Dogs Behaviour Around People With Disabilities Or Illness'

[Bluefairy]

My daughter is nearly 21 and she has Aspergers (High Functioning Autism), every dog she has ever met, she would run up to and cuddle, even those who I was wary of. I would try and stop her but she was a handful growing up and would escape. But she has NEVER been bitten by a dog. They just seem to know she would never harm them. She shows no fear only love towards them. I think they know she is different and treat her more gently.

So yes my daughter has amazed me over and over again by her love of animals great or small, and the trust she has for them has been returned ten fold to her. Its so wonderful to see any dog who will go to a human unconditionally and not judge them for who or what they are....shame us humans aren't so accommodating sometimes

BF

[Danielle]

My Smithy is the exact opposite of what everyone else is describing. She is fearful and agressive toward anyone who has a disabillity, be it physical or mental.

Dont know why she is like this, she has never had a bad experience in that department from what I know. She once became confrontational with a girl who walked past us (she had Down Syndrome) and I had to pull her away and apologise. She gets like that with ppl in wheelchairs, crutches or even if someone has an evident limp.

She doesnt like anyone who is different. I think it is a confidence/insecurity problem on her behalf.

[poodlefan]

My poodles are a bit wary of very young children but seem to take everyone else in their stride. Lily my toy loves older folk.

Howie loves everyone. I have to restrain him from sticking his head into prams and pushers.

There was an man with Downs Syndrome who used to walk two kelpie crosses past my house every day. The dogs were getting older and slower but they all plodded along happily. Time came when he was down to one dog. Now I never see him anymore.

Edited March 16, 2010 by poodlefan