The time has come for Chewy the autism service dog to retire and for us to train a new one. We are not going through a service dog programs as most have wait-lists of many years or charge outrageous fees for a service dog when honestly almost any family with time and dedication could train a service dog on their own. We have brought a new dog into the house to start training her. Imagine (or Giney as we call her) is a 16 month yellow Labrador Retriever.
Giney on our way home from the breeder
We decided on going with an older dog again as my son becomes easily frustrated with puppies. I was worried puppy behaviors such as nipping, mouthing, jumping and chewing would ruin their chance at a bond. I contacted local breed rescues in search of a dog between 9 and 16 months. I think breed rescues are a fantastic place to get a dog from as the dog has been fostered by a family and they know more about the dog than most rescues. They also normally temperament test and help find the right dog for your family. Another router I almost took was to get a dog from the prison dog or cell dog program. This is a program were rescue dogs are put through obedience training and then placed up for adoptions. We went with a highly recommended Labrador Retriever breeder that was placing her dogs into rescue due to personal issues.
When we went and meet Imagine, my son and her bonded immediately. She began following him and around and focusing on my son. I did a temperament test while I was there and we played with Imagine for a few hours. We decided they were a good match and took her home as a foster to adopt. Being a foster to adopt meant we keep her from going to a shelter, we were to evaluate her before she was adopted, and we had the first option to adopt her. A few weeks later we adopted her and she became my son’s dog.
Chewy and Giney getting to know each other
When looking for an autism service dog you will either want to go with a reputable breeder if you want a puppy. If you are not looking for a puppy, I suggest a dog under 2 years old. Please check out some of the resources below and contact me if you need any help in your search
I was very interested to read that you are training your Assistance Dog yourself. Do you still have the same public access rights with the dog? Does your existing dog - Chewy not feel left out when you take the new dog - Giney out training and have to leave Chewy at home. How long will it take your new dog to be fully trained?
I hope you don’t mind me asking these questions but I was just very interested in the idea of you being able to train the dog yourself. I know that there would be huge public access issues here with dogs that didn’t come from Irish Guide Dogs and had Irish Guide Dogs harnasses / jackets.
Perhaps when you get a moment you would reply to me.
Many thanks
Fiona
admin
Posted November 14, 2009 at 11:27 PM
Hey Clive! In the US we have the benefit of there being no national certification or registration. Some states, like Florida and California, provide the same rights to service dogs in training as a fully trained service dog accompany a person with a disability. So I am able to take Giney in public and train her in all different situations to work with my son. Once she is done training, she will have public access rights and be seen by the law exactly the same as a service dog trained by any other organization. The cost of service dogs can be very prohibitive to families ($20,000) and or wait lists of 3+ years so owner training is a valuable option for those willing to put in the time and commitment. Giney will replace Chewy completley by July (that is my goal) Chewy is not happy being at home, but I hope he will adjust, if not, he will go be a therapy dog hopefully so that he is happy. Giney will have all public access skills and a few tasks. We will build on her tasks as her bond grows with my son. A little known fact, in the US, the majority of service dogs are trained by their owners. Also dogs do not have to wear a service jacket or harness, but I highly suggest it. Soon I will do an article on the different training information available, so stay tuned
Hi,
I’m trying to put together a research project documenting how families living with autism are getting support from service dogs. Though it’s a small project, it’s a start. I really need some families who have worked with service dogs to fill out a survey about their experience, and I’m hoping you can help — either by filling out the survey, or by passing the message along. . .or both!
Hi Heather! I find your website inspirational. I am a nurse getting my family nurse practitioner’s degree and plan on specializing in autism. I have an aspie/ADHD/anxiety disorder son Kieran who is 12. I have pondered developing a service dog for him and after reading your website and many others, I know that it would be the best, most enabling “independence and therapy tool” available. I luckily have trained many dogs and have an animal rescue of my own.
I am concerned though, about acceptance within the schools. Kieran has been bullied to the point of suicide. I demanded he be put on homebound and the issues at the school be corrected. This was done to a minimal amount. So, he returned to school after 7 months.
He will be in high school in 2 years. My neurotypical daughter who is in 9th grade said he will have a horrible time with the navigation, stimulation and basic overall lack of structure. Now is the time to develop his service dog. I happen to have an ideal pup now 6 months old who could pass an obedience test without problem.
What advice do you have for opening the minds of the medical and school personnel to the idea of an autism service dog for Kieran. Sadly, most of the primary care providers in the area look to me for information regarding autism services. The special education department stared wide eyed at me when I introduced the idea of an autism service dog to them. They said, “are you asking us to pay for it?” I said, nope, I just want the dog to have access. They still sat slack jawed for awhile.
Guidance would be great! I also will be working to further the availability of resources for all autistic people within the medical and social community (as a nurse practitioner). We have to band together and work for the best of this very special group of individuals and their families!
