Madeline

We adopted a labradoodle who wasn't strictly speaking a service dog but we chose him for his parentage and demeanour.  He has been a tremendous 'success' and both the boys adore him even though my youngest son had to be de-sensitized to dogs over the previous 18 months as he has a great fear of dogs.  Their interactions, care and appreciation of their pet is quite breath taking.

35 months ago

Jesika

We got the oppertunity to train a dog through a therapy and service dog group. We got a lab puppy and went through the first year of training succesfully. Then the dog begin to have seizures and the group wasn't willing to continue his training, as it was a liability. I would love for my son to experience a fully trained dog, but the pets we have are also very successful for him. I wish he could take his one baby with him, like a service dog, as I think it would help him in public.

35 months ago

T

We have a boxer who is the best with my son. He was not trained for autism...but my son quickly trained him the the world of tantrums and screaming. This dog has done wonders for my son, he actually tries to get the dog to eat ice cream and teases the dog with food...he will not do that with humans. I think my son's personality is coming out because of the dog and I am so thankful for that.

35 months ago

Mary

My husband and I have three therapy dogs. We often use our larger two dogs (Sitka, an Alaskan Malamute and Nanuq, a Samoyed) with handicapped children. The results are amazing and in many cases astound both doctors and medical staff. Simply said, it is something one must witness, because it is unexplainable.

One of my therapy dogs is small (Trouble, a Toy Poodle)  and I never use him with children or adults who may become violent, because he could be injured. The size of the dog must be taken into consideration, as well as the training. A dog should never be used in a setting he/she is not prepared to handle.

I write a blog in Sitka's voice about experiences witnessed during Dog Therapy. If you would like to read his blog, go to: http://andrealuvsallgodscreatures@blogspot.com Please read older posts, because you will find  several posts written about children and the benifits of their time with Sitka.

35 months ago

Berhane

Hello everyone,

I was as the same time was looking to have the same question, that is people's experience with therapy dogs and the type of dogs they have. I have a six and half years old autistic boy and would like to experience with therapy dogs and would like to know what kind of dog are appropriate for this kind of therapy. Thanks.

35 months ago

Jim

Super experience with Canine Companion service dogs. First was for 10 years with an incredible Golden Retreiver, Holly. My stepson was 22 at the time and his first dog. Great training, fostered sense of responsibility and wonderful companion. When we lost her, we got Elgin, a Black Lab from Canine Companions. Elgin and my stepson have an incredible bond. I would suggest that while doing this on your own could be a good thing, doing it with professionals like Canine Companions for Independence, integrates training into the experience so that you begin with mutually learned commands. Jim

35 months ago

Terri

thank you to all of you who responded to my question about Therapy dogs...It has been very helpful.

35 months ago

Melissa

There is also another organization that provides service dogs for autistic children as well. Here is the info on 4pawsforability.org. 

From 4pawsforability.org: "Do you know of a disabled person who needs a service dog? 4 Paws for Abilities has few restrictions for acceptance and works with most families within the boundaries of our organization's ability to train and place the type of dog needed. We says "yes" when many more traditional assistance dog placement agencies say "no." 

Please check out their website as they are also in need of puppy donations, foster care puppy raisers and homes for breeding dogs to name only a few.

Their website is http://www.4pawsforability.org/

35 months ago

Lilly

• Accepted

My retriever mix  is a retired Therapy Dog through therapy dogs international, I had her certified when she was about 4 years old.  She has always been great with even the roughest kids up until about 2 years ago, but she is going on 16 years old now, so you really can't blame her. I know this isn't quite like an assistance dog, but registered therapy dogs can go into some hospitals, rehab centers, and schools.  All I had to do was get a Canine Good Citizen title for my dog, and then do the testing for TDI. There are many organizations that will do this type of testing and let you know what is required of your pet before the testing date. The CGC title is a permanant title, but the TDI certification has to be redone on a yearly basis. If a dog has a sound temperament, basic obedience and what I simply call "good doggy manners"  there is no reason to not be able to be titled and certified. This may be a good choice for those who are denied a full assistance dog but would like to have a dog that is allowed access to more places with their child.

35 months ago

Erin

Just FYI: I have a group on here for Animal Therapy & Autism Spectrum disorders.

http://www.weareautism.org/animalsheal

Also, I posted an article about therapy dogs for children/teens/adults with ASDs.

http://www.weareautism.org/animalsheal/discussions/41

 I think Service dogs are an often overlooked therapy for people with ASDs and they should be utilized more than they are.

33 months ago