If you're looking for autism dog training near you in the LA area, you're in luck because there are many services available.
Autism Service Dogs can be trained to assist individuals with autism in various ways, such as providing emotional support, interrupting self-injurious behaviors, and helping with social interactions.
One organization in the LA area, Canine Companions for Independence, offers a variety of dog training programs, including those specifically designed for individuals with autism.
They have a team of experienced trainers who work with clients and their families to create customized training plans.
Consider reading: Autism Assistance Dog Training
Autism Dog Training
Autism Service Dogs are trained to assist individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Russell Hartstein, a renowned Certified Dog Behaviorist and Trainer, has been training service dogs for 30 years.
These dogs can be trained to recognize specific signs of anxiety or frustration in children with autism. For example, a simple touch to the child's arm can interrupt repetitive behaviors.
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Our dogs can be trained to paw at the child's leg to interrupt these behaviors. This can help redirect the child's attention and calm them down.
Russell Hartstein has experience training service dogs in the Los Angeles area, and has worked with families to train their own dogs as service dogs.
Some examples of how Autism Service Dogs can assist include:
- Interrupting repetitive behaviors
- Providing emotional support and comfort
- Assisting with daily tasks and routines
Children's Program (Ages 8-10)
Service dogs can be a game-changer for kids with autism.
NEADS Service Dogs are trained to help with a range of tasks that can address symptoms, behaviors, and issues caused by autism.
A child's socialization skills, behavioral skills, life skills, and fine and gross motor skills can all be improved with the help of a NEADS Service Dog.
Gross motor skills can be developed through daily exercising, throwing a ball, and playing games with the dog.
This type of exercise can help a child's gross motor development.
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The matching process for a NEADS Service Dog is highly personalized, taking into account each child's unique needs and personality.
Some children may benefit from a dog that seeks out attention and elicits play, while others may require a quiet, reserved dog to feel more comfortable.
Conversational skills can be improved through interactions with a Service Dog, which can facilitate conversation in any environment.
People may ask predictable questions about the dog, allowing a child to learn rote answers and connect with others.
Eye contact can be practiced by looking into a Service Dog's eyes, which can translate into making eye contact with people.
A Service Dog can also help with regulating emotions through task work, such as "visit" or "lap", which provides a tactile way for the child to soothe themselves.
Exercising a Service Dog can be a transitional tool that allows a child to more easily move to the next activity.
This can be especially helpful for navigating transitions, such as returning home from school or anticipating a doctor's visit.
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Training Methods
Russell Hartstein, a renowned Certified Dog Behaviorist and Trainer, has been training service dogs for 30 years, including autism service dogs.
There are many ways to train a Service Dog, including working with a professional like Russell Hartstein or learning how to do it yourself.
The type of training depends on a person's disability and the dog, which is why Fun Paw Care trains service dogs in specific tasks to mitigate a plethora of disabilities.
Fun Paw Care offers a Service Dog Training Boot Camp (Board & Train) option, which is a great way to get started with training your autism service dog.
You can also opt for Online Service Dog Training Classes & Answers to All Service Dog Questions, which is perfect for those who prefer learning from home.
Here are the types of service dogs that Fun Paw Care trains:
- Autism Service Dogs – Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Psychiatric Service Dogs (PSD)
- Mobility dogs
- Animal-Assisted Therapy
- Hearing dogs
- Emotional Support Dogs (ESA)
- Therapy Dogs
Tether
Tether is a training method that can be especially helpful for children who tend to dart away from their caregivers. The harness is designed to be worn by the child, with a leash attached to the caregiver's belt loop or harness.
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Our dogs can be trained to resist the pressure when the child tries to dart away, keeping them safe. This can also teach the child to stop darting over time.
Many children who struggle with having their hands held by their parents do well with following a dog they are tethered to. This gives them a sense of confidence and security to feel that they are walking their own dog.
The tether can also keep a child focused on the dog and keep other distractions at bay.
Tracking
Tracking is a crucial aspect of autism assistance dog training, where the dog is taught to locate a specific individual by scent.
Many parents of autistic children have experienced the challenge of their child wandering off, often due to the child's ability to disarm alarms and open locks within seconds.
Little Angels Autism Assistance Dogs can be trained to track and locate the child by scent, which is a task similar to "Search and Rescue" but with the added specificity of tracking one individual.
This type of training is invaluable in preventing children from becoming lost or injured.
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Positive Reinforcement
Positive Reinforcement is a key part of service dog training. Russell Hartstein, a renowned Certified Dog Behaviorist and Trainer, uses positive reinforcement methods to train service dogs.
Training a service dog depends on a person's disability and the dog. Fun Paw Care trains service dogs in LA, all over the Greater Los Angeles, and the country for specific tasks to mitigate a plethora of disabilities.
Russell Hartstein has been training service dogs for 30 years, and he's a great example of how effective positive reinforcement can be. He's been a member of the Disability Access Committee (D.A.C.) for 10 years, appointed by two consecutive Mayors for his dedication and contribution to the community.
Fun Paw Care offers three service dog training options: Service Dog Training Boot Camp, Service Dog Behavior Modification, Troubleshooting & Obedience Task Training, and Online Service Dog Training Classes. Each option is individually catered to your disability and schedule.
Additional reading: The Power of Positive Dog Training
Here are the three service dog training options offered by Fun Paw Care:
Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool for training service dogs. By focusing on rewards and praise, you can help your dog learn new behaviors and become a loyal companion.
LA Area Services
In Los Angeles, you can find service dog training programs that cater to individuals with autism and other disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines a service animal as any dog individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability.
These service dogs can be trained to assist with various tasks, such as providing physical support, alerting individuals to important sounds, or helping with emotional regulation. The ADA took effect on March 15, 2011, and has been instrumental in promoting equal access for individuals with disabilities.
If you're looking for service dog training in the LA area, it's essential to find a program that is certified and experienced in training service dogs for autism and other disabilities.
Near Los Angeles
If you're looking for service dog training near Los Angeles, it's essential to understand what a service dog is. A service dog is any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines service animals, which took effect on March 15, 2011, and includes dogs trained to assist individuals with physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disabilities.
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LA Boot Camp
LA Boot Camp offers a unique service dog training experience in the comfort of your own home. This program is available to those who have completed at least one week of Service Dog Boot Camp and are enrolled in Russell's exclusive Members-only Club.
You'll receive a one-hour session with a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) and Certified Professional service Dog Trainer (CPDT), followed by a detailed service dog training and behavior analysis plan with abundant supporting resources. This customized training experience is designed to meet the unique needs of individuals with disabilities.
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The LA Boot Camp is a flexible and catered service dog training program that provides a more personalized approach to service dog training. By working exclusively with you and your dog, a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) and Certified Professional service Dog Trainer (CPDT) can help you overcome the challenges of traditional service dog training.
Here are the benefits of LA Boot Camp:
- Customized training plan tailored to your specific needs and disability
- One-on-one training sessions with a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) and Certified Professional service Dog Trainer (CPDT)
- Detailed behavior analysis plan with supporting resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dog therapy good for autism?
Yes, dog therapy has been shown to be beneficial for individuals with autism, promoting social interaction and calming effects. Therapy dogs can help create a comfortable and supportive environment for those on the autism spectrum.
Sources
- Autism Assistance (littleangelsservicedogs.org)
- Children with Autism (neads.org)
- Service Dog Training Near Me, Los Angeles (funpawcare.com)
- SERVICE DOG TRAINING PROGRAMS (animalsdeservebetter.org)
- Autism Dogs (gladwagsservicedogs.com)
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