Re: guard dog?

[Guest guest]

Is there a specific breed of dog that anyone would recommend as a guard dog that won't eat my autistic child?From: miranda.flemming <miranda.flemming@...>Subject: ( ) Re: Picky eater Date: Saturday, June 12, 2010, 3:36 PM

I notice my son becomes a fraction less picky when he takes a zinc+C vitamin. He is more willing to try new foods when he takes this vitamin (plus a multi). What is frustrating is that he likes a food for a while, and then completely goes off it. He also has food sensititivies which complicates things. I am a picky eater too, but I'm sure he is worse than I ever was

Miranda

> >> >

> >> > I've known we've had Asperger's for past 2 years, but only recently got official diagnosis. I knew something was odd prior, but didn't know what it was.

> >> >

> >> > My MIL refuses to accept diagnosis. Ironically, she works with special needs children. But family hasn't been close for years - I think she doesn't want to believe it because doesn't like me and my son is a lot like me (but more severe). Is frustrating, but am trying to just get on with our lives.

> >> >

> >> > Miranda

> >> >

> >>

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Is there any type of dog that anyone would recommend for a guard dog that won't eat up my autistic daughter?From: luz velez <luzadrianna1970@...>Subject: Cambridge School in Pennington, New JerseyAspergers Treatment , autism-awareness-action , autism , "specialeducationiep" <asearchers@...>, mosaic-list , "SPEDlaw Moderator" <reedmartinspedlaw-owner >, njfamilieswautism Date: Friday, June 11, 2010, 4:49 AM

Hi,

Does anyone have information on the Cambridge School in Pennington, NJ? I have a son with Aspergers who is going into the 6th grade and I am looking for a program that will give him a good foundation in academics as well as social skills and a nurturing and therapeutic environment. Any help would be greatly appreciated! !

Thanks!!1

[Guest guest]

German shepard, boxer, pit bull, mastiff, labrador of any kind, retriever of any kind Sent via BlackBerry from T-MobileFrom: Christiansen <cathychristiansen84@...>Date: Sat, 12 Jun 2010 19:08:50 -0700 (PDT)<autism >Subject: Re: guard dog?Is there any type of dog that anyone would recommend for a guard dog that won't eat up my autistic daughter?From: luz velez <luzadrianna1970@...>Subject: Cambridge School in Pennington, New JerseyAspergers Treatment , autism-awareness-action , autism , "specialeducationiep" <asearchers@...>, mosaic-list , "SPEDlaw Moderator" <reedmartinspedlaw-owner >, njfamilieswautism Date: Friday, June 11, 2010, 4:49 AM Hi, Does anyone have information on the Cambridge School in Pennington, NJ? I have a son with Aspergers who is going into the 6th grade and I am looking for a program that will give him a good foundation in academics as well as social skills and a nurturing and therapeutic environment. Any help would be greatly appreciated! ! Thanks!!1

[Guest guest]

Hi any dog will be fine if you train it right and also a bit of training with your daughter.  

[Guest guest]

,

Almost any large sized or medium sized dog that will bark will be a deterrent.

The best dog I ever had as far as being good with kids was a Husky mixed with something big-probably German Sheppard but maybe even a wolf. He certainly had all the wolf behavior traits. Even though he never met a person he didn't like people were afraid of him because he was big. He would only bark at other dogs though, never people or random noises.

The sound of a big dog barking scares the bad guys away a lot of times. I am a retired police officer and I never took a burglary report at a house that had barking dogs. I'm told that Husky's in general don't bark much. Would barking scare your daughter?

I have nothing against Pitt Bulls but check your local laws first. Some places have restrictions. I think people make those dogs vicious sometimes. I don't think the dogs are naturally that way, although Pitts seem to have more of pack mentality when there are two of them whereas other dogs don't get the pack mentality going until there are a group of four.

German Sheppard are good dogs, and Australian Sheppard, and other herding type dogs are good with kids. Some of the herding dogs will herd kids too--they are very protective. Our neighbor's Australian Sheppard went next door all the time and kept the other neighbors small children out of the street.

If you go with a pure breed dog please research the genetic problems associated with that breed and have the animal checked by your vet. I actually prefer mixed breed dogs and you can get one at a shelter or pound.

If you get a puppy be aware that a lot of the larger breed dogs chew for a couple of YEARS. Be prepared to buy them safe items to chew on so as to spare your furniture and shoes! Get the dog some training. And yourself if you aren't an experienced dog handler.

