FINDING DOGS FOR AUTISTIC CHILDREN | Autism PDD

we have a 6yr old, and we have goldendoodles, and they are outstanding with him.... i would reccomend them as they are great with kids. this is a fact in our lives, good luck, and never give up!!!!

Hi Delores,

We are breeders of Mini Designer Golden Retriever Mix Puppies here in Florida and we have sold several of our puppies to parents of Autistic Children. It is so true about how these pets can open the childrens comunication track. We created these puppies over the last 5 years for the elderly who want a dog just like their old Golden but not the huge size and they love our dogs but when the Autistic children come to pick out their puppy it's like a light bulb goes on and they know just what to do. This is probably a great idea for your son. You will know quickly if this was a good idea when he sees the pup.

Good luck with your venture.

Linda - Spring Hill Kennel

Hi I was wondering if anyone could send me any resources about locating service dogs for adults with autism, my fiance was recently diagnosed with autism and is having trouble finding places that will help him because he is not a child.

Hello,

I am in the process of getting an autism/seizure response service dog for my son who is 2 1/2 from Northern Indiana Service Dogs. Rachel Miller has been awesome in helping us so far. If you would like more information please feel free to contact me at cody1@my.wgu.edu .

Cody

We are dog people and have always had a dog or two and the two best breeds I have found for children is a NUrsing Boxer (not a mother with babies but it is a type of boxer with spots on there necks) the most wonderful dog in the world (RIP) she would lrt the kids do anything to her it was amazing we got her aat 4wks (?) but it worked out great she knew her place and was very protective and moterly to the kids.

That was my parents dog for their 1st grandchild. mY dog noe believe it or not is an english mastif ( wow 150lbs) She is WONDERFUL. we got her when my DD was started the process for our therapy I think but o my god it was the best thing ever, Tiki (the dog) loves my NT boy, but my DD is hers.

I think dogs are very important to a happy life!! If YOU like them if not YUCK

It all really depends on what function the dog completes outside of being there for comfort and therapy. Some Service Dogs for Autistic people tell people when something is going on such as the person hurting themselves. The dog can take care of such tasks as keeping a child from wandering out of the yard, or howl to tell is a child has frozen. If the dog provides a needed service the ADA demands that the dog be allowed access.

Angel

We have a wonderful gold lab. She was a God send. She is so caring for my son, licks him down every night and when he's settled leaves and goes lay down by my bed. She didn't mind when he was younger that he wasn't always nice to her, she is so gentle. He has grown with her love and he loves her back and it's wonderful. We picked her up out of a litter and she was a bit sickly and needed a lot of attention and $$$ to make her better but she was definitely worth every penny we put into her.

Our dog turned 7 years old Yesterday,she is a lab mix,and old Mama dog who could care less if the kids ignor, her or sit on her"they do both".

I love her,she is the only other female in the house,HAPPY BIRTHDAY Sandy.

God bless,Linda

My name is Sunny and I am new to the forum. I am not sure if I found the forum by luck or FATE. I keep reading and re-reading the post because I just bust out in tears everytime and have to start reading all over again.

I whelped my first litter of Chihuahuas 3 months before my son Austin was born. Austin is now 7 and has enjoyed and assissted me in raising 20+ litters of puppies. I never intended to become a "breeder" but when I saw how the experience helped him and our relationship as mother and "difficult/different" child, I knew I had to learn how to become a responsible REAL breeder. I invested in conformational correct dogs, started temperment and health testing, joined kennel clubs, and entered the show ring!

Okay - What does that have to do with my child having Autism? I found a connection and a "therapy" I could be a part of with my son. I saw a child learn to be gentle, still, soft spoken, and KIND in the presence of the pups. It was ONLY when he held a Chihuahua puppy that he experienced this peace. Now at age 7, the dogs are his at-home supports (mine too).

As a breeder, I gain and grow daily with my dogs. Did you know there are rules and methods for communicating with dogs? Austin understands this process giving him a foundation for interaction. I wish the same rules could spill over to children on the playground. Austin doesn't have a clue how to deal with the sporatic nature of humans. The dogs are Austin's connection to the world. I guess because Chihuahuas are small, I have very little trouble bringing them wherever we go - Walgreens, restaurants with patios, festivals, show and tell at school,the park, etc... They give Austin the confidence and foundation to interact with others. Example - A child walks up to us (Austin, puppy, and I) and ask "Can I pet your dog?" Austin says something like " My mommy has hand sanitizer because there is no sink." I might say something like sure you can pet the puppy - "Austin will tell you how." This may not sound like much to some parents, but for me it means a lot. I just witnessed my child handle communication with another child in a confident, calm and considerate manner. Sometimes he will even use eye contact. Below is a picture of us during a 4th of July Firework show. I brought Raven and a set of headphones. We all had a great time.

