Family Dogs for Speech Impaired & Down Syndrome Children
Unfortunately, most service dog programs do not train dogs for children with Down Syndrome. However, we have initiated the Asaway Puppy Program to provide family dogs specifically for families with children who have Down Syndrome or speech impairments. We select pups for temperament and trainability. Because children with Down Syndrome often have speech issues, we attempt to select pups that can readily learn visual commands.To ensure complete bonding, each family trains their own pup. In addition to the pup, each family receives a dynamic training video. Teaching Basic Manners (Volume One), is produced by the founder of “The Loved Dog”, Tamar Geller, a renowned life coach for dogs and their people. This video, while designed for a general audience, will help your special child become a vital member of the pup’s training team, even in the early stages before the pup learns a set of manners.
Children with Down Syndrome are remarkably caring by nature. These children have a deep well of love to draw from. The pups that qualify for our program are suited to provide not only well-behaved companionship, but also to serve as faithful life-long recipients of that love. Applicant families for our program must have a child with Down Syndrome or significant speech impairments.
Available breeds are Labrador Retriever and Australian Shepherd. Some of our pups are AKC registered, some are not. Trainability and predicted adult temperament are the primary characteristics that determine whether a pup is selected for our program. Rarely does a single litter produce more than one or two pups that match our requirements. At present, we have a 6-month waiting list, and growing. Request application materials or additional information by email. Be sure to include “Asaway Puppy Program” in the subject line.