I have an autistic son, and he wants a dog very bad!?

Question

My son has autism, and is 6 years old. He would love a dog, but all of the pounds here have mostly pit bulls! Due to a bad experience with a friend when I was little, I don't want a pit.

I am looking for a small dog (preferably) for my son. I will pay! Please help with anything BESIDES PetFinder.com

We are in Connecticut.
Thanks!

Thank you for all of the answers. I didn't want to get a larger dog since I figured we didn't have a big yard for it to play in, and would rely on the park and long walks.

My mom had a pug, and he had the worst temper! Especially with my son. My son always wanted to play catch with him, etc., and he did not want to have nothing to do with it. So I guess an energetic dog would be best.

I am looking into a Lab since the majority have recommended it. Thank you for all of the answers!

Answer 1

My youngest brother is also autistic. Has he shown A LOT of interest in dogs lately? Has he been reading books about dogs? If he has, great! If he hasn't, then you should get him to do that.

A lot of people did suggest labs, but I think I have to disagree. Your son is only 6 years old and a lab can get a bit big. If you want to have your son be able to handle him in case one day the dog sees a squirrel and pulls on the leash, then you should get something smaller and little more manageable for him. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE labs! My father had one. But from personal experience, it was not good for my younger brother (also autistic, he was about 9 at the time, but small for his age) because the lab has a lot of energy and would try to play with him, but would be a little too rough and my brother did not like it. He liked him of course, though. Loved to play, but sometimes got so excited and too rough.

And speaking from more experiences, as a child, I grew up with golden retriever and german shepherd. Very good dogs, very obediant to adults. But usually dogs will treat kids a bit differently. They were great with me and I would walk them, but one time the goldie got excited about something and it was VERY hard to keep holding onto the leash as she was pulling. She pulled so hard, she got away and I got in trouble lol. Bigger dogs have stronger necks and can pull a kid right with them, or the kid could let go. I was about 11 at the time.

Anyway, research the breeds! Know what the breed was bred for.
http://dogbreedinfo.com/searchcategories.htm
They listed dogs into certain categories. Look at the ones that are good for kids and try to pick something on the smaller side, but not too small! A chihuahua or yorkie is too fragile for a young child.

I suggest you look at the cavalier king charles spaniel. LOVE children, have the golden retriever personality in a small dog package. They are small, but not too small, and sturdy enough for a child. They are the ultimate lap dogs! And they are comfortable being indoors, but would love to go outside and play once in a while with your son. As long as they are with someone, they are happy. Definite people-pleasers. Obedient. Intelligent. And cute lol.
http://www.ckcsc.org/
Downside, they can have some serious heart problems (but every breed has their own health problems) and can be quite pricey. They're rather rare. I love this breed. Do a search on them!

Other suggestions:
Boston Terrier (i like this breed, too)
http://dogbreedinfo.com/bostonterrier.htm
English Bulldog (very NICE dogs and WONDERFUL with kids) But are pricey. Lots of health problems. They look mean, but are probably one of the best breeds for children. SO gentle!)
http://dogbreedinfo.com/bulldog.htm
Miniature Australian Shepherd (careful though, they have more health problems than the standard Aussies)
http://dogbreedinfo.com/miniatureaustralianshepherd.htm
Pugs (fun clowns! Watch out for breathing problems)
http://dogbreedinfo.com/pug.htm
American Eskimo (come in toy, miniature, and standard size)
http://dogbreedinfo.com/americaneskimo.htm

Those are some of the "smaller" but not "too small" breeds but are known to be great with kids. They are sturdy enough but manageable for a 6 yr old.

Make sure the breeder you get them from are reputable and do health testing. Don't buy from a pet shop, or someone who just decided to breed their dog to the dog down the street just to have puppies, or a puppy mill. You would just be asking for a sick and genetically inferior puppy and lots of heartbreak.

I know you said not to mention petfinder.com. But do consider adopting, please! They do temperment testing so they can be great matchmakers!