Until a few days ago, I had NO CLUE there were orgs connecting therapy dogs to those with Autism. I have a new mission and purpose in life. I want to learn everything I can about these programs (good and bad). If I can implement any information at home with my child and pups, and help others to cry their eyeballs out with the joy of a "therapy" dog, it will give me the strength to continue raising child and Chihuahua!

Note: Do your homework before bringing home a puppy. I would gladly help anyone in locating a good PET pup from a responsible breeder. Our children deserve the best pups we as parents can find. Learn the right and wrong questions to ask a breeder PRIOR to purchasing a new dog!

Please please be aware of those trainers/ foundations who place very young dogs as fully "certified" assistance dogs. If you are either paying privately or raising funds for a non-profit to train a dog for your child, be sure the dog is old enough to have been screened for genetic issues such as hip dysplasia. Also, young puppies may not grow up to be structurally or temperamentally suuited for service dog work. And since there are several different types of service work, a dog may be well suited for one type of work, like being a hearing dog, but not be well suited at all for some other tasks, like working with a very active child.

Kati Warren, Director, RetrieveLife! Service Dog Training Options

[QUOTE=Retrieve Life]

As a service dog trainer, I am always glad to hear of successes, and sad to hear of those families who have had a bad experience.

This is true. I keep my my pups until they are trained. What the dog will become, relies on what the dog is most natural at. It is not only about a well trained dog, but the right fit. It means not placing you with just whatever dog is already trained, but actually taking steps to see if that dog is right for your situation. There is no one size fits all training method.

Angel

[/QUOTE] I have a mut..half black lab and half australian shepard. great dog. she's young still,almost two years old. Just recently has my son,8years old with PDD and other issues, decided that he loves this dog. lays on the floor with her,talks to her and now calls her his best buddy. we have two cats that rub all over him and he could care less about. It's something in Polly's eyes that Paddy loves. She's really hyper and a pain in the butt most of the time. But, when she connects with my son , shse's worth her weight in gold. It's in their eyes. They understand each other...or maybe that's just what I see. a dog is good for my son, why not yours. Get a puppy so they can grow together and she'll be a clean slate. Don't get a dog that has a history of neglect or abuse..to risky. Good luck, we love Polly. She's part of the unit. Tara

Hi,

I read on the site about how lonely some of the autistic children are because other children won't play with them. My son is very affectionate and tries so hard to make friends. Some children, can be so mean, it really breaks my heart. I think that a pet dog would help fill that void a little. I saw on a TV show a few years ago that there is a place that trains dogs for autistic children. Does anyone know anything about this? I would love to get a dog for my son. He is 13 now and old enough to help care for the dog. I would appreciate any info on finding specially trained dogs for autistic children. I found a couple of sites on line but they were for the blind only.

Thank You,

Delores

Delores

Delores,

I see that to be true in my teenage son. We have a dog and it seems to be therapeutic for him to lie on the floor and pat her. Our dog is about 12 and I absolutely DREAD the day we lose her. Our son feels things so deeply it will be very hard on him when that happens. We are thinking of getting a small dog (a schnoodle...ever heard of it?) that can be on our laps. I know some dogs are trained for therapy but I don't know about specific training for autism. I'd love to hear more about that too. I did meet someone once who told me their schnauzer was a pet therapy dog.

Sue

About Service Dogs for Children with Autism http://autism.about.com/b/a/058573.htm (information about service dogs)

LockBox Foundation Our Mission Develop the first autism dog training facility in the United States. http://www.lockboxfoundation.com/

Autism Service Dogs of America http://www.autismservicedogsofamerica.com/

North Star Foundation Service Dog Placements for Children with Autism http://www.northstardogs.com/autism.shtml

All Purpose Canines, Inc. AUTISM PARTNERS PROGRAM http://www.allpurposecanines.com/autismprogram.html

Maybe someday I can get my kids a dog. As it is Gabe is mean to a cat. So I don't think he would be too nice towards a dog. The dog might end up running away from home.

Tammy

Thank You Gabu for providing several good links.

I know when I looked into this before there is (or can be) an extremely long wait for these dogs.

Just a few days ago I was in a parking lot and there was a dog in the car next to us it just sat and never barked. Having taught the kids NEVER go up to a strange dog I sorta waited for the owner to come. About the same time the woman came to her car I noticed the yellow therapy dog tag. SO I asked her if I could speak to her about therapy dogs for a moment and the kids asked to pet the dog.