Medium sized dogs are great too. We had some dogs that were mixed with some sort of terrier when I was a kid. They were protective and great company.

I just read Temple Grandin's new book "Animals Make Us Human." Basically she said that the longer the dogs nose, the more mature the face of the dog (I.e. the most like a wolf's face) the more mature the dog will be as an adult. The little dogs with the short noses and immature puppy faces when they are adult remain immature for their lifetime. I recommend the book for anyone with cats or dogs, or who has cows are other farm animals.

Subject: Re: guard dog?

Is there any type of dog that anyone would recommend for a guard dog that won't eat up my autistic daughter?

[Guest guest]

Last year we adopted a rottweiler from a rescue place. She is so very gentle with our son and is excellent for his high sensory seeking needs. When he pushes her, she is just filled with joy. When they are both finished he will wiggle his legs under her and she is a living weighted lap pad. Because of her breed and the stereotype that goes along with it, there has not been an adult brave enough to approach my son when the dog is with us. The dog is a giant marshmallow but the rest of the world does not know that. This past sping my son eloped to the highway (he had just turned 6) and the dog herded him, knocked him to the ground by ripping his shirt, and pinned him by laying on his legs. That was how I found them. She is young enough that she still chews, but thankfully smart enough to distinguish what "toys" are

hers to chew on. She is a gentle giant and just a blessing for our family. The dog will bark at other people and other dogs who approach or come near our home. One of the downsides to the dog: she loves cats...as a snack or chew toy and her poop clean up is pretty big. I can't stress enough how amazing this dog is for helping calm our son when he is in sensory overload or sensory seeking as well as when he is having a meltdown. Her breed is naturally overprotective it's "family" and we are very happy with that. Best wishes.

From: Todd <lctodd@...>Subject: Re: guard dog?autism Date: Sunday, June 13, 2010, 4:15 PM

,

Almost any large sized or medium sized dog that will bark will be a deterrent.

The best dog I ever had as far as being good with kids was a Husky mixed with something big-probably German Sheppard but maybe even a wolf. He certainly had all the wolf behavior traits. Even though he never met a person he didn't like people were afraid of him because he was big. He would only bark at other dogs though, never people or random noises.

The sound of a big dog barking scares the bad guys away a lot of times. I am a retired police officer and I never took a burglary report at a house that had barking dogs. I'm told that Husky's in general don't bark much. Would barking scare your daughter?

I have nothing against Pitt Bulls but check your local laws first. Some places have restrictions. I think people make those dogs vicious sometimes. I don't think the dogs are naturally that way, although Pitts seem to have more of pack mentality when there are two of them whereas other dogs don't get the pack mentality going until there are a group of four.

German Sheppard are good dogs, and Australian Sheppard, and other herding type dogs are good with kids. Some of the herding dogs will herd kids too--they are very protective. Our neighbor's Australian Sheppard went next door all the time and kept the other neighbors small children out of the street.

If you go with a pure breed dog please research the genetic problems associated with that breed and have the animal checked by your vet. I actually prefer mixed breed dogs and you can get one at a shelter or pound.

If you get a puppy be aware that a lot of the larger breed dogs chew for a couple of YEARS. Be prepared to buy them safe items to chew on so as to spare your furniture and shoes! Get the dog some training. And yourself if you aren't an experienced dog handler.

Medium sized dogs are great too. We had some dogs that were mixed with some sort of terrier when I was a kid. They were protective and great company.

I just read Temple Grandin's new book "Animals Make Us Human." Basically she said that the longer the dogs nose, the more mature the face of the dog (I.e. the most like a wolf's face) the more mature the dog will be as an adult. The little dogs with the short noses and immature puppy faces when they are adult remain immature for their lifetime. I recommend the book for anyone with cats or dogs, or who has cows are other farm animals.

Subject: Re: guard dog?

Is there any type of dog that anyone would recommend for a guard dog that won't eat up my autistic daughter?

