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?

(I should add that my son absolutely adores his cats as well. One in particular will follow him around all day and I think it's improved DS2's nature somewhat.)

I echo what Fairfax says. I have 2 dogs and one is the calmest gentlest sweetest little thing in the world. I also have an autistic child in our family. And when he comes over the dogs are shut away for their own safety and sanity. There is NO way I would leave him around the dogs, he is has been exceptionally unkind to them and seems to have no concept of their feelings (think hitting them with sticks, trying to poke things in their eyes, trying to throw them in a pond, all in full view of adults who lucky stepped in. His parents were in denial of the behaviour for a bit. But also some of his screeching and stimming etc can distress them). I appreciate he is autistic and can’t help it, but that doesn’t mean it isnt distressing for the dog. Remember the dog needs a quality of life as well and it sounds like you have a lot on your plate. I do understand why you want to do this. So please dont think I am criticising and I understand that autism can present itself in lots of ways. And I am sure your son is very kind. But if your son can’t be left unsupervised at all, that will have an effect on the dog.

I also think borrowmydoggie is only a good idea if you are VERY clear to the owner about your son. I would be horrified on behalf of your sons and my dogs welfare/safety if I lent one of our dogs out to a family in your situation. I appreciate that wasn’t your idea, but just saying.

Good luck with it all. It sounds like you are trying hard to do the right thing for everyone.

Oh sorry OP just seen your update. Sounds like a great plan. Good luck with it all, and I hope you find a compatable soul mate for your DS

My son has a support cat instead.
Him and the cat are very similar tbh,neither like people,they both only come to me when they need feeding and they are both lazy. My son doesn't clean himself tho,that's the bog difference.

He has selective mutism and the cats one of only 5 he can talk to.

Op avoid a Vizla at all costs, l had one and he NEEDED 2 hours plus of off lead running daily to be happy and calm.

Lovely dogs but not placid enough for your family, l would go for a Labrador.

Think how you will manage, you cannot leave even an older dog home alone for much over 4 hours, without being unkind to them.

Do you have funds for holiday boarding and dog walkers?

I do think a dog has a wonderful effect on autistic children, (all children actually) and we have always had large dogs, but you need to read lots of dog training books, speak to lots of trainers and breeders and think of every eventuality.

All the pictures shared are lovely thank you

Haven't rtwt but oh my goodness do not get a vizla! They are wonderful dogs but extremely intense and not for beginners at all.

You need something bombproof essentially and ready trained. A pup is going to be too much with the high needs for training etc. My staffy came to us at the age of 18 months and was bombproof so rescues are around that are suitable. If you’re going to struggle to find the funds for a therapy dog, contact several local private dog rescues. See if any of them can help!