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Original poster

Best breed to be an assistance dog?

32 replies

Madhoney · 09/08/2023 19:44

My teenage DC needs a dog that can be trained to give her emotional support, deep pressure, support to go out in public places, etc.

We've looked at different breeds and she prefers larger breeds (such as Labrador or Golden Retriever), however someone recommended a working cocker spaniel, too. The labs and GRs are obviously used a lot as assistance dogs, and we're used to big dogs. However, I was wondering if a slightly (but not very much) smaller dog might be better so that it could perhaps sit on her when she needs it out in public.

The priority is that the dog is trainable and keen to be with her, but also not spooked by being out in public places besides her. It will need to be able to settle beside her when she's out.

Any suggestions?

OP posts:
Azaeleasinbloom · 09/08/2023 19:48

well you have already named the very best 2 breeds, only thing better would be a lab X GR in my opinion. And my lab would happily sit on anyone he loved.

I would think a WCS was a bit small for your description.

A springer bitch may give you what you need, or a Springer crossed with a lab?

Groutyonehereagain · 09/08/2023 19:50

Spaniels tend to be much higher energy than goldies and labs. I honestly believe you can’t go wrong with a goldie or a lab.

Idratherbepaddleboarding · 09/08/2023 19:51

There’s nothing better for deep pressure than 30kg of lab squashed onto your lap!

NeedingCoffee · 09/08/2023 20:15

Labrador or GR/lab cross as guide dogs used for years. But won’t her dog be trained for her by an accredited organisation anyway?

Original poster
Madhoney · 09/08/2023 20:49

NeedingCoffee · 09/08/2023 20:15

Labrador or GR/lab cross as guide dogs used for years. But won’t her dog be trained for her by an accredited organisation anyway?

That would have been the ideal, but almost all organisations have closed their lists, and those that are still open have specific remits (e.g. they train for adults with physical disabilities but only children aged 3-10 with autism), or specific catchments. Those that do have applications open state that the waiting list is up to 6 years. However, there are a couple of organisations that will give assistance to dog owners who have documented diagnoses and who want to train their own dog, following a structured training programme.

OP posts:
Newpeep · 09/08/2023 21:16

The vast majority of WCS would NOT make good support dogs.

Any dog would have to grow up a lot before it could fulfil the brief. I think you need advice from a charity and quite possibly a dog bred for it or at least for the temperament. Then they vary like human siblings.

I have helped with dogs from the Dogs for Schools programme and they are very selective with breeding, socialising and training for this role. Any dog needing to perform a function would need to be very carefully selected IMO.

Rivermedway · 09/08/2023 21:34

Do you know of a reputable trainer who can train the dog or can help you? Puppies are hard work, and puppy blues are a real thing. It’s not all plain sailing, especially in the early stages when they can be bitey little landsharks. Be prepared for what it entails.

JussathoB · 09/08/2023 21:51

Spaniel owner here. From what I’ve seen if working cockers and springer, they are wonderful lively and super clever dogs. However settling, being calm, being patient and chilling are not their strong points so I think this would be a problem for training as assistance dogs. They also usually need regular off lead exercise.

drinkuptheezider · 09/08/2023 21:54

Does anyone know of organisations or charities that help with self training pet dogs to assist/ support?

Original poster
Madhoney · 09/08/2023 21:56

Thanks, that's all really helpful. I've had dogs from puppyhood in the past and have been through the landshark stage. We'd definitely get a trainer, etc.

Lots to think about.

OP posts:
Original poster
Madhoney · 09/08/2023 21:59

drinkuptheezider · 09/08/2023 21:54

Does anyone know of organisations or charities that help with self training pet dogs to assist/ support?

Adolescent Dogs and Helpful Hounds are both organising organisations that offer assistance to owners.

OP posts:
housesarehard · 09/08/2023 22:02

Little out there, but my little shih tzu is the calmest dog. And she absolutely loves a cuddle. She is also very portable and easy to walk as she doesn't need to much.

Basically she is a fabulous companion, which would be nice for your daughter.

Probably not the same as a lab, I have had a GR before and she was SO intense for the first 2 years. Then she was lovely. But yeah, my little girl now of just a sweet little cuddle companion who has got me through some very tough times!

drinkuptheezider · 09/08/2023 22:03

Madhoney · 09/08/2023 21:59

Adolescent Dogs and Helpful Hounds are both organising organisations that offer assistance to owners.

Show quote history

Cool, thanks, my girl is only calming down enough with maturity, although she has shown promising behaviours all through, from a young age, just too much lunatic in her! 🤣🐕...Good luck with it, Madhoney

xyz111 · 09/08/2023 22:06

There's a company who has have helped before with fostering the dogs as they become assistance dogs, and they only use golden Labs.