Therapy dogs are basically just companion dogs who have been through testing, and are certified to be able to go to different places (like nursing homes and SOME hospitals - she said Raibows Babies and Childrens hospital has their own program the dog must go through to be allowed there ) . Therapy dogs are NOT service dogs and can't go to stores or resturaunts with you. However I believe the Autism Service Dogs can because they are considered a SERVICE DOG (Difference between THERAPY and SERVICE)

The woman suggested unless I specifically needed a dog that would be allowed into resturaunts and malls and so forth with us that we get a puppy and allow it to grow up attached to him or go to an animal shelter and see the dogs there and sometimes a dog will just automatically "TAKE" to your special needs child and bond. So its a thought anyhow.

Also I just want to mention that for some who can't have a dog. I got my son a guinea pig when he was about 5. This guinea pig is AWESOME! He wakes up every morning with my son and squeaks him a good morning hello. My son goes over and tells him good morning and feeds him and checks his water (yes that took some reminding in the beginning but now its routine) He talks to his Guinea pig often. He also holds him and lays with him and it is very calming. When he is extremely upset I get the guinea pig and bring it to him and he immediately starts to calm down (sometimes I have to say in a little guinea pig voice "daddy whats wrong" LOL as he calls his guinea pig his son

http://www.petsandpeople.org/difference.htm Service Dog, Therapy Dog:
What's the Difference?

We believe that a large part of the problem with access comes from confusion of terminology.

Therapy Dogs: Briefly, therapy animals work with a health-care professional as part of a treatment plan. Dogs that do visitation are also commonly called "therapy dogs". Neither of these usually has acces to public places.

This can be confusing, because sometimes people call dogs "service dogs", claiming that they are entitled to that label because they provide a "service" for people. You can call a dog whatever you like, but the fact is that no federal law (and very few state laws) allow access with that type of "service" dog.

Service Dogs: Dogs that assist people with disabilities are termed "Assitance Dogs" or "Service Dogs". Those dogs actually need to do something to help with the disability. In return, they are allowed anywhere you could take another medical device, such as a wheelchair. The dogs may or may not do actual physical work for their handlers; for example, some deaf people use very small dogs who can alert them to sounds.

A person who has a disability and uses a dog to help compensate for abilities lost as a result, is guaranteed the right to be accompanied by that dog in any place where the public is usually invited. This right is guaranteed by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), which is a (US) federal law. Some (US) states also have laws concerning access with a Service Dog. The state laws may include restrictions as far as equipment that must be used, certification, trainers, and so on. The rule is that where the federal law allows you more rights, it prevails.

Please be aware that the ADA does not mention service dogs in training. Many state laws do. In that case, the state law is the ONLY one that applies; however, once your dog is no longer "in Training", you are protected by the federal statute mentioned previously.
(a page with links to US state & federal laws, as well as links for Canada, Mexico, and Native American laws, can be found at http://www.lawsource.com/also/)

Emotional Support Animals: Dogs that companionship, relief from loneliness & depression, and similar support can be allowed in housing (even "No Pet" housing) without the requirement of a pet deposit. Those dogs are called "Emotional Support Animals", but they don't have access to public places, either.

More information on Emotional Support Animals is available from the Bazelon Centter for Mental Health Law and the Disabilities Rights Center.

Pets and People supports owner-trained service dogs, even those used for emotional disabilities like depression. Under the ADA, proof of disability and/or certification of the dog as a Service Dog need not be shown. Many people who live with a disability who choose to use a Service Dog (PWDWSD) have no or very few problems with access. Pets and People makes the Department of Justice's "Questiona About Service Dogs in Places of Business" available for download in brochure form, which can help with acces issues.

Chances are that if you don't have an obvious disability and/or you are using a very small dog, someone will attempt to deny you access or ask for proof (either of your disability or of your dog's status). Best to be prepared for that situation, either by having the so-called "proof" (a doctor or therapist's prescription, a Service Dog card), or by being willing to assert your legal rights and deal with the immediate consequences (yes, you may be right, but you may still be asked to leave). As an organization, Pets and People does not advocate one approach or the other. As with so many other things relating to living with an owner-trained service dog, the "best" approach is up to the person who must confront the situation.

Pets and People does not "register" or certify therapy dogs. A group that does, and is quite well known, is Therapy Dogs International (http://www.tdi-dog.org/). If you are looking for information on volunteering with your pet to visit nursing homes, hospitals, and similar activities, please see the book WANTED: Animal Volunteers by Dr. Mary Burch. If you are a health care professional who wants to incorporate animals into your practice or treatment protocols, please contact our founder, Dr. Patricia Gonser, through our contact page.

Tammy

Hi,

Thank you guys so much for all the info. My son had a late nighter and I didn't get to bed until about 3:00 in the morn. He was up bright and early this morning. I checked the board before I went bed but there wasn't any replies. I couldn't believe all replies when I checked in this afternoon. I have a lot to look into but I feel this going to happen. Thank you, Thank you. I will let you guys know how it is going. I love this site it's like another world one where me and my son are completely accepted. If only the outside world could be mostly like this and not mostly rejecting because of the unknown.

