The dog has been given the title of “Man’s Best Friend” for many years now. Is it possible that a service dog may be the best friend of an autistic child? Service dogs are very specially trained dogs. Perhaps they are better known as guide dogs for the blind, service dogs for the police, and narcotic dogs in the war against drugs. Man has long known of the special properties of the dog. Perhaps the dog’s best property is its devotion to man.  In the case of the autistic child, the dog’s devotion to the child is its best reward.

Follow up:

Dogs for the autistic child are trained quite differently than they are for people with other disabilities. Two methods are used. One places the puppy with the child at an early age insuring early socialization. The puppy is subjected to experiences that it must respond to. Early introduction of the puppy and child insures bonding and also insures the dog’s training matches the need of the child.

These dogs are carefully bred for their intended purpose. The education that follows creates optimal behavioral patterns while the puppy is still quite young. Being with the owner, the puppy will be accustomed to the display of unusual behavior of the autistic child. The dog must learn to interpret autistic behaviors and learn to depend on nonverbal communication. Dogs pay attention to the child’s body language and will be quick to learn and respond to the child’s needs. One important lesson to be learned by the puppy is the use of intelligent disobedience or when it is best not to do what the child asks the dog to do.

Parents must be a part of this training period. A harness is attached to the dog. This child also wears a special harness, and the parent holds the leash on the dog. When in a secure setting, the leash will not be necessary, but when in public, the leash is needed for the safety of both the child and the dog. If the child is a bolter, the dog will “dig in” and hold the child back, but the parent must be aware of all circumstances in the public.

Some parents do opt for an older dog. In this situation, there will be a training period to be sure that the child and the dog are compatible. Because the dog is older, it may not learn the particulars of a child’s behavior for a period of time.

Before considering a service dog, one needs to think about the care of the dog and whether of not a dog will fit into the family’s home. Dogs do require upkeep. Not only will the dog need food and water but it will also need vet trips and, in some instances, grooming trips. The dog will also need a “time out”. Remember it is working for your child tirelessly. It quite naturally gets physically tired and will need to rest.

A service dog for an autistic child is definitely worth the thought, but do take into consideration the impact the dog may have in your home. Weigh that impact with the impact the dog would have for your child.