Tips For Disabled Owners

[Ridgesetter]

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Hi all. I've now just sold my second whippet to a family with an autistic child. In both instances, I sold a slightly older puppy 4 months as we all believed that an older puppy is easier to get into a routine but being a little older, it's not as 'fragile'.

In both cases, the parents had researched dogs well and in both cases, whippets came out tops. The first home (from a previous litter), is working out really well, and the 2nd puppy goes this weekend.

In both instances, I've advised the owners to have a routine with the dog, (which they are very used to for their children), ensure they have a crate and when the puppy is in the crate, it's a 'no go' zone for the child (not that they understand this) and the usual guidance info. In both families, there are other older children.

What I'm asking is have any other breeders sold to families with an autistic child? Did they find it worked out? Is there an age limit on the child when considering whether to place? Is there any helpful advice or experiences you can pass on?

Thanks.

 

[urchin]

i'm not a breeder Ridgesetter, but have lots of experience wourking with people who have some form of autism.

I'm just on here briefly this morning, as i'm off to my cousins' in a minute - but will see what contacts i can come up with on the 'autism' side of things when i get back. hopefully this will give some good information from the other side ie what is likely to make the whole experience a good one from the child/familiy's point of view, and what would be disasterous - hopefully put together with some breeders' experiences this will give ou a more complete picture.

What i do know, is that a lot of the people i have met who have a lable of autism/aspergers understand animals a lot better than they do people!

I'll be following this thread with interest