Dog for child with sensory issues

[jabberwocky]

I didn't realize we had a Pets topic when I originally posted this question. Am thinking of a Bijon Frise for ds1. Anyone have experiences to share? Would another mid-size breed be better?

We have a nearly 7 month old Bichon Frise called Molly. She is adorable!!

She has honestly been a fantastic puppy. The dd's are 3 and 5 and pester the life out of her at times but she has never snapped/nipped or growled at either of them. We have been very lucky but other Bichon owners have said the same thing about their dogs too. I am thinking of getting another next year if a local breeder puts us on her waiting list.

HTH

Oh that's good to hear!! Ds1 is 6 and ds2 is 3. Was your dog hard to housebreak? Am thinking of getting an adult dog for that reason but of course love puppies

bump

She's not housetrained overnight (have heard it's not uncommen with Bichons tho) She does however just pee and poo on her puppy pad so it's a case of rolling it up and disposing of it.

It's not as annoying as you may imagine the peeing and what have you. Certainly doesn't bother us. She will pee and poo on command now too when we take her out. We use 'get busy' and lo and behold she just does it

Would recommend The Perfect Puppy' by Gwen Bailey if you do get a puppy!!

Good luck x

I second what Agal said. They can be tricky to house train but not impossible, just slightly more work than some breeds (not unlike most of the toy breeds though). Really charming, tolerant and fun dogs. You happy with the grooming (effort and cost?)

Have always had dogs that need grooming so I don't think it will bother us too much. I'm more concerned about a dog that will be a good companion for ds1. Have read that dogs can be good for kids prone to meltdowns and anxiety.

They need clipping and can be yappy.

Clipping is OK, yappy...not sure...

Maybe you could seek the advice of Dogs for the Disabled or AA Dogs who have a lot of experience in this area.

If you are after a quiet lapdog, one that doesn't shed (as sometimes shedding hair can be an issue for children with sensory issues) how about a Cavapoo?

Cavapoos look very cute! Will have a look at those sites.

Mine isn't that yappy. Unless ds1 who is a PITA winds her up . I am in now way shape or form a huge dog lover but she is the sweetest happiest wee thing....

God i am sounding like my mother argggh.......

How old is she?

HAve you thought about a beagle? We have a beagle x (spaniel - but has very much beagle traits) who is an absolute star with our dd who has SN.

I did read something about beagles today. Will definitely keep that in mind. Does yours calm her down when/if she has overanxious moments?

DD doesn't really have anxious moments (her SN are profound LDs and CP) - but he is absolutely the most affectionate dog if that helps? Whilst our labrador is completely bombproof in nature, he won't seek out affection, whereas our beagle is always on the lookout for where the next hug is coming from. He calms me down in my anxious moments if that helps ?

The only thing you would need to watch with a beagle is there tendency to run off after finding a scent e.g. rabbit/ fox etc. Probably not an issue if if you live in a town/ city, but we live in a rural area and have to keep a very beady eye on ours.

Calming me down in anxious moments would be good too!

We aren't in a rural area so that should be OK. In fact the dog would be inside probably quite a bit of the time.

Sorry - have just re-read posts and seen that I have been repeating myself - have pregnobrain .

Good luck with finding the right dog.

Hi Jabberwocky.

I have 2 things I can tell you about Bichons:

1. My dog has had several doggy mates of the Bichon breed - which means they are calm in nature. (My dog will tolerate, but is not too keen on excitable dogs.)

1. The school that my son attends has a number of pupils with Autism. As therapy for one of the girls, a dog is brought into school for her to look after for a while and it really does help her feel calm (I have been in the school for a few weeks now and have seen the interaction and it really does work for her). That particular dog is a Bichon.

Lovely dogs. Calm and even temperament, so long as they are treated as a dog should be treated

Thanks winestein!! Ds1 may in fact have Asperger's. We are waiting to be evaluated. So perhaps the Bichon is the one

Another vote for Bichon. We have a Bichon Maltese which as far as I know are closely related to the Bichon Frise but are confusingly called Maltese Terrier in English.

Daphne is the most relaxing comforting loyal dog I have ever met.

When the DC cry she pootles over to find out what it wrong and distribute doggy kisses.

I think they are a fantastic breed, I really do, and it could be a real asset to your son. I do know that the grooming thing comes in to the therapy for the girl at school and having that task seems to have a real calming effect for her. With a short-haired dog, you wouldn't have that.

I'm glad you mentioned that winestein. I had wondered if the brushing might actually be a good task for ds1.

Bichons do have to be groomed more often but in between the proper cutting etc a short brush 1-2 a day does Molly fine. DD1 is allowed to brush her now she's a bit bigger but dd2 is only 3 so she isn't allowed.

Bichons are so cute too so i can't imagine having anything else

They do look absolutely precious in the pictures. I've seen a few being walked and they seem so happy and jaunty!

It's because they are! Post up the piccies when you get one