How Labradoodles make the perfect Therapy/Service Dog for Autistic Individuals.

For those with autism, everyday activities such as socializing, settling into bed at night or going to a new place can be frustrating. Many individuals with autism struggle with interpersonal skills and breaking out of routines and comfort zones. A therapy/service dog can help with all of these issues and help a person find independence. A Labradoodle is a perfect fit as a service dog and can make an enormous difference in the life of a person with autism.

Social Skills and Interactions with Others

Some people with autism have trouble talking with others. They may feel uncomfortable in social situations such as public places or family gatherings. However, having a therapy dog can help these interactions by shifting the focus. For example, an autistic child may feel uncomfortable talking about school or what they like to eat, but talking about their dog may come more naturally. Adults who are made anxious by new surroundings or experiences may find them easier to handle with a calm, happy Labradoodle at their side. Our dogs are bred to be calm, affable and friendly with people of all ages, which can serve as an excellent model for people of all ages who have autism.

Finding Independence

Many people diagnosed with autism become overly attached to a caregiver, which can lead to an unhealthy relationship. Some autistic children will not sleep in their own rooms and may throw a tantrum when their preferred caregiver has to go to work. Our dogs can become that favored companion. This allows the autistic person to be more independent. Therapy dogs are welcome in most all public places, which can make it easier to autistic teens and adults to get out and engage within the community without being away from their constant companion. Labradoodles are bred and raised to be perfect companions for those with autism. Everyone, from small children on up to the elderly, can appreciate the calming, relaxed nature of these dogs.

Training Part of what makes the Labradoodle ideal for service dog duty is their innate personalities. They are calm, affectionate animals that are easy to train. The latter is very important, because training a dog to be a service animal for the autistic takes time, and must generally begin when the dog is quite young – often right after birth. Labradoodle puppies must be trained specifically in indoor living, neonatal stimulation, behavioural molding, and socializing with people of both sexes and all ages. Dogs as young as 8 weeks can and often are deployed to families dealing with autistic children. Introducing the puppy at such a young age allows for a deep bond to develop between the child and the animal, which increases the chances of a successful service relationship. However, the Labradoodle must pass a training certification before it can be deployed as a service dog and some puppies require more lengthy training periods. The warm, friendly personality of the Labradoodle has made it an ideal candidate to be a service dog, especially with the emotionally and socially difficult affliction of autism. The fact that the family itself can also enjoy the dog simply as a wonderful pet is also an advantage, as As Labradoodles can easily serve both roles.

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