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Assistance dogs for adults with autism

NAS71422

Hi all,

I was just wondering, If you had the opportunity to have an assistance dog, to support you with your autism, would you take it?

Thanks,

kev.

Parents

  • The problem with having a dog is that for the 1% of time where you need support, you've got a dog.      For the other 99% of the time, it needs feeding, walking, vets bills, training, socialising etc. - and that's if you're good at training them and you don't end up with a dog that is just a nightmare liability - pooping everywhere, fighting other dogs, biting people, barking all day - the negatives can be huge and they live for 15 years!      It's a big commitment.  Smiley

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  • The problem with having a dog is that for the 1% of time where you need support, you've got a dog.      For the other 99% of the time, it needs feeding, walking, vets bills, training, socialising etc. - and that's if you're good at training them and you don't end up with a dog that is just a nightmare liability - pooping everywhere, fighting other dogs, biting people, barking all day - the negatives can be huge and they live for 15 years!      It's a big commitment.  Smiley

Children
  • in reply to Plastic

    My understanding of support animals is that it is possible to get fully trained support animals. And just like guide dogs for the blind are specifically chosen for qualities like temperament, they are also highly trained by professionals and matched to the companion human based on the needs (and personality) of that person.

    Yes, there are aspects of owning an animal that will always be there, like cleaning up after them and vet bills. But I used to work in a Garden Centre. We had this big bruiser of a cat that really didn't like dogs. In fact a woman who trained guide dogs used to bring in the puppies so they could interact with a 'mean cat' and know what to do in that particular situation.

    On one occasion, when our cat was asleep at the till, a guide dog came along with his human. Saw the cat and gave him a sniff. He got a fairly violent slap from the cat and a lot of screaming. His reaction was one of initial surprise, a step back, followed by blocking his owner from the crazy black cat. We explained to the owner what had happened, we checked him over to make sure he wasn't injured and he got some treats. He was so chilled out.

  • in reply to Plastic

    For sure, such good points, Plastic! :-) 

    Elizabeth