Thinking of buying my boy who has Autism a puppy, Advice please - Page 2

deedar · 20-09-2009, 17:26

A Labrador would be the ideal dog for an autistic child. I teach music to an autistic 10 year old boy, his Mum got him a Lab puppy after a lot of deliberation and it was the best thing she ever did for him, they are inseparable, he's teaching him tricks and has the responsibility of feeding and grooming him, it's wonderful to watch the bond they have and the joy they bring each other.

ukstudent · 20-09-2009, 19:26

Tbh I wouldnt recommend a springer spaniel - don't get me wrong they are lovely dogs but absolutely crazy and need a LOT of exercise - mind you so do labs.

Hetty · 21-09-2009, 09:05

I would go along with a previous post, and say get a Caveliar kingCharles spaniel, I have been lucky enough to own seven over the years!! They are very bright, gentle and polite little dogs! They do shed hair, like most dogs, and so you must take that into account also, dogs with wool don't shed. I think it is a excellant idea, for your son. owning a pet teaches children to care, act in a resposible manner and kindness. Good luck and please let us know how you get on, and what breed you decide on!

HotPhil · 21-09-2009, 10:16

A friend of ours son has autism and although lifelong non-dog people they had heard that a dog would be a good companion for their son and give him some interaction. They went for a small lab and so far it seems to be having a positive effect on the young lad.

waltona · 21-09-2009, 12:17

There is a great deal of research around on the positive effects pets have on children with autism. Get in touch with the National Autistic Society - www.nas.org and get their advice. Some children on the spectrum do have problems with animals due to the texture of the animals coat, especially if your child has a sensory disfunction as part of his ASD.
Personally I think labs are great dogs but take a long time to 'grow up'. Good luck.

bud36 · 21-09-2009, 22:01

Hi may i had somthing to this my son is disabled has cerebral palsy epilepsy server learning diffclutis i bought him a dalmation 9 years ago never look back makes my son so happy plz think about a dalmation. Any dog can be a hand ful you need to train them from a young age need any more info plz get in touch

hannah54321 · 03-10-2009, 07:28

I have a son who is currently waiting for an assesment in nov for asd, we have 2 cavaliers and find that they are great for him as well as not been quite as much work for us as a lab, which we had a few years ago and they are fab but i would say if you have not had a dog before they are hard work(just from my experience) my dog has actually just sired some pups due in 3 weeks if your interested!

highflyer14 · 03-10-2009, 21:21

springer ready to play when you are but ready to sleep when you dont want to play

Nataliie · 03-10-2009, 21:30

I have a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, she is the nicest dog you could possibly want!! She's so nice, you can move her food bowl from her and she just lets you do it. She's amazing with kids as well. She's now 10 years old, and I don't know what i'll do when she's gone

. My friend also has one and hers is lovely too. I'd suggest a Cavalier!!

tiptop · 04-10-2009, 20:05

Sounds like a great idea. I used to work with a man with autism. He loved dogs and they brought out a very calm side in him; and he was always so happy around them.

Try this link

http://www.rvdac.homecall.co.uk/about%20the%20club.htm

I saw this at Rother valley and it looked really good.