Beth Sparr: I wanted to contact you about coming to be a Resource Fair Vendor at 2010 Autism Speaks Walk on May 1, 2010 at Straub Park in St. Petersburg, FL. I can send you more information later.
admin: Sounds like you guys are seasoned travelers. You are welcome to post your stories on the site. We have traveled outside of the US, but only on a cruise. I do not think my son could handle that long of a flight or complete immersion in another culture. I do know that Autism on the Seas is planning a cruise to Europe next year and that may be something you could consider. You would only spend part of the days in the country and return to the same ship at night. You would also have staff on board to assist
Elizabeth: I have really enjoyed this site! I have always enjoyed traveling and have done some successful domestic trips with my son(11/aspergers). We have done Disney/Hilton Head/ road trips and many plane trips. My next venture is a potential international trip- Europe or India (dependinng on many other factors). I am interested in any tips so we can plan this to go smoothly (ish).
Janet: I love your site! I am an ABA therapist in a school district and I also perform ADL skills training for a 15 year old blind autistic child. He is one of 4 siblings, 3 of which have autism. I have been trying to find a way that they could enjoy some family vaca together, and you have really helped! Would love to stay in touch!
Vicki: What an awesome site! Your thoughts, advice and personal stories are not only interesting but thoughtful and insightful. Thank you so much Heather!
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Giney on our way home from the breeder
Chewy and Giney getting to know each other
Heather is mother to a 10 year old son with autism. They live in the Southwest Florida area and travel around the state on numerous adventures. 
I was very interested to read that you are training your Assistance Dog yourself. Do you still have the same public access rights with the dog? Does your existing dog - Chewy not feel left out when you take the new dog - Giney out training and have to leave Chewy at home. How long will it take your new dog to be fully trained?
I hope you don’t mind me asking these questions but I was just very interested in the idea of you being able to train the dog yourself. I know that there would be huge public access issues here with dogs that didn’t come from Irish Guide Dogs and had Irish Guide Dogs harnasses / jackets.
Perhaps when you get a moment you would reply to me.
Many thanks
Fiona
Hey Clive! In the US we have the benefit of there being no national certification or registration. Some states, like Florida and California, provide the same rights to service dogs in training as a fully trained service dog accompany a person with a disability. So I am able to take Giney in public and train her in all different situations to work with my son. Once she is done training, she will have public access rights and be seen by the law exactly the same as a service dog trained by any other organization. The cost of service dogs can be very prohibitive to families ($20,000) and or wait lists of 3+ years so owner training is a valuable option for those willing to put in the time and commitment. Giney will replace Chewy completley by July (that is my goal) Chewy is not happy being at home, but I hope he will adjust, if not, he will go be a therapy dog hopefully so that he is happy. Giney will have all public access skills and a few tasks. We will build on her tasks as her bond grows with my son. A little known fact, in the US, the majority of service dogs are trained by their owners. Also dogs do not have to wear a service jacket or harness, but I highly suggest it. Soon I will do an article on the different training information available, so stay tuned
Hi,
I’m trying to put together a research project documenting how families living with autism are getting support from service dogs. Though it’s a small project, it’s a start. I really need some families who have worked with service dogs to fill out a survey about their experience, and I’m hoping you can help — either by filling out the survey, or by passing the message along. . .or both!
The survey, along with my contact info, is here: http://www.homebaseaba.com/autismdogs/
Thank you so much!
Cait
Hi Heather! I find your website inspirational. I am a nurse getting my family nurse practitioner’s degree and plan on specializing in autism. I have an aspie/ADHD/anxiety disorder son Kieran who is 12. I have pondered developing a service dog for him and after reading your website and many others, I know that it would be the best, most enabling “independence and therapy tool” available. I luckily have trained many dogs and have an animal rescue of my own.
I am concerned though, about acceptance within the schools. Kieran has been bullied to the point of suicide. I demanded he be put on homebound and the issues at the school be corrected. This was done to a minimal amount. So, he returned to school after 7 months.
He will be in high school in 2 years. My neurotypical daughter who is in 9th grade said he will have a horrible time with the navigation, stimulation and basic overall lack of structure. Now is the time to develop his service dog. I happen to have an ideal pup now 6 months old who could pass an obedience test without problem.
What advice do you have for opening the minds of the medical and school personnel to the idea of an autism service dog for Kieran. Sadly, most of the primary care providers in the area look to me for information regarding autism services. The special education department stared wide eyed at me when I introduced the idea of an autism service dog to them. They said, “are you asking us to pay for it?” I said, nope, I just want the dog to have access. They still sat slack jawed for awhile.
Guidance would be great! I also will be working to further the availability of resources for all autistic people within the medical and social community (as a nurse practitioner). We have to band together and work for the best of this very special group of individuals and their families!
Thanks and great job with Chewy and Giney!
Kirsten Forsythe, RN BSN