Autism Assistance Dogs
Autism Assistance Dogs are not only a living miracle to the disabled child,
but also to the entire family. These special dogs are trained to assist the
child, and parents of the child, in a variety of different ways.














Tether Training
If your child has a tendency to dart away from you, or if you have trouble holding on to your
child for guidance, our dogs can be trained to assist in a form of guidance themselves. Little
Angels Autism Assistance Dogs can wear a special 'tether' harness that has a leash attached
to the belt loop or harness of your child. When the child tries to dart away the dog is trained
to automatically lie down. Not only does this keep the child out of danger, but over time it can
also teach the child to stop darting.

Many children who struggle against having their hands held by their parents do well with
following a dog they are tethered to.

Regardless of a tether being used or not, many children find satisfaction on holding onto a
special handle attached to the dog's vest that is designed especially for them. It gives them a
sense of confidence and security to feel that they are walking their own dog. This can also
keep a child focused on the dog and keep other distractions at bay.

Tracking
Many parents come to compare their autistic child to Houdini due to the fact that they are able
to disarm alarms and open locks within seconds. It seems that no matter how many
precautions are taken, that their children still find ways to wander from the house. Little
Angels Autism Assistance Dogs can also be trained to track and locate the child by scent. This
is a similar task to 'Search and Rescue', only the dog has learned to track down one specific
individual. Training such as this is invaluable to keep a child from becoming lost or injured.

Alert
Some children with autism demonstrate repetitive behaviors such as flailing their arms,
hitting various surfaces, stomping their feet, etc.. Parents often say that just a simple touch to
their child's arm will interupt these behaviors so the child is redirected. Our dogs can be
trained to recognize these signs from the child, and paw at their leg to interupt the behavior.

Social Bridge
Children with autism have shown enormous improvement with social skills, communication,
and even facial recognition when placed with an assistance dog. Our dogs wear a special
identifying vest when out in public with their child, which labels the dog as an Autism
Assistance Dog. When individuals notice the 'ask to pet me' inscribed on the vest, the child is
invited to communicate about their dog. In the beginning the descriptions are simple, such as
the name of the dog, the color of the dog, etc., but over time discussions become more
complex as the child explains how the dog helps him, and what they like about their dog.

Friendship
Dogs are not judgemental, and they accept us for who we are. They are a constant companion
that offers unconditional love and devotion. Above all the other ways an assistance dog can
help, this is perhaps the most beneficial of all.


























Handler Training
Hander Training is where the parent of the autistic child learns how to work with the dog as a
team. This generally takes 7-14 days, with training every day. This is when the dog learns to
respond to the commands of the handler, and when the handler learns how to reinforce the
training that the dog has already received. We cover practical, day-to-day life experiences so
you will feel confident taking the dog into your care.

After the completion of Handler Training we work together on a series of field tests, which are
administered by the trainer. After graduation, you and your dog will be certified as a working
team. In order for your dog to be granted legal public access, the dog must be accompanied
by your autistic child, and yourself. A certification card will be provided to the handler, as well
as a service vest and aluminum identification tag for your dog, which labels him or her as a
service animal.

We have a lifetime commitment to each
recipient and each dog that we place.
Once you and your dog have graduated we maintain contact to insure that your dog's training
and assistance remains in tact,
that the dog remains healthy and happy,
and that the dog is improving your quality of life.

What are the steps involved for receiving an
Autism Assistance Dog?

Step 1: Request an application via email.
The application is sent back to you via email.

Step 2: Return the application for review.
Your application is received via email, and you will receive
a response within 2 business days.

Step 3: If accepted we will contact you to schedule a phone
consultation.
The consultation is an average of 60 minutes where we discuss realistic expectations of how a
service dog can assist you, and to make sure you are a good fit for one of our dogs.

Step 4: Agreement.
If we believe one of our service dogs can assist you we will write out a customized agreement and ask
you to review your final decision with friends and family.

Step 5: Return your agreement with your $500.00 deposit, to be
added to our waiting list.
The deposit is your sign to us that you are committed to the program. Once this is received we begin
fundraising for the costs associated with your dog. Some recipients also choose to be added to our
website under the 'Donations' page - this is a personal decision and is not a requirement.

Step 6: Fundraising.
We need to raise an average of $10,000.00 for each Autism Assistance Dog that goes through our
school in order to cover all training, medical, and boarding expenses. If possible, we ask each
recipient to be involved in the fundraising process when they can.

Step 7: Specialized Training.
Once the funds are met we move your dog in from one of our foster homes, into specialized training.
Specialized training takes 3-4 months in addition to the months of training they have already had in
our program.

Step 8: Handler Training.
During handler training we work with you, one-on-one, and show you how to reinforce the training
your dog has already had. Once you and your dog graduate our program we stay in daily contact for
the first month, followed by monthly, and bi-yearly consultations for reports on your dog's ability to
continuously provide assistance to you and your child. Handler training takes place in San Diego,
California. Travel and hotel costs are generally covered by additional fundraising so there is no out of
pocket costs for our recipients.


Please contact us by email to receive an application and
additional details on the application process.

info@littleangelsservicedogs.org

Is an Autism Assistance Dog right for my child?

You must ...

1)Have a child with autism to the extent that the disability
hinders the aspects of day-to-day life.

2)Be willing to be the handler and leader of the dog, for your
child. Your child cannot handle the dog alone.

3)Have a family that loves dogs.

4)Have patience to work through problems. (Even a trained
dog is still a dog.)

5)Have finances to provide your dog with veterinary care and
maintenance for the next 10-12 years.

6)Be willing to travel to San Diego, California for handler
training, preferably with your child.