Pitbull575 Posted May 7, 2009 Share Posted May 7, 2009 Hi all We are seriously thinking about getting a puppy in about 2 months (Boerboel or CAO hasn't been decided yet) and Im very curious in finding out about the levels of training available. We have 2 kids, one has severe Autism, the other may have Aspergers. I have been reading about the use of Boerboels as therapy dogs for special needs kids now being done in South Africa and the U.S. We have seen the emergence of Autism assistance dogs, having looked into them and seen the waiting list of dogs available to people waiting and also cost makes getting one almost impossible. Does anyone know if there are trainers or courses for training therapy dogs in Vic? Ive seen so many dogs o/s trained as therapy dogs, surely there must be some out here??? What levels of training are needed before doing therapy training? If anyone can help with advice I' really appreciate it Scott Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mila's Mum Posted May 7, 2009 Share Posted May 7, 2009 Try this site - they are in Vic http://www.ltw.com.au/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pitbull575 Posted May 7, 2009 Author Share Posted May 7, 2009 Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m-j Posted May 8, 2009 Share Posted May 8, 2009 (edited) Hi Try the Delta Society website, they specialise in therapy dogs and human/dog relationships. If your children can have angry outbursts (not meaning to be offensive but do understand a little on these kids having an Aspie son myself) I personally don't think a Boerboel or a CAO would be the ideal breeds to live with, from what I have read about them, but I could be wrong. cheers M-J Edited May 8, 2009 by m-j Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nekhbet Posted May 8, 2009 Share Posted May 8, 2009 if you are looking at Boerboels speak to Deb at Ataraxia Kennels in NSW and CAO lilli here on this forum (http://www.takasvolkodav.com/) Debbie also has DDBs which I think are great, tolerant dogs for disabled people. Mine is a therapy dog for disabled people and tolerated rough handling, loud noise, outbursts and even the odd smack from them. The mastiff breeds are not as reactive and driven BUT can be dominant, pushy and stubborn if you do not know what you are doing. Personally I wouldnt go with Delta some of them seem to have a rather interesting view and you are getting a large, independant dominant breed. The softly softly i'm your bet buddy approach can backfire on you bigtime with the dogs you are looking at so speak to these breeders for advice FIRST. I've dealt with Delta people before and frankly your kids safety needs to be priority and hence the dogs need to be under strict control and their training accordingly. You are looking at dogs 50kg-80kg+ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m-j Posted May 8, 2009 Share Posted May 8, 2009 Debbie also has DDBs which I think are great, tolerant dogs for disabled people. Mine is a therapy dog for disabled people and tolerated rough handling, loud noise, outbursts and even the odd smack from them. Some Autistic people I have known of do more than give a little smack. Your dog doesn't live with the disabled people. There is a big difference between being able to escape from the environment that is annoying you ie going home with you than having to live in it 24/7. cheers M-J Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pitbull575 Posted May 8, 2009 Author Share Posted May 8, 2009 Thanks for the replies Ive been in contact with Ataraxia quite a few times over the last few weeks, Craig from Ataraxia has been a huge help. Ive also made enquiries overseas and the breeders I have spoken to have put me in contact with a few owners of Boerboels who have them with kids with ASD.We are looking at a female as we have been advised males are a bit more full on, females are much more gentle and reserved. This is why Im making enquiries now about the best ways to find the most advanced training possible so we dont have any problems down the line. We have been in contact with lilli quite a bit too (hi lilli) She is as always helpful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nekhbet Posted May 8, 2009 Share Posted May 8, 2009 Some Autistic people I have known of do more than give a little smack who said it was a little smack one lady thought that since Skoota sat on her foot she would stand on his leg while he was lying down *sigh* He has copped some rough treatment (I dont encourage it can happen in an instant) and the reason I chose him was the fact you could pretty much hit him with a car and he just lolls his head over like 'eh? what? oh whatever' irrespective of the fact they live with them or not the dog should have a space of its own and an escape as well. The odd visit can be more difficult