service dogs? | Autism PDD

we are considering getting a service dog that has been trained to work
with autistic children for our son.

i think it could help with the following:
-sleep
-interaction with others
-going to new places
-helping to remain calm

has anyone had a service dog or experience with them?

thanks
L

Hi bonus,

We have 2 german shepherds. The black one is Katie, she is a registered therapy dog. She and Billy have a great bond. She is not a service dog, but a therapy dog. She can go to schools, hospitals and nursing homes. We got her as a pup and I trained her. She is an excellent dog. (I call her my daughter). Jack is the tan one, he is a fruitcake but we still love him. I took a therapy dog class with Katie and she passed with flying colors. I think animals can teach us and our kids a lot. Good luck.

Kath

fordexpr139266.761099537What a wonderful idea, I hope it goes well.I have done much research on them...there are 2 organizations that we've looked into...they run roughly k that is by donation (you raise) and they train the dog, but they have a 1-2 year waiting list. Also, make sure that your schools won't have a problem with the dog going to school b/c that is the requirement at one of them - the dog MUST go EVERYWHERE with the child. Our schools gave me some static about it - I know I can fight it, but I'm not sure in our case if it would be worth it...still working out the IEP and school placement bugs first.

I have tossed the service dog idea around.  I think another benefit could be saftey.  I know a dog could be taught to lean against a child if they are headed to close to a road.

Also, my lab (up in heaven now) was a wonderful tracker.  I wish she was around now -- she could find a cheerio in five feet of grass:)  I know if my so ever got lost she would have no trouble finding him.

It was so easy to train her to track.  We stated out playing hide and go seek and it took off from there.  She loved it!!

I have not had any experience, but I believe if you get an actual service dog trained to work with autistic kids they are VERY expensive (I believe around ,000). I would love to have a therapy dog that I could train mysefl! Although I know there was recently a case in Wisconsin I believe where school officials would not let a "service dog" in for a child with autism. This is being fought in court and I truly can't believe that the courts will rule against the dog being allowed in. But, it's something to be aware of and follow closely before you invest that kind of money!
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