Reputable support dog breeder/trainer in VA?

[Anonymous]

My son is on the autism spectrum and adores dogs. Since he struggles with social connection with other children, we think his mental health would benefit enormously from having a support companion.

The thing is, we love dogs but have never had one. We were told that finding a breeder of large, docile breeds could be a starting point but that we would be best placed with a breeder or trainer who works specifically with support dogs. He doesn't need a service animal since he is self sufficient, physically.

Anyone have any leads or advice? This is very new territory for us.

[Anonymous]

I don't have a specific breeder in Virginia to recommend, but based off of the other details in your post, I'd look for a top breeder of Golden Retrievers that does temperament testing and could set you up with a puppy that is suited for this kind of role. Some of the service dog academies have their own breeders (which you don't need) but most strong Golden breeders will have had at least a few that went on to be therapy dogs or owner trained service dogs. They're generally an easily trainable breed and good for first time dog owners. Large and docile, there's a reason they're part of the "fab four" for service work.

[Anonymous]

You can check with service dog organizations as well. Lots of dogs wash out from these programs, so they come with boatloads of training already.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You can check with service dog organizations as well. Lots of dogs wash out from these programs, so they come with boatloads of training already.

That is a fabulous suggestion.

[Anonymous]

Op here. Thank you! Much appreciated! Are goldens preferable over labs?

[Anonymous]

We have allergies in my family so we ended up with a standard poodle. He is amazing with our kids, including our oldest who is also autistic. I would not actually recommend our breeder as they seem to implement “demand pricing” which is sketchy, and pushed their own training facility very heavily. I did not like their training approach so it was a no go. Also the pup came home with bad intestinal issues. They market as being for service dogs. If you do the research and would consider a standard poodle, there is a really good Facebook group (something like Uncensored Opinions on Poodle breeders) that can help you navigate the poodle breeder list. Many many poodles become service dogs and the good breeders breed for health and temperament, like any good breeder.

I have also had goldens (rescues) and they are generally amazing dogs. Ours loved our oldest even though she was very unsure about adding a little one to our pack. She always wanted to be near him and to our youngest even though she was getting quite old when he was born. I actually miss the golden fur, but it was no joke!! We now have very (very) expensive grooming bills but no billowing golden fur.

If having a service dog is important there is a group that places service dogs with autistic children, but maybe like you we didn’t think our sons needs qualified as needing an all the time companion. It’s quite a process and very expensive.

Keep in mind that the dogs favorite person is usually the one that does the most food, treats, play and walks, so make sure your son wants the dog and is engaged with it. I will say whenever my autistic son engages with our dog he is usually all smiles,but does need guidance and coaching as he can often get frustrated if the dog isn’t doing what he wants him, too. We also got the dog as a puppy and at age one he isn’t really very trustworthy yet! It is probably as much training on our part as anything.

Note golden retrievers and poodles need lots of stimulation, engagement and exercise to be well adjusted, but I have found that poodles need more mental exercise than goldens (I have had one poodle and 4 goldens).

[Anonymous]

Also check out 4 Paws for Ability

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We have allergies in my family so we ended up with a standard poodle. He is amazing with our kids, including our oldest who is also autistic. I would not actually recommend our breeder as they seem to implement “demand pricing” which is sketchy, and pushed their own training facility very heavily. I did not like their training approach so it was a no go. Also the pup came home with bad intestinal issues. They market as being for service dogs. If you do the research and would consider a standard poodle, there is a really good Facebook group (something like Uncensored Opinions on Poodle breeders) that can help you navigate the poodle breeder list. Many many poodles become service dogs and the good breeders breed for health and temperament, like any good breeder.

I have also had goldens (rescues) and they are generally amazing dogs. Ours loved our oldest even though she was very unsure about adding a little one to our pack. She always wanted to be near him and to our youngest even though she was getting quite old when he was born. I actually miss the golden fur, but it was no joke!! We now have very (very) expensive grooming bills but no billowing golden fur.

If having a service dog is important there is a group that places service dogs with autistic children, but maybe like you we didn’t think our sons needs qualified as needing an all the time companion. It’s quite a process and very expensive.

Keep in mind that the dogs favorite person is usually the one that does the most food, treats, play and walks, so make sure your son wants the dog and is engaged with it. I will say whenever my autistic son engages with our dog he is usually all smiles,but does need guidance and coaching as he can often get frustrated if the dog isn’t doing what he wants him, too. We also got the dog as a puppy and at age one he isn’t really very trustworthy yet! It is probably as much training on our part as anything.

Note golden retrievers and poodles need lots of stimulation, engagement and exercise to be well adjusted, but I have found that poodles need more mental exercise than goldens (I have had one poodle and 4 goldens).

This is good advice. I'd also go with a breeder as well.

[Anonymous]

You need a trained and certified service animal OP. A "support dog" is basically a pet. And pets should stay home.

[Anonymous]

Look at lab rescue. They have a Facebook page.

[Anonymous]

Blue ridge Canine