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Do I get my son a dog

NAS75776

I'm in a quandary and would be grateful for some advice.

My son is 12 and in awaiting an ASD assessment. He struggles with social anxiety and other than school rarely leaves the house. We do not have any visitors to the house and he always shuts the curtains. I am not able to get him to join any groups and he doesn't even take part in school PE as will not change his clothes in school.

We have been quite a rocky path since he moved to secondary school but now in year 8 we have seemingly found our way though.  He has for sometime wanted a dog but in two minds as to whether to take the plunge. 

I am working from home and may in time need to go back in one day a week. I also have an underlining health condition that may in the future affect my motility but then it may not!

I know pets can be highly beneficial to any child but just worried it will be a passing faze and secondly how a dog would cope with my sons behaviour. 

Also if I do  get a dog what would be best type to get? We do not have a garden just a small yard. It's a terrace house split on 3 floors so would have to be a medium to small dog. Is it best to get a puppy or a rescue dog. 

I have heard of Therapy Dog but know little about them.

Just concerned now things are a little calmer in the house I could potentially be making things bad again. Be lovely to hear from anyone who has looked into this previously.

Parents

  • You will get lots of advice regarding which breed of dog, useful advice etc but the reality is the same as with any child. What type of relationship will exist between the child and the dog. There are points to consider such as; will the relationship be one that gives a type of therapy?  For example, gives responsibility and rewards. Could the relationship develop further any obsessional behaviour? If you buy a puppy you do need to factor in that how the puppy is treated will result in the nature of the adult dog, whatever breed it is wont make a difference. Would it be worthwhile exploring how your child will be with a young dog, introduce the child and observe what happens. One writer asks if your child will be ok picking up dog poo? But how about, brushing and grooming a dog. Who in the family will train the dog because whoever provides training and feeding will automatically be regarded as a senior pack member by the dog. Members of the public already struggle with the negligent behaviour of many dog owners, on the streets, in parks, children play areas, beaches etc Will your child be able to exercise reasonable control over a dog? the final point is should you include others in this idea, such as teachers, therapists etc because they might have useful input. You could contact charities related to Autism for some support or advice but don't hold your hopes high for helpful responses. you perhaps should put in some hours reading literature covering autism to ensure you have a very in depth understanding of the pros and cons of owning pets and having autism. This site offers a good range of books covering Autism [link removed]

  • in reply to NAS75834

    Thank you for your reply. All my worries in a nut shell. He may well want a dog, it may well be good for him to interact with a dog but could he actually independently look after the dog. I desperately want to think he could but the reality is he may not be able to. This is what puts me in two minds about it. I will continue my research. Appreciate you providing the link.

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  • in reply to NAS75834

    Thank you for your reply. All my worries in a nut shell. He may well want a dog, it may well be good for him to interact with a dog but could he actually independently look after the dog. I desperately want to think he could but the reality is he may not be able to. This is what puts me in two minds about it. I will continue my research. Appreciate you providing the link.

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