I have a small mixed breed male dog, and he loves my son who is mentally handicapped and autistic. The dog is affectionate towards my husband and myself, but he absolutely loves our seven year old son. Do you think he knows there's something different about him? He is also really protective towards him.
2007-05-14 07:42:37 · 21 answers · asked by Tammie 4 in Pets ➔ Dogs
YES! I truly believe they know there is something.
We placed a doberman pup with a family (5 yrs ago) with a 7 yr old autistic child. They are best friends to this day, and inseperable. The family feels the pup has helped the boy open the door a little since they got the pup.
Another of our doberman pups is with a family who's 11 yr old daughter was diagnosed with Juv. Diabetis. And the family said ever since they got the pup, it was glued to her all the time.
So, yes, I think they know.
2007-05-14 07:54:37 · answer #1 · answered by Pam 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely!! The same way they know a child from an adult or a puppy from a grown dog or even how they sense your emotions. Handicapped kids exude and innocence that nobody else does and I think that dogs feel that. I have a friend with a Down syndrome child and my dogs LOOOOOOVE him. They are so gentle with him and treat him like a child even though he's 19!! Dogs are very intuitive and instictlively know a lot more than we'd ever know.
2007-05-14 07:48:35 · answer #2 · answered by Shanna 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I do very much so!!!!!!
Dogs are smarter than we give them credit for!!!
I would though be very careful when the dog is around your son. Just in case your son might hurt the dog by mistake!!
It can be a very good thing for your son to have this dog around as much of the times as possible. You never know how much this dog can bring out of your son.
Dogs do not judge. All this dog wants is for your son to love it and show it affection.There is a way dogs can communicate where people can't people.
Good Luck
2007-05-14 07:57:39 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes they know that his body language is "special". However since this may be pertanant with your son many dogs are more kind or protective toward a handycapped child but a few will be afraid or agressive toward a child who's body language is different so be alert towards this (the dogs body language will give away what he feels toward the child). This will not happen with a dog raised with your son.
2007-05-14 08:15:43 · answer #4 · answered by ragapple 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, i think they know, i have a weenie dog that is realy old and she gets kind of cranky with my 5 and 8 year if they want to pick her up or play. But i have a 14 month old with down syndrome and she will stay with him always wanting to sit by him, and he will grap her and the dog will not do anything. And she is real protective of the baby and not so much the older kids. Hope this helps :)
2007-05-14 08:02:38 · answer #5 · answered by cassie h 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I believe dogs can sense those types of things. Just like they are easier with toddlers and young animals. Dogs know love and are drawn to it so I imagine your son is deeply connected to your pet. They are a good pair, congratulations.
2007-05-14 07:48:27 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
YES
You bet your dog knows. Animals are wornerfull and amasing things. they can tell so many other things aobut a person than we can, there sences are higher than ours. and WOW the things they can do.
I am really happy that your dog loves your son sooooooooo much. and your dog will allert you to changes in your son too,
To prove this Keepa journal of where you dog is whne your son is cranky, or fustrated, even tired. you wil be amased.
2007-05-14 07:48:08 · answer #7 · answered by ninnian / 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
To Be honest I think dogs do know. Both my dogs know when I am not feeling good. My dog did not like my neighbor because he did not like my dog, my dog since the neighbor did not like her. Dogs do sense things. I think it is neat the dog is protective of your son.
2007-05-14 07:49:28 · answer #8 · answered by ruthie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dogs are smarter than most people think. Sure he can pick up on that and recognize it. He's got a duty to protect him.
2007-05-14 07:53:54 · answer #9 · answered by meetbleek23 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am sure that the dog doesn't know exactly what the issue is, but they can definitely pick up on who they need to be more sensitive with and who needs the most affection/attention. They can even pick up on your moods, and know when to show you attention and when not to.
2007-05-14 07:48:03 · answer #10 · answered by curlysax24 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