Service Dogs_does any know?

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I do have a local advocate with whom I consult on occasion. She and I are actively pursuing getting a Service Dog for me; an arduous process but doable. But - we made a mistake! She found an agency, 4 Paws for Ability, and we had already begun the application, then found it's just for kids. Oops. Yes, they do have Service Dogs for those with autism (adults, at whatever level of functioning) especially and I shall check online.

I think the best place to ask is WP! Do you all know? I would appreciate the input/advice. Thank you!



AAAAH!! MENTAL SCREAM. I made a typo, and in the title of this post! Deep humiliation ensues. Sigh. Please disregard this typo. There is a fine distinction between a typo and a Freudian Slip. The actual explanation: I've been massively busy in the lab and I'm in a rush. Plus, I need a nap.

I don't know the answer to your question, but I would like to. I tried to have a therapy pet, but I had no one to go to. I'm allergic to dogs, but I do very well with cats. I had to do it all under the table. It didn't work out.

I got my dog from Midwest Assistance Dogs, but they operate locally out of Indiana. The way I found them is I went through the organizations that do the training, and e-mailed or called all of the ones within a 3-4 state area. I did this before I sent in an application (most places charge an application fee). I just let them know my situation and asked if they would be able to help me. I got a lot of groups telling me that they don't do autism at all, or they only do children with autism. I found two groups willing to work with me, and chose Midwest after speaking with both groups. Most reputable organizations will be willing to tell you if they think you're a good candidate for their program before you submit the actual application and money.

If you search the internet for service dogs/service dog training you should be able to come up with a few different pages that list organizations by state. You might also look into Canadian groups, as they may be closer.

Labpet, what do service dogs do? (apart from seeing eye dogs - I know about them and I have heard of hearing dogs - to allert deaf people to telpehone/door bells etc.

If you just want a well trained dog as a companion, I would get a labrador. They are good guard dogs and don't demand exercise, but like being walked (and they benefit from it). They are easily trained. One of my favorite books is "Hunting Dog Know How" by David Duffey. (could still be in print - could get it from Amazon or look in www.outdoorlife.com )

While its meant for hunting, training is generic. A trained dog is a trained dog. A dog that walks to heel, sits and stays when commanded, retrieves and comes when called from half a mile away is a real pleasure. And labs are great companions.

PS and I expect a Lab would cope with Alaskan winters ok.

Spitz type dogs & Malumuts and huskies etc are not so easy to train.

Service Dogs are specially trained to perform multiple functions and there are actually Autism Dogs! They are trained to intervene when Autist engages too deeply in repetitive behavior (I can focus deeply for hour upon hour, then forget to sleep)! My record best: 81 hours with no sleep. This can be quite common with HFA, like myself. Plus I am functionally mute so communication can be.....different! An Autism Dog is a conduit, of sorts, since dog can 'signal' that I have a 'difference' so misinterpretation does not ensue - that's can be horrendously awful. Plus I am meltdown prone; Autism Dogs are trained to stop and distract precursors to meltdowns, even too-high anxiety. Even safety. For instance, I have an enhanced sensory modality which means a fire drill (at the University) will render me crying, whimpering, and cowering in the corner. This can be dangerous (what is there were a real fire?), just some examples. Applications do make the distinction that a Service Dog &/or Autism Dog is not just a 'companion,' anyone can have a companion pet. A Service Dog isn't a 'pet,' but an on-duty agent. Another factor: Autism Dogs can and will intervene should an outsider bully/harass. I have no verbal reproach otherwise.

Just one example, recently: I study/read sometimes at a local coffee shop. I was reading/writing very intently and stimming (just rocking, nothing really overt). I have very deep focus. I just hear the din of others speaking and but don't process their speech in this mode. Then, I paused. I began to notice 2 older women at the table right next to mine - they were teasing me. One said, to her friend (about my stimming), "You wouldn't think they'd let 'her kind' into this establishment." And, "Psycho." I started crying, and hard. They finished their coffee and left

A Service/Autism Dog can detect distress and can offer confidence to Autist so I'm not left just shattered. This is a different capacity than a pet. Plus Service Dogs are allowed in virtually all facilities, even laboratory, academic settings, etc. And have bid (like sled dogs wear) to indicate 'Service Dog,' on duty!

I do have an advocate; she thinks thinks a Service/Autism Dog would be great - I do qualify and this would be of assistance. I love animals too, but this is somewhat separate. That's the goal of an Autism Dog. (Not a pet)

Oh, about one being compatible for Alaska - yes! Most dogs do fine here and would certainly be kept indoors! But...no chihuahua! Or else chihuahua popsicle. Oh no.

Back to Autism Dog....this is proving difficult logistically. Maybe insurmountable. Sigh. I guess my robot, V8, will do for now. I may just succumb to a guard tarantula but V8 would be raging jealous. My cat, Tesla, is a great pet, but not a Service/Autism dog - separate function.

Thanks for the advice....I'll check. The pursuit is a pain and may be fruitless. Discouraging. I do love animals too.....and V8.

You're funny. I've never heard of an Autist Dog. That would be something. Wow. Good luck with your quest. I shall keep an eye out for any information.

They exist, really! It's not my imagination
That is, not an Autistic Dog, but a Service Dog for Autists - specially designed.
I need one.

Or that guard tarantula.......

Norwegian Elkhounds are very good animals too. They are gentle, medium sized, quite intelligent, patient, cold hardy. And very beautiful.



The one we had as kids was just a farm dog, but he could be given instructions that he would carry out. For example, I gave him a small piece of firewood and told him to take it to mom. He took it gently in his mouth and carried it to her, dropping it at her feet.

Fuzzy - cool!

I had a beautiful Russian Wolf Hound, also known as a Borzoi. I miss him so much - great animal! I love hounds.

A Service/Guide Dog, though, is separate from a pet. I need and qualify for a Service Dog, which is admissable in virtually all places and trained for specific needs. Otherwise, I would consider getting a hound....I do live in an apt and almost live in my laboratory - a pet, other than my cat, Tesla, would be hard given my lifestyle (I'm a PhD student, neuroscience).

As an autistic, I do now need/want a Service Dog....sigh. I am pursuing leads and my advocate is great. A Service Dog requires a lot of logistcal and strategic planning. I'll try.

I love that Norwegian Elkhound! Alaska equipped too