Toying with the idea of getting a dog but have a very timid cat and an autistic child - opinions please...

[aSilverLining]

Always had a dog growing up, now have a 7 yr old cat (was a rescue cat from RSPCA got her as a kitten) who is very timid.

Also have DS who has high functioning autism. His dad's house now has a dog an old dog) and he has gradually grown used to it. Doesn't like dog barking, doing unexpected stuff but talks to it very sweetly/bossily as though it were a person. DS does sometimes have bursts of energy where he runs from one sideof room to another - I'm thinking ths may excite/rile a dog??

We go camping could we just take dog with us?

Would like one for company and daily excercise. Thoughts please.

If the dog is well socialised it wouldnt be bothered about your ds doing that. My main concern in your situation is that dogs attract other dogs on walks and how would your ds cope on walks?

I think your son would probably get used to it, esp if you got one from a puppy and trained it well so it didn't bark, jump up, etc. running around would probably excite the dog, who would think it was a smashing game and want to join in!

If you do decide to get a dog, I can't think of a better breed than a lab. They are gentle and nurturing and seem to have this inbuilt desire to look after children my sister's lab is very protective of their daughter - and of my sons! We went to a park and they were running around and he got anxious and went after them to herd them back.

However, would it really be fair to the cat? If you have a timid cat, bringing a dog into it's home to make life stressful? You may find your cat leaves home!

its home, not it's home.

My DS is more comfortable in general outdoors than indoors so don't see that being so much of a problem. Dog at Dad's house has been there since me and DS moved out in November and he has gradually become used to it and now talks to it fondly.

DS comes across unexpected noise when we are out and about in lots of different siuations and panics, and I just reassure him, I feel this is something he needs to become less anxious about and a dog and daily walks may even help with this??

Yes I maybe would feel bad for the cat and obviously DS and her are my priorities. She is a house cat doesn't go out. When we have had a house/cat sitter who has brought a dog for the duration she has just stayed out of the dogs way. I don't know I have my cat, well apart from to feed her or if she is cold (she comes and sits on me). She is very timid and usually can be found sat upstairs on DS's bed.

See, it's hard to know. She could be made totally miserable and stressed, or she could take to the puppy and snuggle up to it, while it licks her and thinks she's its mum

You can't know how she'd react. But if there's a chance it would make her really unhappy in her own home - you shouldn't do it. Those already in the home take priority

Unless you could find a breeder who will let you take a puppy for a trial period of, say, a month. See how the cat is.

Have you thought of fostering a dog, we fostered an English Springer Spaniel and have now adopted him, he fitted in with the family straightaway.

You can specify your needs in a dog i.e. must be good with children cats etc. Ours was fully trained which was an added bonus, fostering enables you try before making a final commitment.

Hello Silverlining

I'm a regular on here but have namechanged. My 7yo ds has Aspergers and we have a house full of pets. While I wouldn't say ds is very involved with the pets, I often see him having a quiet cuddle with one of our dogs (a 1 y o dog who is very gentle and loving ) and I do think he connects emotionally with the animals better than with people. HTH

I like the idea of fostering a dog, didn't know you could do that! That way I could get a better idea of how the cat would settle to having a dog in the house, without the long term comitment until I know cat would (or wouldn't) be okay with it.

Have previously had an English Springer Spaniel ( very bouncy!) a labrador (very mellow), and several mixed breeds too. Love dogs.

Was thinking also I would have the time to do doggy training school and that would help with dog whilst walking as well as at home?

Mum to Aspie, DS is the same, not overly involved with our cat or the dog at his dads but the odd interaction he does have with them is pure affection, very sweet to see.