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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask the best dog breed for a child with autism

108 replies

Caterpillarx1 · 22/04/2018 12:36

Looked in to getting a service/therapy dog for my son whos almost 5, non-verbal, Can’t be left unsupervised for a second, without going in to too much detail he goes to a special school and is “low funtioning” all the waiting lists are too long and not taking on anymore applicants. And the price of £6k we were quoted just isn’t affordable for us.

I was thinking of getting a dog ourselves and doing some training courses.
Whilst we’re out he gets very happy is he sees a dog. I feel like it would offer him some emotional and practical support and really encourage him/ bring him out of his shell.

Has anyone else got a dog for their child with autism? I was thinking labradoodle? Or golden Labrador? I did hear vizsla’s are good but after doing some research I’m unsure now. I’m a stay at home mum btw so it wouldn’t be left at home alone. AIBU to want to get him one or am I going to have a dog pooping around the house and making my life even harder?

OP posts:
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Codysmum88 · 22/04/2018 12:56

Staffies are amazing! I'd reccomend a staffie, labs are very bouncy

MorningsEleven · 22/04/2018 12:57

I have a kid with severe anxiety, depression, speech and language issues, total lack of social skills, being assessed for ASD - and that's the tip of the iceberg. We have a greyhound. He watches her sleep, curls up on the sofa with her, puts up with her constant jibber jabber. CAMHS advised her to talk to him because he won't talk back, he'll never spill her secrets and dogs don't judge.

Greyhounds are also very low maintenance.

Cyberworrier · 22/04/2018 12:57

www.amazon.co.uk/Friend-Like-Henry-Remarkable-Autistic/dp/1402214065?tag=mumsnetforum-21

I recommend this book about how a dog helped a boy with Autism. Very moving.

Labradors and retrievers are very friendly, loving dogs- some calmer than others. Agree with PP that bringing up a puppy might be a big strain for you... maybe consider rehoming an adult lab or retriever from a rescue? There are breed specific rescues.

Somtamthai · 22/04/2018 12:59

Labrador
Great Pyrenees
Golden retriever
St. Bernard.

They are all docile, sturdy, and fairly easy to train. Of course they do need lots of training and long haired dogs need groomed. So for the first few weeks there will be pooping in the house.

Be wary of designer breeds labradoodle and the like. They can get bad traits from either breed.

Source pup from a reputable breeder, ensue hips and eyes have been genetically tested.

Guide dogs for the blind occasionally re-home older dogs. They would be well trained.

Mamabear14 · 22/04/2018 13:00

I have 2 autistic kids and I also agree that our cat is the one who has helped most. Helps that he is quite happy to be a lap cat and fussed over.
We have a Labrador also, who thankfully is very well trained as he is a gundog. So loving but Stubborn as shit when he wants to be with anyone other than DH.
We grew up with a staff. She was amazing. There's always loads in rescue homes so I would go and have a look around and definitely avoid puppies! They are harder work than the kids!

Mamabear14 · 22/04/2018 13:01

The only thing I would say about our lab is that if your DS is sensory to touch then mind the tail. Ours has the waggiest tail in the land when anyone so much as looks at him and if it whips you it can hurt!

ImogenTubbs · 22/04/2018 13:02

Don't get a brand new puppy. Get one that's at least 6-9 months old if you can that already has some training. Even so, they can be quite hard work at first until they get used to your routine. We just got a 6mo rescue lurcher (mostly Labrador) and he was house trained but pooped and weed all over he garden. Just over a month later we have trained him to go in one spot but that's with us taking him out there ten times a day and praising him every time he goes there. He's wonderful company and I'm sure your DS would love one.

Do you have someone who could help you the first few weeks while you get the hang of things? Our neighbours have all been lovely, offering to walk our new dog - many people adore animals and are happy to help in a way they wouldn't be in other ways.

Kpo58 · 22/04/2018 13:03

I'd second trying for a failed guide dog. They will come with at least basic training and they can find one with the right temperament for your family.

somewhereovertherainbutt · 22/04/2018 13:03

As a serial owner of retired greyhounds, I really wouldn't suggest them as suitable. They are pretty sensitive, and delicate, and often come with undiagnosed pain/injury issues. None of mine has been remotely doglike (compared to say a lab) and only one has been happy around kids of any age (one was actively frightened by them). Some can never be let off the lead due to prey drive. Their lifespan can be short - you may only get the dog at 3 or 4 years old and lots are lucky to make it to 11. What people see as calmness can often be the dog being shut down. They are often touted as an easy dog, but IMHO and experience, they really are not, despite me being their biggest fan.