[Guest guest]

I don't mean to sound over-optimistic, but we have an American mastiff (looks just like an English mastiff) who is sweet and gentle and wonderful with my kiddos and saved my aspie's life about 3 times already. They can be trained for medical purposes but we only had her obedience trained. They get quite large (she is small for her breed at 145) but most end up 160 to 200. She is extremely protective but does not bark a lot. I have really nothing but good things to say about this breed. She does not over eat, I can leave food in her dish all day and if she is not hungry, she'll forget the food. And my friends all say they pity the person who would try to break into my house or hurt my kids. They have a very natural protective instinct, we have never had her guard dog trained. Best part of all,

she is super low maintenance. She's quite lazy and enjoys short walks. Gets a bath every 2-3 weeks and otherwise is calm and my dh calls her "our living bear rug". I'm not advertising because I get nothing out of someone getting one of these dogs, but if you have any questions you can email me off list and I'll be happy to chat. She is one of the best dogs I've ever had. Connie

[Guest guest]

I have been really working with my daughter and teaching her that it will be a gaurd dog and it't job is to bark. I know her and she will giggle when she hears it if we make it fun.From: Todd <lctodd@...>Subject: Re: guard dog?autism Date: Sunday, June 13, 2010, 3:15 PM

,

Almost any large sized or medium sized dog that will bark will be a deterrent.

The best dog I ever had as far as being good with kids was a Husky mixed with something big-probably German Sheppard but maybe even a wolf. He certainly had all the wolf behavior traits. Even though he never met a person he didn't like people were afraid of him because he was big. He would only bark at other dogs though, never people or random noises.

The sound of a big dog barking scares the bad guys away a lot of times. I am a retired police officer and I never took a burglary report at a house that had barking dogs. I'm told that Husky's in general don't bark much. Would barking scare your daughter?

I have nothing against Pitt Bulls but check your local laws first. Some places have restrictions. I think people make those dogs vicious sometimes. I don't think the dogs are naturally that way, although Pitts seem to have more of pack mentality when there are two of them whereas other dogs don't get the pack mentality going until there are a group of four.

German Sheppard are good dogs, and Australian Sheppard, and other herding type dogs are good with kids. Some of the herding dogs will herd kids too--they are very protective. Our neighbor's Australian Sheppard went next door all the time and kept the other neighbors small children out of the street.

If you go with a pure breed dog please research the genetic problems associated with that breed and have the animal checked by your vet. I actually prefer mixed breed dogs and you can get one at a shelter or pound.

If you get a puppy be aware that a lot of the larger breed dogs chew for a couple of YEARS. Be prepared to buy them safe items to chew on so as to spare your furniture and shoes! Get the dog some training. And yourself if you aren't an experienced dog handler.

Medium sized dogs are great too. We had some dogs that were mixed with some sort of terrier when I was a kid. They were protective and great company.

I just read Temple Grandin's new book "Animals Make Us Human." Basically she said that the longer the dogs nose, the more mature the face of the dog (I.e. the most like a wolf's face) the more mature the dog will be as an adult. The little dogs with the short noses and immature puppy faces when they are adult remain immature for their lifetime. I recommend the book for anyone with cats or dogs, or who has cows are other farm animals.

Subject: Re: guard dog?

Is there any type of dog that anyone would recommend for a guard dog that won't eat up my autistic daughter?

[Guest guest]



Anatolian Shepherd. If you want to know more about the breed, just email me personally.

--

Chesa Devon

( ) Re: Picky eater Date: Saturday, June 12, 2010, 3:36 PM

I notice my son becomes a fraction less picky when he takes a zinc+C vitamin. He is more willing to try new foods when he takes this vitamin (plus a multi). What is frustrating is that he likes a food for a while, and then completely goes off it. He also has food sensititivies which complicates things. I am a picky eater too, but I'm sure he is worse than I ever wasMiranda> >> >> >> > I've known we've had Asperger's for past 2 years, but only recently got official diagnosis. I knew something was odd prior, but didn't know what it was. > >> > > >> > My MIL refuses to accept diagnosis. Ironically, she works with special needs children. But family hasn't been close for years - I think she doesn't want to believe it because doesn't like me and my son is a lot like me (but more severe). Is frustrating, but am trying to just get on with our lives.> >> > > >> > Miranda> >> >> >>> >> >>

[Guest guest]

That's good. My son never was bothered by barking, but he hated the way puppies would jump around and try to play with him. After he got bigger, it was okay.

From: Christiansen

Sent: Sunday, June 13, 2010 7:01 PM

autism

Subject: Re: guard dog?

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[Guest guest]

Well, I know of some rottweilers that are very very good with kids. I know

someone who has a pack of rottweilers that she uses as rescue dogs. She's a

trainer. Once there was a little boy missing. He was 2 years old and had been

gone over 24 hours. That usually doesn't end well but the rottweilers found him

and led him to safety. He was perfectly fine and the dogs were happy. They

don't usually have happy endings like that unless the trainers orchestrate it

just to keep the dogs from being too miserable. That had to be done with the

dogs who helped find bodies after 9-11. Anyway, so there's a good

rottweiler/kid story. You have to make sure they are well trained and I

wouldn't try to do that on my own.