for a dog actually since they do NOT live with it and learn to read the body language and understand the disabled. pitbull575 Great you are speaking to Ataraxia - if anyone knows it would be then definately stick with Craig and Deb if you are after a mastiff. They are very genuine and honest people that put your interests at heart when dealing with choosing a dog Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cassie Posted May 8, 2009 Share Posted May 8, 2009 I have nothing valuable to add but just wanted to say good luck in your search for the right dog, and please let us know how you get on Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BJean Posted May 8, 2009 Share Posted May 8, 2009 Thanks for the repliesIve been in contact with Ataraxia quite a few times over the last few weeks, Craig from Ataraxia has been a huge help. Ive also made enquiries overseas and the breeders I have spoken to have put me in contact with a few owners of Boerboels who have them with kids with ASD.We are looking at a female as we have been advised males are a bit more full on, females are much more gentle and reserved. This is why Im making enquiries now about the best ways to find the most advanced training possible so we dont have any problems down the line. We have been in contact with lilli quite a bit too (hi lilli) She is as always helpful. Heya S&T have sent you a PM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baby Dragon Posted May 10, 2009 Share Posted May 10, 2009 Hi allWe are seriously thinking about getting a puppy in about 2 months (Boerboel or CAO hasn't been decided yet) and Im very curious in finding out about the levels of training available. We have 2 kids, one has severe Autism, the other may have Aspergers. I have been reading about the use of Boerboels as therapy dogs for special needs kids now being done in South Africa and the U.S. We have seen the emergence of Autism assistance dogs, having looked into them and seen the waiting list of dogs available to people waiting and also cost makes getting one almost impossible. Does anyone know if there are trainers or courses for training therapy dogs in Vic? Ive seen so many dogs o/s trained as therapy dogs, surely there must be some out here??? What levels of training are needed before doing therapy training? If anyone can help with advice I' really appreciate it Scott Are you wanting an assistance dog (a dog that can accompany a disabled person into shops etc just like a guide dog), or a therapy dog (a dog that visits special schools, hospitals, nursing homes etc)? Or is it that you are wanting a well behaved pet to help your children at home? My advice will be different depending on what it is you're looking for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pitbull575 Posted May 10, 2009 Author Share Posted May 10, 2009 Are you wanting an assistance dog (a dog that can accompany a disabled person into shops etc just like a guide dog), or a therapy dog (a dog that visits special schools, hospitals, nursing homes etc)? Or is it that you are wanting a well behaved pet to help your children at home? My advice will be different depending on what it is you're looking for. I would say the latter. Wasnt sure if we would have to have the pet trained with therapy training to be more relaxed and at ease with our kids. Or whether obedienced or advanced obedience would work.... or whether its just something the pup would pick up being raised in the family? The last thing we want is to have a puppy or dog constantly nervous or freaked when the little one gets upset. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pipsqueak Posted May 10, 2009 Share Posted May 10, 2009 Perhaps also speak to AWARE Dogs and see if they can help you... www.awaredogs.org.au Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baby Dragon Posted May 11, 2009 Share Posted May 11, 2009 (edited) If you're set on the breed, then that limits your options. But if you're able to be flexible with the breed, perhaps contact some of the assistance dog groups and ask about 'career change' dogs - dogs that haven't made the grade as a guide dog or assistance dog, but might suit your family's needs as a well behaved pet. Be sure to find out exactly why they didn't make the grade though. You don't want a dog with temperament problems. Hopefully they might be able to match you up with a suitable dog if you explain your needs. Righteous Pups is in Victoria. And here are some more organisations http://www.assistancedogsinternational.org...y.php#Australia Edited May 11, 2009 by Baby Dragon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pitbull575 Posted May 11, 2009 Author Share Posted May 11, 2009 Thanks everyone for your suggestions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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