Soggycushion · 10/08/2023 03:02

I think k I'd have a look at what arenused as guide dogs - so labs, GR, a few labradoodles.

cinnamonfrenchtoast · 10/08/2023 07:13

There's a reason most guide dogs and assistance dogs are Labradors and retrievers Grin

Original poster
Madhoney · 10/08/2023 07:24

cinnamonfrenchtoast · 10/08/2023 07:13

There's a reason most guide dogs and assistance dogs are Labradors and retrievers Grin

You have a point 😀

OP posts:
Andywarholswig · 10/08/2023 07:26

How about an Australian labradoodle, they were originally bred for assistance dogs for people with allergies and they are smart, empathetic and very very trainable. They also come in 3 sizes from large to mini.

I bought my boy for my DD1 who is autistic to provide support when she is overwhelmed and he is such a super star, he really gets her and senses when she’s had a bad day at school and on the verge of a meltdown from masking so hard.

He is a medium so only about 14kg but a good size so when we go out on the tube and the bus with he is quite portable. He’s nearly 2 now and wasn’t particularly bitey as a puppy but was very bouncy! That’s calmed down now thank god and with regular training he has turned into a lovely dog

SidekickSylvia · 10/08/2023 07:37

JussathoB · 09/08/2023 21:51

Spaniel owner here. From what I’ve seen if working cockers and springer, they are wonderful lively and super clever dogs. However settling, being calm, being patient and chilling are not their strong points so I think this would be a problem for training as assistance dogs. They also usually need regular off lead exercise.

Totally agree with this. My springer/cocker mix is great fun, but I can't see him being a good fit for your situation. My cousin has always had Viszlas and Labs, they're beautifully behaved dogs and much calmer.

Ylvamoon · 10/08/2023 08:00

How about a standard Poodle? Big, beautiful and very intelligent. So training should be just as easy as with a lab or goldie...

Tygertiger · 10/08/2023 08:19

I have a working spanner and he’s far too fizzy to be an assistance dog. He loves people and he’s delightful when doing a job such as scentwork, but he’s been much harder to train than my previous labs were. There are trainers who specialise in assistance dog training - I’d make contact as they may know good breeders they’ve worked with previously.

Cockerdileteeth · 10/08/2023 09:52

I have working cockers. One has a litter sibling who is an assistance dog to a young child with complex needs and he is great. But none of the others in the litter would have had the right temperament for that job. The breeder steered them to that puppy, and she chose well. I have also met working cockers who are therapy dogs and do amazing jobs visiting hospitals, residential homes, police stations etc. But I don't think it's a job the majority of WCSs would be a good fit for.

A friend has a golden retriever who she has trained with support from an organisation as a support dog for her young autistic son and it's been v successful. She waited 18 months for the right puppy from a line that had a track record of producing assistance dogs.

I think the problem with training up your own puppy is that even with a carefully chosen puppy with relatives who work as assistance dogs, it's a gamble picking at 8 weeks - which is why some who are selected for training by organisations themselves, get dropped from training programmes as they mature. But a lab or a golden probably stacks the odds in your favour more than a working spaniel :-)

Swimbius · 10/08/2023 11:18

I think the problem with training up your own puppy is that even with a carefully chosen puppy with relatives who work as assistance dogs, it's a gamble picking at 8 weeks - which is why some who are selected for training by organisations themselves, get dropped from training programmes as they mature.

I think guide dogs only have a 60% pass rate even with all the groundwork they put in. Neither of our labs would have the right temperament to be a guide/assistance dog. One would have been obviously not suitable at 8 weeks, the other might have given good first impressions but is just not biddable enough to be a service dog.

Original poster
Madhoney · 10/08/2023 12:11

Swimbius · 10/08/2023 11:18

I think the problem with training up your own puppy is that even with a carefully chosen puppy with relatives who work as assistance dogs, it's a gamble picking at 8 weeks - which is why some who are selected for training by organisations themselves, get dropped from training programmes as they mature.

I think guide dogs only have a 60% pass rate even with all the groundwork they put in. Neither of our labs would have the right temperament to be a guide/assistance dog. One would have been obviously not suitable at 8 weeks, the other might have given good first impressions but is just not biddable enough to be a service dog.

To be fair, the standard of a guide dog is going to be far, far higher than the standard that I would need the dog to be. Guide dogs have to assess danger, guide the client through places and be their 'eyes'. What we need is a dog that can go anywhere, settle anywhere, and be alert to DD2's stress levels to provide comfort. So more at the 'amazing pet that can learn to do what I want it to do' level.

OP posts:
Azaeleasinbloom · 10/08/2023 12:28

Well Op , in my experience, both labs and GRs have the empathy to assess stress levels. I would have said my male GR was calmer, and at an earlier age than my male lab, but my lab bitch has been a revelation as far as calm goes. Though she’s not as empathetic as the male.