Miriam

>

> Is there a specific breed of dog that anyone would recommend as a guard dog

that won't eat my autistic child?

>

>

[Guest guest]

Chow Chow Picture Printer friendly Email a friend Enlarge photo More About Trace Picked Up Stray- 1400 Bllock 9th Street South. Black Collar if you can see this this is the dog we really like. It is at our local shelter and I know most people want puppies but I do not agree with pet store dogs and cats. This dog we think has lab and chow in it. It has the meanest bark I have ever heard, it is about 60 pounds so not so large I am intimidated and it is very very calm. I like the nature of the dog it is very relaxed and pleasant. It seems mean but when I have spent time with it I liked it very much. I am super nervous

because today my husband and child are coming to visit it! If it can behave with them we can have it! I am going to name him Duke. we have really been working with nne(age 4) to understand he is a work dog and he will bark to keep away people bothering our yard. She is very autistic and doesn't want to touch or play with animals but she does think they are interesting. I hope it goes well today! I really do not think the dog will act bad because it seems so good but if it acts aggressive in any way toward my husband or child we will have to keep looking.

[Guest guest]

Hi . Of course everybody is going to have their personal favorite dog

breed, and there are exceptions to every rule, but there are some breeds that

are proven to be better choices for families than others.

You also need to consider how much time and effort you have available to put

into training, which is a must with any dog but especially one in a family with

an autistic child. How much time are you able to spend exercising or working a

dog every day? Do you have a large yard? Is it fenced? Do you have a good

place to walk the dog?

How low- or high-maintenance are you willing to go with a dog? Some dogs

require a little brushing occasionally and a nail trim every month or so and

they're good, others shed a lot or drool a ton. Some breeds are predisposed to

certain health issues, hips, eyes, respiratory so those things need to be taken

into consideration as well.

How much can you afford to spend on dog food, vet bills, vaccinations, heartworm

prevention treatment, flea/tick prevention during the summer,

grooming/leash/collar/toys/treats/misc. expenses?

Will the dog be sharing a home with other pets? Does it need to get along well

with other animals?

When you figure all of these things out, you'll be able to automatically remove

some dogs from your list of possibilities. I will say that it's pretty commonly

accepted that Dachshunds, Chow Chows, Cocker Spaniels, and may of the little toy

breeds are more prone to be human aggressive. And some breeds are more

territorial and aggressive towards other animals (Akitas, Pit Bulls).

Some dogs are easy-going but kind of slow or a bit lazy and harder to train.

Some dogs are very bright and quick to learn but they need attention and

stimulation on a regular basis or they become hyper or destructive (Working dogs

need to work!).

If you do decide to get a pure-bred dog please, please, please do lots of

research and make sure you use a reputable breeder. You want somebody that is

breeding dogs because they love the breed and are only breeding for quality.

Not somebody that is breeding their dogs twice a year, every year because they

can and that's how they're making or supplementing their income. The

temperament of the dog absolutely depends on it's breeding!! If you need help

finding a few breeders or getting started, I'd be happy to try to help!

There are many, many wonderful dogs in shelters that need good homes and are

just as deserving but you need to be careful and try to find one where the

history is known. Many shelter animals have come from less-than-desirable

situations and may react negatively if provoked or over-stimulated (loud noise,

sudden movements, a raised hand). All things that are pretty freaking common

around my household!

I will say that one of the best dogs I've ever owned...my canine

soulmate...she's been dead 10 years and I'm tearing up even now thinking about

her...was a rescue who had been very abused. She was a German Shepherd and was

just the sweetest, kindest, most loving dog I've ever met.

I grew up with German Shepherd Dogs, my parents bred, trained, and showed them.

As and adult I've had several Shepherds as well as a Dachshund and a Chihuahua.

The Dachshund was very, very protective of hubby and I to the point that she

would attack and bite people if they came near us. It broke out hearts, but we

eventually had to have her put to sleep. The Chihuahua thinks she's a cat and

only looks for the nearest lap to cuddle up in. Both of the small dogs were

ones my mother insisted that she wanted and then after a month or two realized

that she didn't really want the work and effort of after all.

Two of our Shepherds have been with us through Jake's most violent and

aggressive periods. In fact, the dogs were frequent victims of his rage.

