To ask the best dog breed for a child with autism

[Caterpillarx1]

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?

aero aah that’s lovely! That’s what I’d love to do but just so worried about it all going wrong and the dog being of no help to him /hard work

I was searching rescues for months. It's difficult to get a rescue that they allow around small children (I have visiting Grandchildren). I'm just about to Foster for a Romanian rescue. For some reason (gratitude?) street dogs seem to not have any of the issues many do in Rescue Centers and they are intelligent etc. That might be because they've lived in the survival of the fittest, circumstances.

Are you after a big breed, would you like a dog that can later sit on the couch easily with your son, so a pug/french bulldog/Chihuahua/Corgi/Dachshund type breed? They are also easier for you to travel with.

Think about three years time, rather than now. You can carry a small breed, or pick it up, in places a large breed wouldn't be allowed. Their poos are easier to manage as well.

I'd always go for rehoming a dog but be mindful that it's hard to insure an older dog.

My 5 year old DS has autism and loves our beagle she is clam and snuggles up when he needs it but is also ready to play when he wants too she is great with him

My ex (DS Dad) got a GSD pup, DS was 11 at the time and has ASD and is in a special school. DS hated the dog during the bouncing puppy stage, it was too much for him. He likes the dog more now she is an adult and calmer.

Last year I got a 6 year old lab/retriever mongrel from a rescue place. DS absolutely loves the dog. Dog is mega lazy and chilled and they are normally cuddled up together on the sofa. They have a lovely bond.
Don't overlook an older crossbreed dog. Puppies might be cute but they are hard work and stressful.

Greyhorses also speaks wisely.

Are you sure your child won't be too much for a dog to handle?
The consideration has to go both ways.

DS and 'his' dog.

I haven’t had a dog before. I’m shocked you guys said steer away from the doodles, I thought they would be placid

A labradoodle near me attacks other dogs if he doesn't like the look of them and when my neighbour shouted at him, he bit her on the hand, hung on, pulled her to the ground and broke her wrist! Amazingly, she didn't report it to the police.

I used to know a lady who had an autistic son who was non-verbal and another son who had Aspergers. She got a breed called a field spaniel from a friend who bred them, because she felt their temperament might be suitable, and because the friend would have been happy to have the dog back if things didn't work out.

It was brilliant, the boy took to the dog amazingly well and started communicating through the dog. He not only developed good language skills but ended up going to uni and getting a degree.

@Caterpillarx1 sometimes dogs do get retired early - I know of a six year old that was attacked and had to be retired.
However what you are ideally looking for is what they call a "withdrawn" Guide Dog (they don't like to say failed) however as I understand it (friend who works for them) first refusal goes to other service dog charities (ie a dog easily distracted might not be good as a guide dog but fine as a hearing dog) and Police. Worth asking though.

Can your son be taught to treat a dog kindly, or to leave it alone? What if it doesn't like him, or he doesn't like it? What happens to the dog then?

It will be hard work sometimes. Dogs are always hard work at some point. It will be more work and expense all the time. Is that ok?

Poodles and poodle crosses need brushing?!!
News to me!

My friend is really good and responsible dog owner, and she is very calm and placid herself, which probably rubs off on the dog. She walks him Twice for half hour each, as he is still a puppy. Yes he can be very eager, and used to be jumpy when he was younger. But she does exercise him, or he's out in the garden so he doesent get bored. She works in the evenings so is around in the day for him, and her dh looks after him and kids in the evening. He is gorgeous, my dd has ASD and learning difficulties, and a retriever or Labrador are the only digs we would consider due to their temperament.

Yiu have to know what to expect. A puppy will be boisterous, it will need toilet training, rather like a toddler, which you will need to do. My friend did not take very long toilet training hers. If a puppy is not fr yiu, mabey a dog, that's about a year old.

I personally would prefer a dog, I am not really a cat person. I really loved my doggyx hugs from my friends lab, he reminded me of ds6 but in dog version. Bouncy active, needs to be exercised each day or he gets bored, but gives the best hugs and cuddles ever, yup that's ds😂😂😂😃

Cockapoos definitely need brushing, I see a few walking each day and the owners all complain about the fur matting easily and the need for frequent clipping. They also seem quite high energy and driven compared to my black lab

Dogs for good run workshops that are specially designed to provide parents of children with autism with the advice and long-term support needed for choosing and training a dog to benefit the whole family. If you haven't already looked, maybe you could see if they are running a course near you?

Never brushed mine
Neither has my brother, my parents, my sister
They get groomed regularly
That's the whole idea, if dogs don't shed the hair still grows so they need grooming.
But not 30-60mins of brushing every day.

We always had German shepherds or Rottweilers. Amazing with kids.

Cousins always had staffies, also amazing.

OH was brought up with dobermans and bull terriers. Again amazing.

Most dogs are amazing but if u get a "high energy" breed they will need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation.
Any dog can be trained as long as it's done right. Puppies are a lot of work too though.

I would go for an adult rescue dog. Aged about 2-6. It's more the personality of the dog that the breed that matters, although I'd steer clear of giant breeds and short nosed breeds as they are prone to health problems.
The advantage of an adult is that you know what its personality is. With a puppy you can't tell. Also all the house training will have been done.
No dog can entirely be trusted around children but there's no reason a rescue should be worse in this aspect than any other dog - many rescues come from chaotic families that get dogs without thinking it through and then give then up. So these haven't been ill treated and may be used to children.
It's important your son likes the dog - maybe the rescue can let you try one out for a few days?

Finally, do not adopt from eastern Europe. This is a crazy idea. These dogs are often not trained and may carry diseases.

I understand that you want to help your child, but I fear you are grossly underestimating how much training a dog needs. And you're wanting this dog to be a therapy dog. That takes the training aspect to a whole different level and one you simply aren't qualified to manage. You say you can't leave your son alone for a second. Getting a "regular" dog will only make your life exceedingly more difficult. As a lifelong dog owner, please rethink this.

Rottweilers would be my go to. I can't have a dog due to the number of hours we're out of the house but if I could I'd get a rottie. Such beautiful, gentle dogs, they train well. Like giant teddy bears. But you have to make the commitment to train them properly (as with any dog).

Ooh Rotty is a good suggestion, they’re lovely big beasts. Dogue de Bordeaux are massive, placid and friendly too ime.

I totally understand your reasons but please don't underestimate how hard work dogs can be. I love mine but he is just another needy being who wants attention. The training stage can feel relentless and I've got three DCs....they were easier to train 😀

I wouldn't want you to feel overwhelmed, sometimes I just want to sit on my own for a second but I can't because even the dog wants a piece of me....and I do love him. I don't think I would have another one when he's no longer here.

Mine is French Bulldog btw......with a long snout, he's wonderful.

Labradoodles are cross between two high energy and intelligent breeds- they are unlikely to be docile and most need plenty of mental stimulation.

All young dogs of any breed are likely to go through a stage of mouthing and jumping up. Adopting a suitable older dog from a rescue means you can find one with a temperament that will suit your family. Dogs in rescue are rehomed for all sorts of reasons- family breakdown, owner's illness, circumstances changing as well as behavioural issues, abuse or abandonment. It may take time for a rescue to be able to match you with a suitable dog.

I do think before attempting to buy a dog, it would be a good idea to try borrow my doggy or similar to see how you would cope with a dog and your son together.