Original poster
Caterpillarx1 · 22/04/2018 13:03

Thank you so much for all the responses. I haven’t had a dog before. I’m shocked you guys said steer away from the doodles, I thought they would be placid - I’m glad I asked now!

I’m worried about getting a rescue. Are they to be trusted around small children?

Thank you for the idea on looking into the service dogs that didn’t quite make it. I’ve been on the website and will apply later. Flowers

It’s hard knowing what to do for the best. I’d love one for him and know he could thrive off a dog however, I don’t have time for the puppy stage training, as you’ve all mentioned, will be too difficult Sad. My best bet looks like the service dogs that didn’t make it.

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Original poster
Caterpillarx1 · 22/04/2018 13:06

I’ve heard great things about a lab, but after talking to DM she’s given me horror stories of when she owned one before I was born that was awol, destroyed the house, etc and told me to avoid. Perhaps she just had one crazy one? Bearing in mind this was 30 years ago and probably came from somewhere random.

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FairfaxAikman · 22/04/2018 13:06

A good rescue will match you to a suitable dog OP. They don't tend to place reactive dogs with inexperienced owners. (Or shouldn't anyway)

FairfaxAikman · 22/04/2018 13:10

Destruction is a result of poor training and/or boredom.
Labs are fabulous dogs but be aware that there is a massive difference between show lines and working lines.
Workers tend to be (though not always) be higher drive and this more likely to get bored.
Guide Dogs is a good shout. Many of theirs are actually labxretrievers but they do have a range of breeds.

Original poster
Caterpillarx1 · 22/04/2018 13:11

imogentubbs good idea, thanks. DM doesnt live too far away and wouldn’t mind coming to help the first few weeks. I’m not sure why but I’ve always associated rescues to be unpredictable and probably best to avoid if you have small children - but then again I’m all new to this dog business and very naive I imagine!

OP posts:
kerpob · 22/04/2018 13:11

I’ve two boys with ASD and two rescue whippet/lurcher cross dogs. Both very placid around children and not demanding at all. Don’t need very much exercise. My sons absolutely love having them around

Cyberworrier · 22/04/2018 13:11

There are often family dogs needing rehomed because of illness or other circumstances not the dogs fault and also many rescues foster dogs into families, so they stay in houses with children.
I have a doodle who is well behaved and calm but I agree about health problems. Re you DM talking about a mad lab- when you get a puppy there’s always a chance it could grow up to be bonkers or beautifully behaved whatever the breed, their personalities can develop and be moulded by their surroundings. Do try BorrowMy Doggy a few times first or ask friends and family to borrow theirs?

Original poster
Caterpillarx1 · 22/04/2018 13:12

fairfax ah right I see. Il try going down the guide dog route of ones that didnt make it as we can’t afford the ones on dogs for good, etc Sad

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Toomuchsplother · 22/04/2018 13:13

Have you considered getting in touch with Guide dogs for the blind and rehoming a dog? They have dogs that have finished their working life or at have had some training and then were deemed not suitable. Might be worth a look

Greyhorses · 22/04/2018 13:14

I honestly would not do this. One of my dogs was given up by a family who had a child with autism who didn’t really know how hard it would be.
The dog was mentally messed up by the time he was 9 months old Sad

Toomuchsplother · 22/04/2018 13:14

Sorry cross post and hadn't read the full thread!

Deshasafraisy · 22/04/2018 13:15

A cat is much easier and can be just as much of a comfort to a child with autism.

Aeroflotgirl · 22/04/2018 13:15

I woukd get a lab or retriever, they are fantastic. My friend bought a retriever pepper for her Autistic son, he is so good, he has really helped calm her ds. I got doggy hugs yesterday from him. He is always very calm natured.

Original poster
Caterpillarx1 · 22/04/2018 13:15

cyber I see, unfortunately I don’t have a dog in the family to borrow. Could definitely try borrow my doggy, though!

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Original poster
Caterpillarx1 · 22/04/2018 13:17

toomuch I have been on the websites and looked at retired dogs, however it seems the age of these dogs is around 11 the youngest. I was worried this is too old? And they might not last too long. Without sounding morbid

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Aeroflotgirl · 22/04/2018 13:18

Puppy not pepper doh.