourself? My recommendation would be to go to an animal shelter and let them walk you through choosing a dog. Maybe you can take several dogs for a walk before you decide, see how you click with these dogs. The shelter can also help to inform you about exercise needs, trainability, nutrition, personality and so forth. Look for a dog who is good for beginners, think beforehand what activities you want to do with your dog (you love your bicycle rides each weekend? Your pug or bulldog might not run along but enjoy his little basket/carriage on the bike, if you want a runner, maybe short noses are a no go.) and how much time you want to spend with the dog. That will help the shelter sorting out what kind of dog is good for you.
My minature pomeranian is a very gregarious dog and has been raised as a baby so part of the family so when my non verbal autistic stepson arrived on the scene there was a competition happening between them. I soon realised they were copying each other vying for my attention.. annoying in some respects and funny in others but the dog was an incredible teaching tool. My stepson learnt the animals names before his own name or ours.. he wouldn’t even look at a book without throwing it or tearing it.. I started reading to the dog on my lap and praising him etc and the next thing I knew my stepson came running in with a book and wanted to get on my lap… on the negative side my stepson had eating issues which meant I had to help feed him to start with and the dog decided it was a good way to get my attention if ge didnt eat too… so I had to apply the same rules to both.. but they love each other dearly.
I forgot to add that Bocalan spends thousands of dollars training their dogs but the dogs are provided to people FREE of charge. It’s an amazing foundation!
Try Bocalan foundation. They train Labradors for all kinds of assistance. I have a child on the spectrum and a good friend who just finished training with the foundation suggested I apply. Here is the website http://www.bocalan.org/international.html good luck!
Have you placed London? My daughter is a single mom of a seven year old boy with autism. She has two older daughters who help care for their brother. My daughter, Natalie, must work and sometimes her son gets so upset with her leaving that she goes to work with black eyes, scratches, bruises and sobbing. We think a service dog could help their family in so many ways. Please let me know if it is possible to get London placed in our daughter’s home. They love animals and would give London a great home. However, they live in the United States. THANK YOU, a concerned and caring grandma!
My grandson is 7 years old with autism. He speaks very few words. My daughter, Natalie, is a single mom and wants desperately to get a service dog for Kole. She has to work and her two daughters help in the care of their brother. Kole gets so upset sometimes when his mother has to leave for work that she goes to work with a black eye and scratches and sobbing. From what we have read, a service dog could help him. Have you already placed London? We would be so very interested in getting him in my daughter’s home.
I am trying to place an AMAZING therapy dog. Her name is LONDON! This is a rare opportunity!! Please SHARE as there may be a special needs/autistic child or veteran who can GREATLY benefit from London’s training, love and support! London is back! She participated in a six week training program: From the Dog House to the Big House. She is trained as a therapy dog for both special needs children and veterans with PTSD. She was placed with a veteran, but unfortunately the wounded warrior has a cat and London isn’t a fan of kitties. She is available for adoption at the Jefferson Parish East Bank Animal Shelter. Call me at 504-400-0549 or shelter manager Melinda at 504-736-6111 Transport can be arranged.
CherylLongHoward Thanks my wife just gave them a call
DonnaMarchel Thanks Donna
NaomiEcob Thanks great advice
Firstly I hope you find the right animal for you. I am an aspie single mum with two aspie children and a house full of animals so can totally understand your thoughts behind getting a pet. I have a 4 year old lurcher that I’ve had since a pup who I use as a support dog for myself and my children. From experience there isn’t one perfect breed is more down to the individual dogs personality. Something that is calm and relaxed will help keep your son feeling that way in stressful situations. I agree with the advice of going to a dog rescue Centre, they will be able to match you with exactly the right temperament. I would say it’s probably best to avoid a puppy, yes they are cute but an older dog will be more settled and less work and you can see how it will relate with your son straight away. My other advice would be to let your son go and spend time with them and see which one he bonds with.
As for holidays, I take ours with us where we can which solves the stress issues of being away from home. When that’s not possible he stays with my parents but to be honest generally he comes with us pretty much everywhere. No more panic, anxiety etc so a win win.
I do think that getting a support dog is a great idea 🙂
She doesn’t need much excercise for a small dog x we tend to go out least once a day xx if weather bad we don’t but we play with her indoors and son runs round n plays ball with her x x she can walk anything from 2k to 5k x
I try to walk daisy every day but she doesn’t like the rain so when she doesn’t go out then but she’s not fussed we play with her a lot around the house son n dog x we can do anything from 2 k to 5 k xx
DonnaMarchel Thanks . How much exercise do you think they need?
We have a shih tzu x my son is 8 with Austim x there a small breed she takes a lot from my son but she’s very placid n loves been around him x there best buddies x there hair doesn’t shed so great for allergies which we have x good luck with ur search x
How much walking do they need each day Emma?
Hi there we have a Staffordshire bull terrior who is amazing with my boys 5 and 2 both with asd she is so placid and loves there attention just a thought hope you find something that suits your family xxxx
They have all kinds of dogs there you can log onto there site and have a look before you go,or just go with the family and havw a look round they are very friendly there and they will help out with all yoyr needs.. They would be more than happy to help you find tje rigjt kind of dog for you im sure..
CherylLongHoward Thanks Cheryl. A good idea. Are they puppies or adult dogs? Do you have any thoughts about breed?
Hi,
Why dont you go to BATTERSEA DOGS HOME.
They have some loverly dogs there they aske for a contribution of £70 i do belive and they will give you the vwry best advice…
And your children can go and look at tje dogs with you. I have an autistic grandson and he loves my dog to bits, but have to say he likes the cats better have you concided that also must say cats are more independent..
just and idea and they also have them at Battersea… Good luck and i hope ive been helpful…