my daughter has autism and after 2 years of thinking about it and a year of thinking even more, we know that we will get a puppy. We've looked into trained service dogs, but at a cost of between 5,000 and £8,000 it's too much to pay. My daughter is deemed too old at 14 to be able to get a service dog from a charity. So we need a black Labrador. She decided that 2 years ago when she fell in love with a black lab. So my fears. A puppy, cute and gorgeous but how would my daughter cope. There's no way she could cope with a dog jumping up at her. So I've no idea what to do. I've thought about dog training, either the pup staying with a trainer for a while, and also me and my daughter having training with the puppy. My question is, is it possible to do? The last thing I want is for a puppy that be so excitable that it puts my daughter off. This is why people can charge so much for a therapy dog. You get a calm trained dog. M daughters anxiety is terrible and she never goes out or talks to anyone, so I know the dog will help her. Sorry I'm rambling lol just don't know what's the right thing to do. I'm at home all day so I do have the time to train the dog, also we are near woods and parks, so all those jigsaw parts are lined up
Hi and welcome ! First of all , I`m pleased that you are weighing up the odds , far better than jumping in without thought ! I know someone who had a Lab puppy for the very same reason , they did research carefully as you are doing but it was the very best thing, for all the family especially for the autistic son who has played a big part in training under supervision and he was only 12 years old when they got their puppy .From what I have read or heard, pups can help so much in cases of anxiety , they give a focus to the sufferer . As you are at home all the time , its an ideal scenario , so I would say go for it !
Hi, I am not very experienced with dogs or training, but having a 9 week old puppy I can tell you that they do jump up, and chew, and invade your personal space! Autism is so complex I think only you know your daughter. If she chooses the pup will she make allowances for puppy behaviour? Is she comfortable with animals? It may be something she can pet and love, and she may feel more comfortable with the puppy than people. I believe animals are incredibly therapeutic and can help with anxiety, support with socialising, and improve general happiness! However it is a lot to expect from a small puppy, and may be a harder work than you think. Nikki
Hi there and welcome! There are one or two forum members with a child with autism, who may be able to give you advice. Just wanted to say it's nice to have you on the forum!
Have you considered a retired Guide Dog, some retire quite young and they are well trained, calm dogs. Here is the link - http://www.guidedogs.org.uk/supportus/rehoming-a-guide-dog#.WSL27VTTWfA
Hi there. A puppy will certainly make a difference to your lives so preparation is vital. Finding a puppy is easy - finding the right puppy is a lot harder and you will.need to have some good chats with breeders and lean not their experience of their lines and puppies to get the right puppy. Next is to line up good training from the very beginning to help you overcome the bitey monster phase plus all those other puppy joys of night time trips to the garden etc. There are trainers who can and will work with you from Day 1 - I know there are as I do and know others around the country who do as well. They will also help you and your daughter to train the puppy. Dogs can make a wonderful companion for a child/young adult or adult who has autism I'm just surprised that the charities deem 14 too old. Good luck with your search for a puppy
Hello and welcome from me too. Good to have you here discussing pros and cons. Our girl Lilly is 7 now and I can't remember it being as awful as some others have had to experience/endure. We did ask that question, a while back, about whether lab puppies are worse than other breeds when it comes to bitey crocodiles and adolescent rampages. Can't quite remember if we came up with an answer...... It is a big commitment for any family to bring home a puppy. Your daughter is key to this, obviously. How is she with other dogs? (good, I am assuming) All dogs? Small and large? Black and golden? Smooth and curly? Have you ever looked after a dog for a few days to see how she responds? I am a bit of a worrier, and probably overthink things, but I would want to "try before I buy" so maybe doing some doggy sitting, go visit someone with a little puppy too, just to see how things go. If its easier, try to persuade the pup/owner to come for you. I think Mag's idea of checking out retired assistance dogs, or kennels for an older dog might be a good idea. But you will need to be careful you get a dog from a sound background or you may end up with more than you expect. This is an exciting and worrying time all rolled into one, and I can tell you want to get it right. Hope you fix on the right answers! jac
Welcome to the forum from me, Hattie 9 years and our rescue dog Charlie 6 years. I have a 19 year old High Functioning Autistic son, we got Hattie when he was 9 years old (I have 4 children). I would say it depends on where your daughter is on the spectrum as to whether she will cope with a puppy, does she have sensory issues, would she cope with a puppy being in her space a lot, what level of understanding does she have, is she verbal? Sorry for so many personal questions, I hope you don't mind it will just give us a better understanding of your daughter. My son was absolutely fine with Hattie as he functions at a high level and has always attended mainstream schooling and is at University. As you know Autistic children vary hugely as to how they are affected by life. I think @drjs@5 idea is good, trying out a dog for the weekend. Do you know someone that would let you borrow their dog to see how she copes? I would worry too that you could take on a puppy and it would be too much, equally the joy a dog brings to lives is priceless so it's a very tough call but I am sure you will reach the right decision as you have obviously given it a lot of thought. I also like the idea of a failed/retired Guide Dog as all the hard work has been done. Have you thought about getting a young rescue Labrador? You could work very closely with the rescue centre to make sure the dog had every temperament test done. Lots of rescue dogs go on to be assistance dogs, therapy dogs, work with the police, are sniffer dogs, SAR, medical detection dogs so I wouldn't rule that out as long as you contacted a reputable rescue centre. Very best of luck and keep us posted. xx
My daughter s good with dogs, thankfully her school have school dogs. So she goes dog walking a few times a week. Funnily enough her fav dog isn't a lab but a mix. Friends had cocker pups and we took her there, she made all the right noises, but handed the pup back and said 'I know what your trying to do, but I want a black lab' lol over the past 2 years I've shown her hundreds of dog photos, but she never changed from the lab. I will look at the retired guide dogs, but I know that these dogs do go fast. I've ma friends that have got therapy dogs and they all say the difference with their children is huge x
She is high functioning, but her anxiety has always been high, verbal now, but wasn't till she was 5. We want her to be able to go,out, with us of course, but to have the security of the dog. At her school when she can't cope and needs to talk to a teacher she will ask to go on a dog walk, so the dogs calm her down. X
The Labrador Rescue Trust is a wonderful charity , they take great care to match the right dog to the right owner , it may be worth you contacting them too ?
I totally understand about the high anxiety it's been a terrible thing and still is for my son even at 19 years old, breaks my heart Maybe the guide dog suggestion would be a good starting point, already trained, no pulling on the lead, no jumping, calm? I can see that dogs calm her down which is a plus. xx
You're very welcome to borrow Libby for a weekend. She isn't a small puppy (she's just one), or black but the offer is there! I'm Oxfordshire near border of West Berks. The biting would be my main concern with a very young one, it can really break the bond for a while. Good luck in your search. X P.S. For my cousin's daughter who is highly disabled through her autism getting a dog was the best thing they could have ever done.
Jadey I would love to hear how it's going if you got a puppy for your daughter. I have an orphanage for special needs children and I am really hoping when my new puppy gets a little older, she will be good with the kids.
