5 of the best dog breeds for children with autism

Labrador retrievers, border collies and miniature schnauzers are among the best therapy dog breeds for children with autism, according to new research. Providing security and companionship, these puppies help promote positive behavior changes, reduce anxiety, and provide calming focus.

According to a study conducted by the National Autistic Society and Mind, 94% of people with autism suffer from anxiety, almost half of which fall into the category of severe anxiety. Although there is plenty of help available, the constant presence of a specially trained dog provides the kind of companionship and unconditional friendship that can help someone with autism.

Here are some of the other ways dogs can help people with autism:

Reduce stress on family members
Promote positive behavior change
Offer comfort to children with autism when they are upset
Reduce behavioral outbursts

“Dogs are fantastic pets for so many people, but they’re especially good for people with autism,” says Julie Butcher, chief marketing officer at Webbox.

“Besides being companions and friends in themselves, they can even help people make friends by giving them the confidence they need in anxiety-provoking situations. And when sensory processing issues become too important, spending time with your dog is a great way to both calm down and stimulate themselves by petting them or playing a fun game.”

Take a look at the best breeds below:

1. Labrador retrievers

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“Kind, loyal, friendly and good-natured, Labradors make fantastic pets,” Webbox experts tell us. “They are often trained as therapy or assistance dogs, which means they are likely to be a wonderful companion for an autistic child. However, they can be quite rambunctious and excitable during the puppy phase, which can be quite challenging, especially if you’ve already got your hands full with your little ones.”

2. Collie

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“Energetic, intelligent and loyal, Collies are remarkably intuitive and sensitive to their owner’s feelings and needs, which means they are often a great fit for people with autism.

“They also like to be trained and can therefore make a great companion for an older child, who may appreciate the structure and routine of pet training. However, Collies are very energetic dogs and need Lots of mental stimulation and exercise, so it’s important to make sure you can provide it.”

3. Saint Bernard

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“These gentle giants are known to be loving, loyal and calm, and have always been trained to act as attentive ‘nanny dogs’ for children. However, they are a very large breed, often reaching up to 90cm in height as adults. So they may not be the best option for smaller homes and gardens.”

4. Poodle Mixes

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Webbox says: “Poodle mixes, such as Labradoodles and Goldendoodles, can also make excellent pets for children with autism spectrum disorders. They combine the affectionate, friendly, and good-natured traits of a Lab with the intelligence and allergic coat of the Poodle. Be warned that they can sometimes grow to quite a large size.”

5. Miniature Schnauzer

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“Happy, intelligent and full of character, Mini Schnauzers can be great pets, especially if raised with children. They can be stubborn though, so you’ll need a steady hand and a bit of patience during training!”

12 Waterproof and Easy to Clean Dog Beds

Earthbound Classic Waterproof Dog Bed, Gray

The Earthbound Classic Waterproof Dog Bed is the ultimate in heavy-duty dog luxury, featuring a premium waterproof polyester exterior, while the removable (and reversible) interior cushion features waterproof polyester on one side and a soft sherpa on the other, making this the perfect cozy spot for your dog to rest after an outdoor adventure. The Earthbound Classic Waterproof Dog Bed is machine washable at 30 degrees, to easily remove muddy paw prints and odors.

Amazon Waterproof Dog Bed

Designed for comfort, Bedsure beds are filled with premium microfiber in separate chambers and an ultra-soft reversible design. This pet bedding creates the ultimate place for your pet to rest and relax. The beds have a durable scratch resistant surface and are designed to withstand water like sweat or dog urine.

Danish Design – Blue Maritime Box Duvet

This Danish Design Maritime Blue Box Duvet Bed features combinations of linen-look stripes and denim-look textures in three casual colourways, all highlighted by a special nautical edition of the Danish Design embroidered placket.

Ellie-Bo Waterproof Dog Beds in Green – Custom Made to Fit Crates and Crates (34″ – Fits Large 36″ Dog Crates)

This Ellie-Bo Waterproof Dog Bed features a removable and machine washable Oxford weave waterproof outer cover. It also has a waterproof and breathable inner cover.

Double Sided Waterproof Dog Bed Cushion for Puppy and Washable Pet (Medium, Red)

This popular paw print pet mattress has a double-sided waterproof pet pad with carry handle and paw print design. Both sides are waterproof but only one side has the pattern printed. It has a zip closure with removable cushion.

AllPetSolutions Dexter Beds Soft, Waterproof, Washable and Durable Dog Bed (M, Grey)

The durable, waterproof Oxford fabric is easy to clean, very durable and suitable for dogs of all breeds and sizes. The bed cover closes with a zipper, making it easy to remove for cleaning. The cover is 100% machine washable. Non-slip backing, ideal for use on polished floors and tiles.

Orvis ComfortFill-Eco™ Dog Bed

This Orvis bed has a soft quilted sleeping surface and a contoured bolster makes it comfortable for your dog. The ComfortFill-Eco cushion is made entirely from recycled plastic bottles and will not flatten or clump.

The three-sided bolster provides security and support for dogs that prefer a place to lean or rest their head, while the open side allows dogs of all ages to get on and off easily. The cushioning-grade cover is as durable as it is incredibly soft. 100% Polyester. Washable. Personalize with embroidery, up to 15 letters.

YELLOW dog bed with removable cover / luminous dog nest MUSTARD / XS – Xxl size dog mat, Gift for dog owners

This best-selling yellow dog bed comes with a removable, machine-washable cover. It is made of high quality upholstery fabrics, which makes your pet feel very comfortable inside. Elastic pillows provide security and comfort for pets.

Waterproof mattress for large pets

This waterproof pet mattress helps your dog relax and sleep comfortably by keeping them supported, warm and dry. The bed’s laminated fabric helps repel water and although the bed is strong and durable, it’s still comfortable for them to sleep or rest on. The removable cover and removable inner cushion are both machine washable when you need to clean it.

Petface Waterproof Mattress

This Petface Water Resistant Mattress is designed to help keep your dog’s bed clean. It comes with a removable Berber fleece cover that you can easily remove and reattach with the snaps. The removable cover is machine washable and the wipe clean base makes clean up a breeze. The non-slip backing helps keep the bed steady as your dog moves up and down.

P&L Country Dog Tough Waterproof Rectangular Dog Beds in 3 Sizes Medium, Large and XL/Jumbo

The ideal dog bed for country dogs who regularly get wet and dirty. The tough, hard-wearing, water-resistant 100% polyester material is easy to clean. The thick base pad is removable and the high sides of this bed are filled with bonded thermal polyester fiber to insulate your pet from the cold ground and keep them out of drafts.

Joules – Dog bed with bee motif

This dog bed is thick and padded on all sides to provide extra warmth and comfort with reversible cushions. It is also machine washable and has a non-slip base.

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