In the next 12-18 months we would like to get another dog. We would like this dog to eventually be almost like a therapy dog for my daughter who is currently 8yrs old.
She has quite bad social anxiety and is selectively mute in most social situations. We are also starting the process to see if there is autism involved. That saying when there is a dog around she can speak. At counselling she finds the dog there therapeutic as it sits next to her for strokes etc. She says she would like a dog who will sit with her and have lots of strokes and cuddles so she can tell it all of her worries.
We currently have an 18month lab/Springer cross who does not fit the bill at all. She is most definitely my dog and is not very affectionate. For exercise she has a 20min walk around the block in the morning then an hour at lunch, mostly off lead. We also do a few 10min hooper's practice throughout the day so would like the next dog to also be able to meet this exercise regime once fully grown.
Any suggestions on breed and what can we do to ensure we get the right dog? Well as much as we can do as I know every dog is different.
Thanks