Often children with autism have tendencies which cause them to bolt from situations. This tendency is a large safety concern for children with autism and a stressful tendency to manage for caregivers. An autism service dog is trained to be connected to the child via a specially designed tether system. If a child bolts the dog is trained to “anchor” in response. This immediate, emotionless reaction prevents the child from running into a dangerous situation and often helps to reduce or eliminate the bolting behavior. Autism Service dogs can also improve socialization and confidence in your child. The safety of your service canine allows for greater comfort in experiencing new situations as a family. Service animals are also often wonderful conversation starters which may allow for increased social encounters and encourage your child to talk about their dog.

Your service canine can also be trained to suppress or help navigate emotional outbursts caused by sensory overload. An autistic family member has a constant bond with their service dog and can focus on their service animal rather than the environment that may be causing them to be overwhelmed. This can help manage emotional outbursts as the dog redirects their companion to a more positive emotional response.

Service canines are trained as a guide for blind or visually impaired individuals that allows them to interact with others, navigate changing situations in motion, and easily move around their environment. A service dog assists in enhancing the daily lives of those with visual impairment while keeping them safe from harm.

Training for these service canines is focused on real-life situations, mobility and decision-making.

The human – canine bond has been proven scientifically to be hugely beneficial and transformative. As such, canine assisted therapies and services have become widely accepted as the ideal companionship in most cases.

In the case of autistic children, the companionship of a well-trained dog is a comforting bond that can encourage exceptional changes in sleeping, eating and social behaviors.

Investment in a service canine is a lengthy and rewarding process. We require a commitment from the potential handler to not only care for their new canine companion, but to maintain the standard of training provided through our program.

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In order to embark upon this journey with your canine, we require a valid prescription from your primary doctor indicating that there is a medical need for your service canine. We also require that you complete a Police Record Check with your local department.

​Please contact us for further information and to begin the application process.

On average service canines have a working career of approximately 7-9 years after which they are most commonly retired as a family pet or retired with a friend or relative as a family pet.

Breeds with excellent service canine reputations include.

Labrador Retriever Golden Retriever

German Shepherd

Poodles and Doodles

Collies

Beagles