Dog for Aspergers daughter Questions

Hello!

I'm looking for a dog for my daughter who's in her 20's and has Aspergers Syndrome which means she suffers from sensory issues and can't read people. She won't go out unless someone is with her or she has a pressing need. She has no contact with anyone outside of our immediate family.

She needs a dog that would need her company as much as she needs it's ,and have high exercise requirements that would help her get out of the house several times a day on her on.

We want a dog that needs to be mentally stimulated and would benefit from sport and training activites, the idea being that we can help our daughter socialize with people at the same time as fullfilling the needs of her cainine companion.

My daughter has always had a interest in the Northern breed of dogs such as Huskies, but my understanding of the breed is that they cannot be let of the leash and have a tendency to escape. Can anyone recommend a large Northern breed dog that would be a fitting match for my daughter and at the very least ignore our cat.

Thanks in advance!

Mandy X

From your description, providing your daughter and the rest of the family can commit to training, a Border Collie would be ideal.

Before you go looking for a particular dog have you consulted those who specialise in this field?

http://www.scas.org.uk/453/about-us.html

http://www.assistancedogs.org.uk/

I realise you do not want an "assistance" dog per se, but those who work in this field often have valuable skills, knowledge, ability, training and experience to give you.

One person I would recommend consulting is Nina Bondarenko whose experience is unparalleled in this field.

http://ninabondarenko.co.uk/

Thank you so much for the links I will definitely make use of them!

And thank you MerlinsMum for your recommendation, I will be adding Collie to the short list.

My daughter has mentioned Australian Cattle dogs and Northern Inuits and says either one would be ideal, but I know next to nothing about them and who the reputable breeders are.

Thanks in advance!

Mandy X

I know of reputable breeders of ACD but none of NI, and not sure that a NI would be a good idea.

It appears from your posts that it is the LOOK of the dogs that attract ie pricked ears and coat etc?

Not necessarily sure an ACD is necessarily a good choice for a starter dog, have you contacted the breed club?

http://australiancattledogsociety.co.uk/

Stella Smyth may be very helpful to you.


Tel: (011 979 3399
Email: morrow.acd@btinternet.com

I think Australian Cattle Dogs are probably not advisable for a first-time dog owner as they do require some experience and can be very difficult; I feel you could get out of your depth quite easily there.

Northern Inuits - well I am sure others will comment on that but as they are not a recognised breed they can vary widely, in both appearance and nature. Perhaps again, not a breed for a first time owner.

I would follow up the links Smokeybear has given you.

The reason I immediately thought of Border Collies is that they are or can be quite intense dogs but very owner-focused. They will take as much mental stimulation and physical exercise that you can throw at them, and then some, but with the emphasis on mental.

Many people who take them on don't realise how much mental stimulation they need, and thereby fall at the first fence. But for a dog whose owner may on some days not be able to take them out for long, and need to work with them at home instead, they are ideal.... especially for someone who is going to be very focussed on the dog. If there is one breed that would thrive on having total focus and attention from one person, as well as being highly attuned to its handler, then the BC does fit the bill.

As far as getting involved in dog sports goes - BCs can do everything - Obedience, Flyball, Agility, Heelwork to Music and lots more, which gives you an open world to explore. Many if not most of the Northern breeds would not be interested in participating in that kind of thing.

I can sort-of see what the looks she may be going for - prick-eared short coated dogs (although Huskies and their ilk have intensely dense coats that shed enormously!). It is possible to find prick-eared short-coated BCs, and speaking as someone who never wanted a longhaired dog ever, I am finding my Belgian Shepherd x Border Collie to have a manageable coat that automatically sheds most dirt - kind of wash 'n' wear - a practical working dog coat, and when he does moult the hair never works its way into everything.

I hope others will come along and offer some more suggestions

Ref the Northern Inuit, speaking from experience be careful. Decent breeders are few and far between unfortunately, many are extremely inbred and their are a variety of known health issues such as addissons, not that many of the breeders of these dogs will actually admit that.

Whilst generally ok off-lead and extremely affectionate their are those that aren't, type in both looks and temperament still varies a fair bit meaning that there is no sure fire way of guaranteeing that your pup will not inherit things like the husky trait of poor recall which you do not desire.

Interesting why you feel an ACD would be too much for a first time owner, but a BC would be okay
They can also be a challenge for someone not used to such an intense, always up for it type of dog. Also BC's can be extremely sensitive to moods and how you communicate with them.

Jann xx

Yes, i've certainly noticed my daughters preference for pricked ears! and working dogs.

I'm personally a little iffy on the Northern Inuit after reading some of the post on this site. And Anglemist has pretty much confirmed my doubts.

My husband suggested that we might be better served buying or rescuing a much older dog who's personality is certain if we decide to go for a more challenging breed and wonder if that would be best for a new dog owner.

MerlinsMum, I think the long hair may have put my daughter off the Collie, but if we have a chance of finding one with shorter more practical coat my daughter will get on board.

Thank you all so very much!

Mandy X

I think that's because the ACDs I have met have been somewhat reactive and determined, and not especially easygoing with other dogs (a relic of their Bull terrier background perhaps?). Whereas with the right guidance the OP could find a BC with the right temperament.

I am speaking here as someone who does have some issues with the outside world and have had bad times in the past while trying to cope with my dog's reactivity to outside issues with no support. I don't wish to go into details here but if this lady's daughter's dog was over protective, then that could cause issues in its own right.