During the worst time, before he started Abilify a couple of years ago, if one

of the dogs looked at him wrong or for too long it would set him off and he

would go after them. It is a testament to the even temperament and intelligence

of a well-bred Shepherd that they never reacted with aggression towards him and

only tried to escape or turn away to protect themselves. Poor things, they

spent a lot of time outside in the yard for a few months there...for their own

good.

If you've made it this far, I hope some of this has helped. Please let me know

if you need additional help!

Love,

Judy (mom to : age 13, NT, and Jake: age 11.5, ASD)

>

> Is there any type of dog that anyone would recommend for a guard dog that

won't eat up my autistic daughter?

>

[Guest guest]

Judy,

You wrote an excellent email, well done. You are correct about every single point made and thank you for taking the time to make these points. Again, well done.

Beth (previous guard dog reply)

From: judy1067 <jacyone@...>Subject: Re: guard dog?autism Date: Tuesday, June 15, 2010, 9:33 AM

Hi . Of course everybody is going to have their personal favorite dog breed, and there are exceptions to every rule, but there are some breeds that are proven to be better choices for families than others.You also need to consider how much time and effort you have available to put into training, which is a must with any dog but especially one in a family with an autistic child. How much time are you able to spend exercising or working a dog every day? Do you have a large yard? Is it fenced? Do you have a good place to walk the dog?How low- or high-maintenance are you willing to go with a dog? Some dogs require a little brushing occasionally and a nail trim every month or so and they're good, others shed a lot or drool a ton. Some breeds are predisposed to certain health issues, hips, eyes, respiratory so those things need to be taken into consideration as well.How much can you afford to spend on dog food, vet

bills, vaccinations, heartworm prevention treatment, flea/tick prevention during the summer, grooming/leash/collar/toys/treats/misc. expenses?Will the dog be sharing a home with other pets? Does it need to get along well with other animals?When you figure all of these things out, you'll be able to automatically remove some dogs from your list of possibilities. I will say that it's pretty commonly accepted that Dachshunds, Chow Chows, Cocker Spaniels, and may of the little toy breeds are more prone to be human aggressive. And some breeds are more territorial and aggressive towards other animals (Akitas, Pit Bulls).Some dogs are easy-going but kind of slow or a bit lazy and harder to train. Some dogs are very bright and quick to learn but they need attention and stimulation on a regular basis or they become hyper or destructive (Working dogs need to work!).If you do decide to get a pure-bred dog please, please, please do

lots of research and make sure you use a reputable breeder. You want somebody that is breeding dogs because they love the breed and are only breeding for quality. Not somebody that is breeding their dogs twice a year, every year because they can and that's how they're making or supplementing their income. The temperament of the dog absolutely depends on it's breeding!! If you need help finding a few breeders or getting started, I'd be happy to try to help!There are many, many wonderful dogs in shelters that need good homes and are just as deserving but you need to be careful and try to find one where the history is known. Many shelter animals have come from less-than-desirable situations and may react negatively if provoked or over-stimulated (loud noise, sudden movements, a raised hand). All things that are pretty freaking common around my household!I will say that one of the best dogs I've ever owned...my canine soulmate...she's been

dead 10 years and I'm tearing up even now thinking about her...was a rescue who had been very abused. She was a German Shepherd and was just the sweetest, kindest, most loving dog I've ever met.I grew up with German Shepherd Dogs, my parents bred, trained, and showed them. As and adult I've had several Shepherds as well as a Dachshund and a Chihuahua.The Dachshund was very, very protective of hubby and I to the point that she would attack and bite people if they came near us. It broke out hearts, but we eventually had to have her put to sleep. The Chihuahua thinks she's a cat and only looks for the nearest lap to cuddle up in. Both of the small dogs were ones my mother insisted that she wanted and then after a month or two realized that she didn't really want the work and effort of after all.Two of our Shepherds have been with us through Jake's most violent and aggressive periods. In fact, the dogs were frequent victims of his

rage. During the worst time, before he started Abilify a couple of years ago, if one of the dogs looked at him wrong or for too long it would set him off and he would go after them. It is a testament to the even temperament and intelligence of a well-bred Shepherd that they never reacted with aggression towards him and only tried to escape or turn away to protect themselves. Poor things, they spent a lot of time outside in the yard for a few months there...for their own good.If you've made it this far, I hope some of this has helped. Please let me know if you need additional help!Love,Judy (mom to : age 13, NT, and Jake: age 11.5, ASD)>> Is there any type of dog that anyone would recommend for a guard dog that won't eat up my autistic daughter?>

