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Jennifer Shryock
Jennifer Shryock is a certified dog behavior consultant, who specializes in helping families keep things safe and fun between children and the family dog/s. She has a duo bachelor’s degree in Special Education and Elementary Education from Kutztown University. She combined her passion for working with families, children and dogs into a career in dog behavior, and founded Family Paws in 2002. She developed Dogs & Storks™, an original and complete program for new and expecting parents (and grandparents) who have a family dog.

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Searching For The Right Companion For A Special Needs Child [Edit]
12/9/2006

I would like to buy our daughter, 4 1/2 with some special needs, a puppy to be her forever buddy. I truly think this would be a good thing for her. (Special Needs: Developmentally behind gross and fine motor skills and significantly in speech. Babbles most of time, says a sentence occasionally). I am considering a Goldendoodle or an Australian Shepherd for their intelligence and temperaments. I have read a lot on each breed and talked to breeders of each kind. Still undecided. Thoughts? Suggestions? (Msemerald, Delaware)

Hello and thank you for emailing.

There is so much to consider when choosing a companion for a family. Your daughter is very young and even the most tolerant 4 year olds find puppies a bit much to handle. Have you thought about an older dog; a dog that may not meet the long-term requirements for Guiding Eyes? Many times there are dogs that do not fit the program needs and are placed in homes. This may be a good option to consider. I suggest an older dog vs. a puppy as you can see the temperament once developed instead of a puppy. Often it is not the breed that matters but the temperament. Australian shepherds are very intelligent but also very high energy. This is something to c

onsider very carefully.

I have a background in Special Education and believe strongly in the use of animals to help bring out strengths and confidence with children and adults. It is important that both the dog and child are successful in their relationship. If your daughter is delayed in gross motor skills a puppy may be challenging for her to practice motoring skills without interference. The degree and level of supervision will be extremely high. Puppy nipping is also hard for children of this age to handle and understand. This can lead to fear and even negative responses for both child and puppy. An adult dog could have structured interaction and plenty of down time. I hope this makes sense to you.

Dogs and children make a great union with proper supervision, expectations and plenty of breaks from one another! There is so much to consider in choosing a dog as a companion dog. I encourage you to visit www.iaabc.org to find therapy dog consultants and www.dogwise.com for books on the topic as well. I am sure with your dedication to research and patience that you will find the perfect companion for your daughter.

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