I get where you are coming from, BUT because BC's are really more "people dogs" if thats the right term, they can also have issues with other dogs (i speak from experience with my girl ;-) ) If they have a bad experience with another dog, they just don't forget, and can carry that grudge into dogs of the same breed as that of the one they had the experience with. I know plenty of Collies that don't wish to interact with other dogs .........unless they are Collies too ;-)
They bond very closely with their owners.My Skye is very posessive of me, and will snap at other dogs that come up for a fuss

Jann xx

OK, this is coming totally out of left field, but does your daughter like the look of papillons.

In 2001 I was diagnosed with severe clinical depression, I was unable to go out of the house without company, and even then too many people around sent me into overload and a panic attack. I have never been able to socialise well with people unless I know there is a common topic (so, dogs here).

I got Ellie, a black and white papillon later that year. If I really couldn't get out I didn't feel guilty about not giving her exercise, but she loved going out so I took her as often as I could. We could train for obedience tricks at home, and if people came up to us I could be in the middle of showing off her tricks if I couldn't talk to them. If all else failed, I could pick Ellie up and talk to her or walk away.

Maybe a papillon really wouldn't work for you, but do look for a dog with that ability to attach to one person, so your daughter will be the dog's special mum.

This is only the experience I've had, and I don't want to come across as 'I-know-best' type person. Having Ellie did work for me to some extent - I talk to other dog owners with no problems, but it's not a cure. A lot of places are not dog friendly nowadays, but I have found a lot of people will bend the rules for a small dog - Ellie went to the chemists, bakers, butchers and opticians without problems, even though they have no-dog signs on the doors once they see she is carried under my arm they make an exception.

I'm waffling here, so I'll stop. I hope you find the right dog.

It`s interesting that she has picked two breeds of dog who are somewhat independent - I wouldn`t describe either as `people` dogs as gundogs are (usually). :?
Both breeds are strong-willed, can be aloof and are sometimes hard to manage because of their independent temperament.
I can`t help feeling that a dog who would want to please her would be better - a more biddable breed? And possibly one she can do sports with, since I assume you want the dog to help her extend her social side?

Any dog might be the right one and any dog the wrong one. You might do well to ask a trainer locally to give you a hand to find the right dog and then work with them to try and make the dog fit the situation and your daughter and her expectations.

Don't know how close you are this place

http://www.scallywagsdogs.com/contact.html

If you are Sally is very good and will understand your requirements and help you a lot. Ring and ask to speak to her.

Good luck

rune

Well as an adult with Aspergers myself I totally relate to all the issues your daughter has.

If you daughter wants a dg that needs her company as much as she needs its then IMO you are looking at the wrong dogs. A dog doesn't have to be big to do training etc, you could get a small dog and do mini agility or even just showing.
I personally would highly recommend the Chinese Crested. They thrive on close human contact and are happiest when with you. Because of their unique good looks they are also a great way of talking to people. I cannot start a conversation, find social situations painful, but if someone approaches me to ask about my dog then I am more than happy to talk until the cows come home! Having an unusual dog is a great conversation starter!!
Oh and they have the most amazingly enormous pricked ears!!!

If your daughter would like a dog that is always keen to interact with others, then I recommend the good old Labrador

I'm a total introvert and painfully shy - but my Lab boy has taken on the role of the Park Welcoming Committee and purely because of him, I know virtually every other dog owner in the park and spend time walking and talking with many of them. This simply would not have happened with a different breed that was more 'contained'.

Re Border Collies

Just an observation, there are about six owned by different people at my local park. They are not friendly with the other dogs at all and the ONLY thing they ever want to do is run for a ball

Two of the Border Collie owners have told me they are permanently exhausted...

Just an observation.

I would agree that it depends exactly what she is looking for

I think I have only ever met one border collie ever who wanted to play with my dog, most are focussed on a ball or toy lol, but only one has been aggressive.

It depends on size too like others have said, if you want a smaller dog, something like a Jack Russell would work as they have a LOT of energy for a small dog, and are very clever, but if she wanted a bigger dog, that wouldn't work

I agree a labrador could work, but somehow I get the feeling it isn't the type of dog she wants?

A Labrador or a Golden retriever, or even a flat coated retriever, all friendly breeds, which you can also do agility or even field work with them.

In my opinion a collie might be hard work for a first time owner.

What about the berger blanc suisse? They tend to be gentler/mellower version of GSDs; just as smart, loyal and biddable. Their white coats tend to look a bit spitz-like, especially semi-long coated ones (ok not really but hey...!)

I would tend to agree with what others have said RE the northern breeds - they can be hard dogs for first time owners.

Having said that - when I was looking for a dog with similar looks to huskies etc, I came accross the Norwegian Buhuhnd. I am now the proud owner of one - although I did NOT get her based on looks alone. She is a total nightmare, but thats not breed related, shes just a bit special

Similar dogs in the looks departments are Vallhunds, Finish Spitz, elkhound and Shiba Inus. None are easy dogs to train though - the buhund is meant to be the most trainable of the northern breeds. My buhund is very intelligent, she just lacks the right temprement for your daughter, but thats not to say others would.

I would say its VERY important, not just to go on looks but to get a dog with the right temprement and energy level for your family.

What about something like a duck toller?