[Guest guest]

thank you to everyone for all your help! We found our dog! His name is Duke and he is a lab/chow mix. He is very very sweet but independant. He is not overly needy. He is kind to my family but he is the meanest looking dog you have ever seen! Just what we wanted and yes we are very controlling people and we have thought out all the things about having him in our home. I am very excited to have him be a part of our family. My daughter even likes him and she doesn't really like animals that much. I have always wanted a dog but my husband said no then we had a child with autism and he said NEVER. But now with our home being vandalised so much we really need the added protection and I need the companion. I love animals and i am a nuturer but my daughter doesn't always want my hugs and love she is a little

mean sometimes so I look forward to my time with all of us as a group and my time alone with the dog. I have respite of sorts and I have about 5 hours everyday that I can be alone with the dog and the rest of the time can be family time with the dog so it likes all of us.CAthyFrom: judy1067 <jacyone@...>Subject: Re: guard dog?autism Date: Tuesday, June 15, 2010, 8:33 AM

Hi . Of course everybody is going to have their personal favorite dog breed, and there are exceptions to every rule, but there are some breeds that are proven to be better choices for families than others.

You also need to consider how much time and effort you have available to put into training, which is a must with any dog but especially one in a family with an autistic child. How much time are you able to spend exercising or working a dog every day? Do you have a large yard? Is it fenced? Do you have a good place to walk the dog?

How low- or high-maintenance are you willing to go with a dog? Some dogs require a little brushing occasionally and a nail trim every month or so and they're good, others shed a lot or drool a ton. Some breeds are predisposed to certain health issues, hips, eyes, respiratory so those things need to be taken into consideration as well.

How much can you afford to spend on dog food, vet bills, vaccinations, heartworm prevention treatment, flea/tick prevention during the summer, grooming/leash/collar/toys/treats/misc. expenses?

Will the dog be sharing a home with other pets? Does it need to get along well with other animals?

When you figure all of these things out, you'll be able to automatically remove some dogs from your list of possibilities. I will say that it's pretty commonly accepted that Dachshunds, Chow Chows, Cocker Spaniels, and may of the little toy breeds are more prone to be human aggressive. And some breeds are more territorial and aggressive towards other animals (Akitas, Pit Bulls).

Some dogs are easy-going but kind of slow or a bit lazy and harder to train. Some dogs are very bright and quick to learn but they need attention and stimulation on a regular basis or they become hyper or destructive (Working dogs need to work!).

If you do decide to get a pure-bred dog please, please, please do lots of research and make sure you use a reputable breeder. You want somebody that is breeding dogs because they love the breed and are only breeding for quality. Not somebody that is breeding their dogs twice a year, every year because they can and that's how they're making or supplementing their income. The temperament of the dog absolutely depends on it's breeding!! If you need help finding a few breeders or getting started, I'd be happy to try to help!

There are many, many wonderful dogs in shelters that need good homes and are just as deserving but you need to be careful and try to find one where the history is known. Many shelter animals have come from less-than-desirable situations and may react negatively if provoked or over-stimulated (loud noise, sudden movements, a raised hand). All things that are pretty freaking common around my household!

I will say that one of the best dogs I've ever owned...my canine soulmate...she's been dead 10 years and I'm tearing up even now thinking about her...was a rescue who had been very abused. She was a German Shepherd and was just the sweetest, kindest, most loving dog I've ever met.

I grew up with German Shepherd Dogs, my parents bred, trained, and showed them. As and adult I've had several Shepherds as well as a Dachshund and a Chihuahua.

The Dachshund was very, very protective of hubby and I to the point that she would attack and bite people if they came near us. It broke out hearts, but we eventually had to have her put to sleep. The Chihuahua thinks she's a cat and only looks for the nearest lap to cuddle up in. Both of the small dogs were ones my mother insisted that she wanted and then after a month or two realized that she didn't really want the work and effort of after all.

Two of our Shepherds have been with us through Jake's most violent and aggressive periods. In fact, the dogs were frequent victims of his rage. During the worst time, before he started Abilify a couple of years ago, if one of the dogs looked at him wrong or for too long it would set him off and he would go after them. It is a testament to the even temperament and intelligence of a well-bred Shepherd that they never reacted with aggression towards him and only tried to escape or turn away to protect themselves. Poor things, they spent a lot of time outside in the yard for a few months there...for their own good.

If you've made it this far, I hope some of this has helped. Please let me know if you need additional help!

Love,

Judy (mom to : age 13, NT, and Jake: age 11.5, ASD)

>

> Is there any type of dog that anyone would recommend for a guard dog that won't eat up my autistic daughter?

>