Dogs + ASD = ?

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I never thought of that, I spend a lot of time, stressed, overloaded, confused, frustrated and angry, would that push a dog away from liking me even if I look after the dog very well?

Unlikely, unless you were to actually mistreat the dog. If you're upset, a dog will most likely want to cuddle with you.

We humans created dogs to understand what we wanted. As a result, dogs are designed in such a way that social contact is not optional for them--it's a need as basic to a dog as food and water. A dog lives in a group, more so than humans and much more so than cats. The dog defines itself in terms of the group it's in. So if you have a dog, the dog will most likely have this basic need to connect with you and your family.

Not that dogs don't have minds of their own. They have preferences and personality traits. Some are more independent than others. But a dog that knows it is part of a "pack", that knows it has a job to do and people it can depend on, is a happy dog.

I would like a dog, still considering in looking for a psychiatric service dog that I could bring with me when I go out I think it would be very helpful but not so sure I will be able to go through all the trouble to get that properly certified or whatever....otherwise it will probably be a long time before I am able to get one, since right now I live at my moms house and my transportation is the bus I haven't figured out what I would do if I left overnight and such with my current living situation. My mom says she doesn't mind if I get a dog, but I know I'd have to take care of him/her and figure out what to do if I was leaving overnight.

I think you're not aware of how much of good dog owner you'll be. Actually, in all truths, the dog will own you (steal your heart).

1. Dogs love consistency and routine. You can have scheduled walks every day, and times to play fetch, rope tugs, and teach it commands like sit, stay, etc.

2. The dog will teach you how to love and teach you non-verbal communication, like when it needs to go to the bathroom, presses against you in affection, rolls-over on its back for a tummy rub, etc. It's may be a little confusing at first, but you'll most likely settle into a routine that will make the dog very happy. You can love the dog by caring for it with shelter, food, walks, petting, and grooming. Dogs are very smart, and they'll have you figured out before you have figured out the dog.

3. The dog will accept you for you, how you are, and love you all the same, unconditionally. This is what I like most about dogs. They are not humans.

One of the best things to ever happen to me was getting a dog. My biggest recommendation would be training. A well behaved dog is a joy for its owner, and the dog wants nothing more than to please you and love you. Good Luck

Nutters dogs often imitate owners, just like any other dog..... steps in behind their human.
The show on TV 'The Dog Whisperer' showed many poorly trained dogs, I mean just look at the owners....

Being a good pack leader means you dont show emotional difficulties in front of your pack members, and burden them with your sh**

If your unable to be a good pack leader
then think twice about getting a dog
because you will automatically become their chief, their presidenti, their everything

Sometimes if your an egg, having to follow an egg for forever.... can cause the dog emotional trauma
I mean just look at Republicans....

I've had dogs since I was young, and I've loved all of them! I very much agree with Callista here. Just show your love for them, be a good owner in terms of regular feedings, walks etc. and generally ensuring their health, which shouldn't be too hard providing you have the funds and are genuinely concerned for the dog.

I wouldn't worry about having to communicate affection emotionally. From what I've seen of animal psychology dealing with dogs they are very emotionally intelligent creatures and will be able to tell regardless. Also, they will adapt to their owner- if you tend to be more or less emotional they will respond in the best way that they can, and I doubt a dog will have any qualms about that!

In general, I think if you really spend the time and effort to care for the dog, you will both bring each other happiness. I hope you don't feel too inhibited about this- caring for and loving a dog is a great experience, and you seem like a person who WILL care for it, because look at you! You're already worried about its happiness. I bet you'll love it, Cogs. (: If you don't, then you could always look for a nearby shelter as well.

Anger, stress and how you manifest it could very well possibly and likely scare a dog. Dogs can read people well and they can read when they are anger. I guess it depends on how you channel your anger and frustrations. Do you last out and hit things?
You already have 2 dogs that you could work with.
The more the dog knows you and that you love it, it will respond back and be there for you.
My Boo was used to my meltdowns, however i tried not to do that around her. If it couldn't be helped, i made for sure that Boo could go into another room of the house so that she didn't have to be near me if i thought i was going to be angry or have a meltdown. It was never directed at her and it would kill me to make her uncomfortable.

Dogs are like children, sometimes they may have had an abusive past. Boo was a foster rescue i ending up adopting. So i had measures in place that she would never ever be hurt or neglected again.
When you take on another pet, it is like taking on another child. If possible, it is good to be aware if they a past history (abuse,etc) and also of any health or medical issues.

If you worked with your 2 dogs, you could even be able to get them close to you and maybe you close enough to them that they could help prevent a meltdown. Animals are great therapy!

Also the pairing process can be tricky. The last thing you want to do is expose an animal who comes from an abused background to a lot of anger and yelling and madness. It would be harmful for the pup

Over the last 2yrs there has been a fairly regular amount of new threads about autism service dogs. So an interest is there.

The viability of a service dog providing an autistic with an increased quality of life is as evident as the noses on our faces.

Service dog implies breed specific and trained [expensive] dog, while many interpret service dog to mean any mutt from the pound.



I know ducks are calm animals and dogs are prone to nervousness, so maybe we should be getting service ducks, or pigs, or horses

I vote Pugs due to their chilled nature or Pomeranians, or most toy breeds

Which dogs and older dogs vrs pups?

Whoever stretched the page is going to pay...

anythings a stretch for some people

I'm not much of a dog person. I've always had fairly strong fear of dogs I perceive being able to hurt me rationally or irrationally. I just don't have it in me to be on for a dog 24/7, I'm a person that has to withdraw from time to time and decompress. I can like a dog in a dosage of a few minutes, I'm the same way with children. I just can't make that never ending commitment.

I feel like you've probably put way too much thought into this. Fact of the matter is it would seem as though you have never had a pet. Your problem lies with what kind of dog should I get? Bring somebody with you to decide what kind of dog might be right for you? Just like people have social chemistry so do animals; animal to animal and animal to human. Generally speaking though; Most animals pick up an attachment to you as long as you feed them. You probably don't want a super hyperactive dog; so........ a puppy would probably be a bad idea. On that note google search it! I don't know what breed makes a good pet. As long as you pet a dog occasionally take it for walks and play maybe even once a day? [Fetch is a pretty non strenuous game] you could make it into a routine and something that doesn't even have to be viewed at as something outside your comfort zone.

Hope this advice helps.

P.S. you're putting way too much thought into this! Animals generally are pretty easily pleased creatures just take good care of them and don't leave em in a cage.