Delores

id love one of those little tiny dogs but jordon can be mean to animals. i still have one cat with a *make my day* attitude if jordon goes near him lol. but he threw the other one out the window so we rehomed him ( no one panick he was totally fine even though it was 3 floors up )xx

Maybe the cat used up one of its nine lives? They do say cats tend to land on their feet. But, lol, someone said that about me once too.

tammy

i think the nine lives thing is right tammy . i flew down the stairs when it happend and the cat was just sitting at the back door waiting to come in as though i had let him out to pee lol

That is too funny. I never have had a cat as a real pet. There was a stripped cat that lived at everyones yard on my block he choose. We all fed him. He was one tough cat. Once a stray dog tried to eat out his food bowl and he attacked him and won. He owned the block for a while and then one day he left and stayed gone for 6 weeks. He came back and everyone started feeding him again. This lasted for about 3 months when he left again and never came back. He wouldn't stay in the house he was a true alley cat. He wasn't afraid of strangers or dogs, so we named him Top Cat.

Delores

THEY also have service dogs for people w/seizures..I have a friend online and I will getthe site to post.. I SO WISH WE CAN HAVE A DOG THAT DOESNT PEEN POOP ON RUG..LOL..OR BARK N WHINE..LOL..GEE IM ASKING TOO MUCH HUH..LOL.. AND DELORES HOW I CAN RELATE TO THE KIDS ARE SO MEAN AND having a animal really helps ease a childs pain n boredom..when we had DEW OUR PITBULL Christian was w/him since birth and dew put up with alot from him but would never hurt him..he went n folloed christian everywhere..its a shame that someone stole him and we cant find him, how this breaks my heart n christians..b/c he was such a helpful pet..oe of a kind..

I watched a doc. on Auism service dogs. They are used to go into the school with your child, to help them feel comfortable and be more social. The dogs are also trained to have a leash around them and your childs waist..This allows your babe to have more independance from you, but if you say stop, the dog does everything it knows how..taking a stance, and stoping your child from moving. Like if you came to a street. It was really interesting!

I looked into the dogs as well.. in Canada there is a 2 year wait, and you have to raise 000 to support a replacement dog. I have heard from people who have one, that it only took them 3 months to raise the money, the place really helps you, and their child is doing WONDERFULLY with the dog

That might be true in Canada but here you have to check each state for the particular law on the dogs. There is a law here for everything. And as the link stated the problem arises when the kid doesn't have an obvious disability, like being blind.

Tammy

Benjamin wanted a dog, but couldn't handle the sudden movements or jumping up. However, our rabbit is perfect for him. Ben is learning to to take care of Gizmo, loves her dearly, and is so happy that we have her. I love that fact that rabbit poop is not smelly and easy to clean. Gizmo is trained to 'go' in her cage. She is a bit unusual in that she loves to be held. We got her through the rabbit rescue. She has run of our porch and does her business all in this one corner of her cage.Benjain often tells me that he is glad that we have a rabbit.I made a little sign thathas pictures sto remind Ben of 'How to love Gizmo'. It is a big help in keeping Gizmo safe.

I know where I used to live the next door neighbor had a collie and Gabe used to love to go over there and pet the dog. The dog's name was Cody. Unusual for a pet but okay name. Until a kid moved into the building with the same name.Talk about getting confused,

Tammy

For anyone interested- in a matter of days when the threads get burried and seperate; Cyndie posted info on SEIZURE/AUTISM DOGS SITE So check it out too as it has info for many disabilities. THANKS CYNDIE

Earth paging Ernestpr, sticky this thread please and Cyndie's thread.

You think he will see this message?

Tammy

Lucian is very mean to our cat as well however he treats our dog
amazingly well. I decided to get him a dog a few months ago because I
had seen that he really liked them. So I picked up a dog a few months
ago from a no kill shelter in the area. Lou doesn't interact with her a
whole lot but he is very nice to her (it helps she's nearly as tall as he is).
But he does discipline her for me

. For example if she's eating
something she shouldn't and he catches her he tells her to stop it. He
loves to give her treats and I've seen him when he's upset sometimes
petting her tail. He doesn't interact with her as much as I'd like but that's
partly because our dog doesn't play much but she is very protective of
him and is upset when he's off visiting his dad. Long and short if you
don't need a service dog a normal well behaved dog will tolerate a child's
behavior. Yeah our dog doesn't seek Lou out to play but she tolerates his
behavior really well.

kcole1238533.4820486111 LOL..TAMMYWhy not just post under the sticky thread for the links?

Could do that too but it might get really buried and we all know most people don't check out that thread. But by saying this, of course they will now

Tammy