autism and the GSD - Page 1

Oh my, goodness, 

I do not know why this topic showed up now. It was something I have been thinking about for some time, but didn't bring it to the fore, because, really, I don't think I have made friends in the PDB who actually really care about me and my physical body and famliy which includes a child on the autism spectrum. 

All I can say, he loves our GSD, I play "scent" games and ask the dog and kids to find  "the lost child".

Maybe in my stupid, pedestrian way I am all washed up, but he seems to know what I ask, and surely finds his mark. He lets me know here it is! and we are all responsive  and I might add, happy!.

UGLYDOG.

My son just turned eight  PDD_NOS 

You '''cured" your son of Autism. ,  BUT,  There is no cure. If there was, you would be rich by now. 

 And he loves to play chess.  

go ahead, bite me, I think you're an ass as well. But is your child on the spectrum?  OR NOT?

My niece is autistic (3 yrs old) and my new pup at 5 months must sense it. All the others kids he plays rough and jumps around with them, but he seems to know and is very gentle and lets her pat him and lay all over him. My niece was afraid of dogs, but not Thor, they have this special interaction and my sister inlaw was afraid to have the pup around her daughter but after seeing them together she starting crying.  DOGS ARE GREAT!!!!

 I,ve seen many animlas react suprisingly to people with these types of conditions, if we were only more like our 4 legged friends at times this would be a better place. 

beetree,Hello and good morning.I have had a bit of experiance with autistic children cause my sister teaches and years ago worked with autistic children.She would bring them home for lunch since she litterly lived right there and i will tell you that it touched  my heart to be close to these kids.They are wonderfull himan beings.I beleive it when some say how they can really interact with gentle dogs or puppies.Its amazing to see these little kiddies having some fun.I just want to wish you and your family the very best and good luck with your GSD.One more thing,dont feel like you cant post something whatever you want cause you can and i would like to think that NOBODY would say anything when it involves a young child.All the best and give that child a great big hug for me please and tell that it was long distance from Canada that hug thats why it was so big a hug.

I work in the field of autism and have a client who's mother asked if it was possible for her son to spend some time with my gsd.  I was a bit unsure at first as my dog is just over one year old and plays fairly rough.  But being as this youngster is a bit rough and tumble himself, I gave it a try.  Totally amazed.  My dog was completely gentle and glued to his side from the get go.  The two are now the best of friends and the family is considering getting a gsd of their own.

Yes, there are many fine Service Dog schools now training GSD's for Autistic Children. The one in Ohio does train their dogs (all breeds including mixed) to "find" the child if the child were to run away. It is only a portion of what these awesome dogs are taught. From what I have learned through research is that many trainers prefer to start with a puppy when it comes to training a dog for a child so the dog can grow and become accustomed to the movements/sounds/etc of the child.

Tina

I sold one of my pups to a family where their son is autism. He was scared of the pup at first, and to my suprise the pup was also very careful and gently around him. The pup is now 3 yrs old and protects him and lets their son(only him)lay all over him and lets their son do what he basically wants to him, they are 2 peas in a pod. I have also sold a pup to a wonderful elderly couple that house's nothing but down syndrome and have taught the kids to all be resposible for her. They have done a wonderful job raising this pup.