Companion dog for child with sensory issues?

[jabberwocky]

Apparently it can be a very positive thing. Who has done it, how did it go and what did you look for in choosing the dog?

I have a ds 5.5 with sensory issues and probably on the ASD spectrum, we have a dog, although i didnt do it on purpose iyswim.

Ds and my dog are the very best of friends. I have found he can relate to the dog and his feelings much better than he can to humans. The dog has two sets of facial expressions sad or happy and ds can understand that.

The dog is also non judgmental and will be his friend no matter how strange his behaviour is. He talks to the dog, he strokes him, he hugs him and the dog is always pleased to see him. I think he loves the dog, more than he does his brothers!

We have a Labrador, he is intelligent (easy to train), gentle and calm.

I would suggest you consider the size of the dog, large dogs need more excerise (but so does ds!) small dogs can be picked up and carried around (not a good thing)

It sounds like we have very similar children! Ds1 is 6, probably on the spectrum but no formal diagnosis yet. I am trying to convince dh that a dog might be just the thing for ds1. I'm leaning towards a Bichon Frise atm but wanted to hear from others first. It's nice to hear that it is working well for you.

www.dogbreedinfo.com/a-z.htm this might be helpful, a guide to all dogs and their temperaments etc.

I dont think a small dog would work for us, as ds can be over loving at times, he wouldnt put the poor thing down, they would be joined at the hip!

Although i would love a smaller dog.

We got a dog for the dd's (AS and ASD) 2 years ago, dd2 loves the dog to bits and will talk to the dog, the dog is very gentle with her and will sit still whilst dd strokes her and pokes her, they have a understanding.

We have a Staffie (well she was supposed to be a Staffie but looks more like a cross breed).

What size is a Staffie? I don't think we could go larger than a mid-size dog.

bump

There;s a good book about assistance dogs. Lots of ideas about choosing dogs and the qualities they need/don't need. Useful for companion dogs too.

Thanks so much! I'm finding it a challenge to locate information on a companion dog. ATM it's not feasible for us to go through the formal assistance dog program.