Would an English Bulldog be a good therapy dog for a special needs child with Autism?

[bullmama]

I was asked this question and I honestly do not know, while I would think they would be perfect due to their loving demeanor, I just do not want to give bad information.

While I think perhaps an older cuddly senior would be more appropriate, I can only imagine that most rescues would deny someone with a child.

Then I think a puppy may be too much if they are particularly hyper.

Let me know what you think friends!

 

[cali baker]

My first inclination is to say YES. I'm sure they would have to find the right EB that would be trained to be such a therapy dog. Not quite sure how it all works though in the therapy-dog world...like would they be trained specifically for a child w/autism?

 

[chemist]

I would believe that it would be better if the dog can accompany the child almost everywhere. With their restrictions to heat, I dont think they would be ideal.

 

[ddnene]

I think that bulldogs would be a great choice… most of them are very loving and laid-back. BUT I will tell you of an incident that happened w/my dog trainer. She trained a bulldog to be a PTSD dog for a former soldier, and she said that the dog is amazing. Last summer he took his bully to the zoo, and he almost died of heat stroke… the problem is that these dogs MUST be able to withstand any conditions to include the weather and that could really become an issue for a bulldog.

 

[brutus77]

I agree, temperment wise they would be great, but like the others have said, the health concerns could be too restrictive.

 

[Roseann]

I would think my Henry would be afraid of the possible outbursts. He's my only experience with an EB so I'm not sure.

 

[bullmama]

Yeah I also think that while bulldogs are laid back and cuddly a lot of the time, which is what this person is looking to find for her daughter with autism, I'm afraid that some bulldogs just are not cuddlers and a puppy would be biting for 6 months. It would have to be the ideal pup or older dog who is just a big ole cuddler.

I am not sure if they would be taking their bulldog, if they got one, anywhere but home.

 

[jimmyjj]

I got a 3 year old re-home for a guy who works for me. His step son has autism,
this was 8 month ago and they love daisy / all is well

However he didn't want a pup due to his step sons Illness.

So pups no but bullys that have matured yes, now when I look back he done the right thing for his family