Service Dogs for PDD?

[happily single]

My PDD son really connects with animals, for the most part. I am thinking about breaking down and getting a family dog, maybe for Christmas, which got me thinking about a service dog for ds.

Do any Dis'ers have a service dog for PPD or related disorder? I only could fine one site for service dogs and ouch, I knew they would be expensive, but you could buy a new car It's probably not an option, but I am just curious as to your experience with a service dog.

 

[dclfun]

Before you consider a SD, be sure you are dealing with a reputable SD organization who actually trains the dogs vs. selling you a glorified pet. Also, to be considered a SD vs. an emotional support animal ( who does not have rights to accompany a person in public in places where pets are not allowed) a dog has to be task-trained to do something that the disabled person cannot do for themselves.---Kathy

 

[WheeledTraveler]

I know Canine Companions for Independence (a national service dog organization) trains dogs for kids with autism (they're also one of the organizations that provides dogs "for free" although, obviously, as a result have a long waiting list most of the time). I'm fairly certain several people here have kids with autism who have service dogs.

Hopefully one (or more) of them will give their input

 

[bookwormde]

Here is another one of the service dog training organizations

http://www.4pawsforability.org/autismdogs.html

Since the services that a SD can do for children with spectrum genetics is so varied it is important to identify specific needs at the onset that the SD could help with.

A service dog is a major commitment for both you and the organization providing the dog so lots of research needs to be done up front.

bookwormde

 

[cccdisney]

Here is another one of the service dog training organizations

http://www.4pawsforability.org/autismdogs.html

Since the services that a SD can do for children with spectrum genetics is so varied it is important to identify specific needs at the onset that the SD could help with.

A service dog is a major commitment for both you and the organization providing the dog so lots of research needs to be done up front.

bookwormde

My son has a SD from 4 Paws for Ability. He has a dx of autism and is 6 yrs old. She is an awesome dog! If you have any questions, feel free to PM me.

 

[dclfun]

OP- definitely take suggestions from those who have posted and already have received a SD- this way you are dealing with a reputable organization. I know CCI has been around a long time, but they offer "companion dogs" only- these dogs are NOT service dogs, but are glorified pets who are well trained, but not task trained. You need a dog that will work for your child and assist him with things he cannot do for himself, not a dog that has only basic obedience training.---Kathy

 

[disney travel bums]

My PDD son really connects with animals, for the most part. I am thinking about breaking down and getting a family dog, maybe for Christmas, which got me thinking about a service dog for ds.

Do any Dis'ers have a service dog for PPD or related disorder? I only could fine one site for service dogs and ouch, I knew they would be expensive, but you could buy a new car It's probably not an option, but I am just curious as to your experience with a service dog.

my dd2 has PDD-Nos and we have a service dog for her. he is the best buddy in the world for her. SHe is a runner and will run off if we don't watch her every move. She is now 4.5 years and has no impulse control and no fear of danger she would walk into traffic if we let her. When we are out in public dd wears a vest that is then teathered to Crosby so she is no more then three feet away if she lets go of the handle on Crosby's jacket. he also helps with independence b/c she can "walk" on her own.

She has meltdowns a lot he helps keep her calm and grounded. When she is having a melt down we tell him "go visit' and he will lay on her or lean into her. It is deep pressure that brings her back. Before she would have meltdown for like an hour sometimes. now we can get her back in less then 10 min most times.

She also likes to touch things so a usual trip to the store that would take like 30 min would take us over an hour b/c she had to touch things. and heavens is she missed someting she would have to go back to it. With Crosby he will nudge her to keep her moving forward.

We live in Ontario canada and with our orgainzation he costs 18,000. But we don't have to pay for it. We can fundraise which we ahve been doing we are close to having him paied for. But if you can only raise 100.00 or nothing that is ok as well that will not deter you away from getting a service dog for your child.
Do your research adn find out what is best for your child.