Some dog breed selectors. This is a good way to look at some new breeds that you might not have thought of. I suggest you try these out and see if they come up with a breed you like.
http://www.purinaone.com/dogcare_breed_selector.asp
http://animal.discovery.com/breedselector/dogselectorindex.do
http://www.selectsmart.com/DOG/
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm

If you have any questions, email me at [e-mail]
Good luck! Picking the right breed is VERY important. Don't forget about chemistry too. Chemistry is also important. I'm very glad you're researching breeds rather than going on gut impulses. Too many dogs end up in shelters because of that. Have fun looking for the perfect pup!

Answer 2

Pit Bulls are actually wonderful kid dogs IF they have not been traumatized by mean people. If you get a puppy or a sweet acting big dog it should be fine. We had a black lab/pit mix when I was a kid and she was the best kid dog ever. I don't recommend a small dog for a child that age, especially one with autism. Even if your son is very gentle, small dogs are way more likely to snap and bite than a larger breed. A lab would be a really good breed. If you must go for small a beagle is your best bet for a young family. Look in your paper for breeders or just keep checking your shelters until you find a good match for your family.

Answer 3

I would get a Golden Retriever. Labs are great, but often tend to be hyper. Goldens are more laid back and they are very smart and sensitive. They are incredibly easy to train and along with labs, are the dogs most often used as helpers for the blind and handicapped.

Whenever you decide what kind of dog you want. Look on the Internet for rescue groups for that specific breed. You may have to travel a little to get one, but it will be worth it. I would also recommend that you get a dog who is already a year or two old. The hyperactivity of a puppy might be too much for your son to handle.

Answer 4

Dog breeder for 12 years breed & train labs, Check craigslist.com but the best dog for a child with autism is a lab. Labs a very gentle with children I know u want a small dog then I suggest getting a mini yorkie, a Bichon freise both lovely dogs with children Good Luck in finding a dog ..

Answer 5

you need a nice calm friendly and tolerant dog, best I would recommend is a lab or a golden retriever. stay away from the smaller dogs especially terriers they tend to be very hyper/ active and nippy, the bigger dogs are often the most friendly lovable and tolerant with children, ( especial golden labs and regular labs) you can try saveapet.com or petmatchmaker.net , or petcity.com or domesticsale.com or the ASPCA,or dogpile.com,or livedeal.com or the humane society, .. have you looked in your local newspaper? or even ask vets in the area, they may know of up coming births...I think a dog would be great for you son , best wishes finding him his special furry friend!

Answer 6

My cousin has a son who is autistic too. They got him a dog, but not a Pit Bull. You can get boxer mix breed, they are easier to train then a pit bull. Pit bull usually will get along unless it is well trained by the same owner, and that owner must be around him/her all times. Pit bull just not the way to go unless you have the time and energy to do so. Boxer mix breed is a good dog.

Answer 7

I hope you can find him a nice dog. I think that would be great for him. Check the newspaper. There are usually a lot of give aways this time of year.

I'm glad you aren't interested in big "mean" dogs like pits or german shepherds. I had a bad experience with the shep when I was little. Good luck!

Answer 8

I highly recommend a pug they are amongst the best dog for a small child. They are small easy goin good tempered and will do almost anything to make there owners laugh. I strongly strongly recommend getting a pug please look into it. I have two 1 black and 1 fawn. The black one is male and the fawn is female and yes they are both spade/neutered

Answer 9

Check into English Mastiffs.It's a BIG dog, but doesn't need a big yard. They are couch potatoes, very sweet loyal and mellow. and LOVE kids. They are also very sensitive to special needs. They are used alot in therepy work for that very reason, and they just have GREAT personalities. They are pricey, and drool, and cost more at the vets, but if you can afford one, you may just find the dog of your dreams.

Answer 10

Whatever breed you decide on, I suggest going to the rescues rather than a breeder. This way you are dealing with an adult dog, a known quantity, and can see how it reacts to your child and how your child reacts to it. The rescue will also advise you on whether that breed is suitable for your situation (though a good breeder will do that too).

Answer 11

I'd suggest a labrador or labrador mix for your son. They are very gentle natured and love people. I don't know of many small breeds that are as gentle natured as labradors but you might check out beagles. Check your local papers or bargain finder (printed yardsale ads, etc) ads for people wanting to give away lab or beagle mix. Those might be your best options.